This Date In Automotive and Thunderbird History

[Skip]

THIS DAY IN AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY

February 13, 1958.

Introduction of the four seat Ford Thunderbird, known as the "Square Bird".

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

The 1957 did have a long run.

[TommyT]

Nice post Skip..I always liked this model and the convertible was so sleek and low.I always thought the design of the fender skirts could have been made a little different.A bit fuller and deeper low !!

[sumoscooter]

I also always did love the way that the '58's hardtop folded back into the trunk for storage in convertible mode and the trunk was hinged at the bumper to accommodate that !

[hippy_mailman]

I also always did love the way that the '58's hardtop folded back into the trunk for storage in convertible mode and the trunk was hinged at the bumper to accommodate that !

I believe you are referring to a Ford Fairlane retractable Skyliner

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

I believe you are referring to a Ford Fairlane retractable Skyliner

You are right, however the 1958 Thunderbird convertible top did fold back into the trunk like the retractable. Trunk lid was hinged at the back and came up and then a package tray folded out, then when the top was down the deck lid came back down.

[hippy_mailman]

You are right, however the 1958 Thunderbird convertible top did fold back into the trunk like the retractable. Trunk lid was hinged at the back and came up and then a package tray folded out, then when the top was down the deck lid came back down.

ahh I see .the rag top folded into the trunk area

this forum rocks...do we still say that?

[snowbird]

ahh I see .the rag top folded into the trunk area

this forum rocks...do we still say that?

Retractable ' hard top ' , 1957 Ford ( '58 and '59 ) ; retractable ' soft top ' 1958 Thunderbird and all the way to 1966 . The '58 and ' 59 were partially automatic . With the push of a button on the dash it would release the trunk lock , then manually opened the trunk , raised the upper back panel, and lowered the top hydraulickly into the trunk and lowered the deck lid ( trunk lid ) to lock position . by 1960 it was totally automatic by a switch on the dash .

[Skip]

Retractable ' hard top ' , 1957 Ford ( '58 and '59 ) ; retractable ' soft top ' 1958 Thunderbird and all the way to 1966 . The '58 and ' 59 were partially automatic . With the push of a button on the dash it would release the trunk lock , then manually opened the trunk , raised the upper back panel, and lowered the top hydraulickly into the trunk and lowered the deck lid ( trunk lid ) to lock position . by 1960 it was totally automatic by a switch on the dash .

And this is the guy that knows. He is a 58-66 Thunderbird retractable convertible top expert.

[AZTB]

I also always did love the way that the '58's hardtop folded back into the trunk for storage in convertible mode and the trunk was hinged at the bumper to accommodate that !

That statement confused me as well, knowing it was the Skyliners that had the folding hardtop.
I remember when the '58 Bird hit the market...if my dad would have been able to convince my mom that day, we'd have bought one. He did eventually buy a used '59 Bird in 1962, but that car proved to be a mechanic's nightmare - and mom "coaxed" him into getting rid of it after a year.

[TEE4TOO]

My T-Bird is 12 today. 1fahp6oa95y105595 build date 2/14/2005 1of 146

[Quickdraw]

My T-Bird is 12 today. 1fahp6oa95y105595 build date 2/14/2005 1of 146

Happy Birthday to your Thunderbird!! Enjoy it this year... next year it's a teenager.

[007Cruiser]

Might want to check your math.

[Quickdraw]

Might want to check your math.

Oh my, it's already a teenager...