1958 Thunderbird the first of the "square birds"

This well used example was spotted on Cotter Avenue in Duarte, just off old Route 66.  The 1958 T-bird when introduced was considered pure heresy.  It was was called the “square bird” as the enlarged passenger cabin now held 4 passengers.  Though no longer competition to Chevy’s Corvette it launched an entirely new category of American Cars.  The Personal Luxury Car.  Ford owned that market until Buick launched its Riviera in 1963.

Ford’s gamble paid off.  The new T-bird sales took off during one of that decades worst years for auto sales.  The T-bird doubled its previous years sales.  It was one of 2 cars to actually post a sales increase.  By the time that body style run ended in 1960 it outsold the original T-bird 3:1!

Now if I can find a 1966 which is my favorite generation we’d be in business and my Centurion would be on the sale docket.

pic by me with the trusty cell cam.

Related posts:

1. Found on Road Alive: 1974 Oldsmobile Delta 88
2. Found on Road Alive: 1985 Pontiac Fiero
3. Found on Road Alive: VW Thing
4. Found On Road Alive: TR7
5. Found on Road Alive: Suzuki X90