Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

Chassis Number – J9YJ161856
Exterior Color – Black
Interior Color – Red Leather
Engine Type – 430 cu. in. 4-barrel V8
Transmission – 3-Speed Automatic
Current Miles – 88244 (TMU)

Highlights of this Thunderbird

- One of 1,168 430 cu. in. V8 convertibles built in 1959
- Restored to original colors: factory black with red leather interior
- 30+ years of single family ownership

General History

Ford began Thunderbird production in 1955 but was hesitant to call it a sports car. Originally designated as a “personal luxury” car to avoid any notion that Ford was building something outside their largely conservative lines, the Thunderbird was marketed as a luxury brand car for those who wanted a sporty profile with luxury appointments. Though the 1955-1957 line did well (outselling the Corvette), Ford determined it was important to increase the size of the car, include a rear seat, and offer more of the luxury features used in the full sized product line. The decision to make these changes proved to be a smart one as the subsequent 1958 second generation model sold more than double the number of 1957 models. 

In keeping with annual model upgrades, the 1959 model continued the unibody chassis with a new front and rear end design, new side ornamentation, and leather interiors (offered for the first time). Two engine options were available, the standard 430 cu. in. V8 and the 430 cu. in. V8. Sales doubled yet again, this time selling 67,456 units, 10,261 of which were convertibles, but only 1,168 of which were built with the highly desirable 430 V8 engine (1.73% of production). In 1960, the final year of the “square bird”, sales increased to a remarkable 92,843 making the total run of second generation Thunderbirds just shy of 200,000 units.

History of this Thunderbird

This Thunderbird was purchased in 1989 from the Blackhawk Collection, Danville, CA, by the family sons as a gift for their father. The sons grew up learning how to drive on a family Thunderbird similar to this car and were eventually given the car for their use through high school and college until that car was no longer drivable. Fast forward many years later and the sons decided their father would enjoy driving a restored Thunderbird in his retirement years. After purchase (1990-1993), the interior was restored using correct red vinyl, new carpeting, various new interior trim parts, new door locks, and a new radio speaker, followed by new power steering hoses (2001). The father drove the car sparingly until he passed away in 2019. Though the car has remained stored and periodically started, in preparation for consignment this Thunderbird has been recently serviced including the installation of a new fuel pump , new points, rotor, and distributor cap, a new battery, a fresh set of spark plugs and wires, new battery cables, and carburetor adjustment.

Chassis Number

J – Tudor Convertible
9 – 1959 YOM
Y – Wixom, MI assembly plant
J – 430 cu. in. Engine
161856 – Production number

Trim Tag

76A – Tudor Convertible
A – Raven Black
4Y – All Leather Red bolster & Inserts
29G – July 29 build date
4 – 2-Speed Cruise-O-Matic
5 – 2.92:1 rear axle ratio

In addition to the rarity of the convertible 430 V8 combination, this example is a true factory black with red leather interior example optioned with Cruise-O-Matic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes, making it very likely one of fewer than 100 cars built in this rare and desirable combination.

General Overview

Finished in gloss black with red interior, this Thunderbird presents as a handsome example of a high quality restoration that has endured the passing of time without significant reduction in the quality of the finishes. The black paint is smooth and glossy, showing only minor signs of age to the high-quality finish. The exterior chrome and trim are excellent throughout, as are the various window garnishments, detailed trim, and features unique to this second generation “square bird” design. The car features Kelsey Hayes type wire wheels wearing a set of white wall tires. The overall presentation is consistent, excellent, and worthy of local shows and Thunderbird events.

The interior was restored under current ownership and remains in excellent condition. The material textures, color breaks, and seat patterns delight the eye at every corner. The padded dash and colorful instrument cluster are enhanced by chrome features worthy of a concept car from the 1960s. The interior condition is very rewarding including the contoured bucket seats, center console, and intricately detailed materials and textures both in the front and rear seating areas. The full-sized steering wheel with chromed horn ring presents much like the dash and door panels, glinting with elements of high-end quality and appeal, befitting the top of the line Ford products of the era. A factory “Select-Air” dial fronts the console offering air conditioning with temperature and fan settings (the air conditioning belt is currently not installed). The convertible top is in excellent condition raising and lowering via electric power nesting under the rear opening trunk lid. All four windows raise and lower smoothly via electric window switches.

Under the hood, the four-barrel 430 cu. in. V8 engine is topped with a modern 4 barrel Edelbrock carburetor but the remaining engine appears to be essentially of stock configuration. The engine compartment finishes appear to have been restored and the attention to detail is quite nice capturing correct factory finishes and generally correct details with some allowances for the performance updates. Correct type cast iron exhaust manifolds, chrome plated valve covers, chrome plated surge tank, and chrome plated air cleaner lid are just a few of the factory touches that dress up the engine compartment. Power drum brakes and power steering are added benefits to the driving experience. The trunk is properly lined with a correct pattern mat, body color finishes, and full-sized spare tire as well as factory jack and platform stand. Underneath the car, the chassis appears largely original with evidence of use but still presenting dry, clean components and a sturdy frame.


The car starts easily and reliably with a resonant V8 exhaust rumble typical of the era. The shifter engages easily for smooth starts and, once underway, the performance comes quite well as the car stretches out over highway roads much as intended with a buoyant ease. Even with original four-wheel drum brakes, this car benefits from power assisted brakes to deliver braking just a bit better than what might be expected from cars of this era, made all the more pleasant while listening to any Frank Sinatra classic on the road to Las Vegas.

Included with this car

The car is accompanied by a car cover, jack, tire iron, and jacking plate, an owner’s manual, a set of matched Thunderbird key blanks, service and parts invoices under current and prior ownership dating back to 1989, and California registration slips dating from 1993-2011.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608