The 1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible stands as a pivotal moment in American automotive design. This model year was a crucial refinement of the ‘Square Bird’ generation, which redefined the Thunderbird from a two-seater competitor to the Corvette into a true personal luxury car. Ford’s bold decision to add a back seat paid massive dividends, cementing the T-Bird’s new identity and expanding its market reach considerably.
The Shift to Personal Luxury and Seating for Four
Following its 1958 redesign, the Thunderbird was now a dedicated four-seater. This strategic move by Ford addressed market feedback and dramatically boosted sales figures. The 1959 model built upon this successful foundation with thoughtful design and engineering updates. For the first time, the convertible offered a fully automatic top mechanism, a significant convenience upgrade for buyers.
Styling Refinements for the 1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Exterior styling for the 1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible received subtle but effective changes. The distinctive honeycomb grille of the prior year was replaced with a cleaner, horizontal-bar design. This new look provided a fresh, slightly more elegant face to the large, squared-off body. Chrome accents were used judiciously to highlight the car’s long, sculptured lines, reinforcing its upscale positioning.
Interior Appointments and Driver Comfort
The interior of the 1959 Thunderbird focused heavily on comfort and sophisticated design. The four individual bucket seats, a groundbreaking feature in the segment, were a key selling point. Furthermore, optional leather upholstery became available for the first time, elevating the cabin’s sense of premium appeal. Transitioning the car from sporty runabout to a plush road-going lounge was a masterstroke.
A New Level of Convertible Convenience
A notable update for the 1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible was the full-power convertible top. Previously, the trunk lid had to be manually opened to stow the top. The new system allowed the top to automatically accordion and disappear completely beneath the long, distinctively sculptured rear deck. This feature offered unmatched convenience and maintained the car’s clean profile, a key aspect of its appeal.
Engineering Updates Under the Skin
The 1959 model year brought crucial mechanical improvements to enhance the ride quality. Engineers revised the rear suspension, replacing the coil springs used in 1958 with a more conventional Hotchkiss drive setup featuring parallel leaf springs. This change helped to eliminate the wheel-hop issues reported in the earlier Square Bird models. As a result, the ride was quieter and smoother, befitting a luxury automobile.
The Cultural Impact of the “Square Bird”
This generation of the Thunderbird, especially the 1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, became a celebrated symbol of late-1950s American prosperity and style. Its sales performance defied a generally sluggish automotive market that year. Ford’s advertising campaign, which often targeted female buyers in glamorous social settings, resonated strongly with the affluent consumer base. Consequently, the car was a fixture at country clubs and upscale venues, reflecting its aspirational status.
Engine and Performance Specifications
The standard engine for the 1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible was the formidable 352 cubic inch FE V8 with a four-barrel carburetor. This engine was officially rated at 300 horsepower, providing smooth and robust performance for comfortable travel. An even more potent option was available in limited numbers: the 430 cubic inch MEL V8. Borrowed from the Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln division, the 430 V8 delivered a substantial 350 horsepower, paired exclusively with the Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. These powerful V8s gave the luxury car impressive acceleration and effortless highway performance, aligning with the “personal luxury” philosophy.
The 1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Legacy
Ultimately, the 1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible represented a confident evolution of the T-Bird nameplate. It successfully blended distinctive, modern styling with a newfound focus on comfortable, four-passenger luxury and impressive power. The refinements in styling and engineering further solidified its position as a segment leader. Furthermore, its continued sales success validated Ford’s dramatic shift in strategy. The 1959 model is a cherished artifact from an era when American automakers brilliantly defined open-air motoring with style and substance.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational purposes only. Vehicle specs, pricing, and availability may change. Always verify details with official sources before making decisions. Opinions are those of the authors.
Source: Ford Heritage Vault
