Ford Thunderbird 1959 Convertible 430

Description for Ford Thunderbird 1959

In 1959 Ford Motor Company wanted to return to NASCAR. In order qualify for NASCAR, 50 plus cars, that were like the ones to be raced, had to be sold off of the Ford showroom floors. Ford put approximately fifteen hundred 430 Lincoln engines in 1959 Ford Thunderbirds. Only a small number, out of the fifteen hundred 1959 Ford Thunderbirds with the 430 Lincoln engines, were convertibles. The VIN number of the 1959 Thunderbird had a "J" for convertible and a "J" indicating the 430 - 350 HP Lincoln engine. My Thunderbird is a double J car. The VIN number of my Thunderbird is on the door plate, the frame, and the title. I have a clear title in my name. This is an extremely rare 1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. It is a number matching 430 with the original three speed Fordomatic transmission. I have owned the Thunderbird for several years. The history surrounding the 1959 Thunderbird 430 convertible is fascinating. In the first Daytona 500, held Feb. 22, 1959, Johnny Beauchamp driving a 1959 Thunderbird 430 Convertible was declared the winner. Lee Petty, driving a 1959 Oldsmobile Hardtop protested and, three days late, was shown to be the winner in a photo finish. My Thunderbird is exactly the same as the Thunderbird raced by Beauchamp. You can google 1959 Daytona 500 and get more of the details. Since owning the Thunderbird, I have had the body particle blasted to bare metal. The minor rust problems were professionally corrected before the body was primered, painted the original Diamond Blue color and then clear coated. The paint is high grade and was professionally painted. The original 430 V8 engine was cleaned and professionally rebuilt. I have receipts for the work. The car currently starts easily, drives well and stops as it should. It has the following new parts: 1. A completely new original dual exhaust system. 2. A new original radiator and new radiator hoses. 3. A completely new interior - seats, rugs, and door panels. 4. The large front and rear bumpers have been re-chromed, including the bumper guards. 5. New whitewall tires. 6. New windshield and windshield seal. 7. New dash pad. 8. New door handles and small exterior trim pieces. Please look closely at all of the photos. In addition, I parted out three other Squarebirds and used the best parts from the three other cars for my Thunderbird. I also have every original piece of literature I could find for 1959 Ford Thunderbirds that will go with the car. From the original owner's manual and shop manual to the showroom brochures and magazine ads, the car has numerous manuals for the top, air conditioner, wiring, etc. With the above information in mind, I want to detail what additional work needs to completed.1. The convertible top is complete, but not installed. The top bows are in very good condition and all it needs is a good cleaning and a new canvas top. The power top parts are there, but need to be rebuilt.2. My Thunderbird is one of the few 430 Convertibles that came with a factory air conditioner. I have the complete air conditioning system, but it also needs to be installed. It comes with two original 1959 compressors.3. Some of the new interior still needs to be installed. I have all of the side glass windows and mechanisms, but they are not installed. I'm 75 years old and I don't have the skills needed to complete the restoration. Everything is there, it just needs to be reinstalled. Parts were removed to professionally complete the body work, engine rebuild, etc. I wanted the firewall, inside door panels, and trunk lid to be painted like the factory paint job. In good weather, I drive the Thunderbird on short trips. It can be driven anywhere, but with the top not installed, I would not recommend driving long distances with the risk of rain or bad weather. If you have any questions regarding my Thunderbird, please give me a call. My phone number is (801) 745-5835. If you have less than 5 positive feedbacks on Ebay, please call or message me before bidding. I want this to be a good, straightforward, auction. The reserve on the car is well under its value. Good luck bidding, and hope this rare T-Bird finds a good home. It belongs in a museum. I will work with the shipper you select, and I will ship the Thunderbird anywhere in the world.