Description
The Ford Thunderbird Convertible with the 352 V8 was introduced in 1958 as part of the all-new second-generation Thunderbird, known popularly as the “Square Bird.” This generation marked a dramatic change from the original two-seat Thunderbird of 1955–1957, as the model expanded into a larger four-seat personal luxury car. The addition of the convertible body style further enhanced its appeal, offering buyers the prestige of open-air motoring combined with more space, comfort, and power than ever before.
The 1958 Thunderbird Convertible carried a bold, squared-off design that gave it a very different character from its sleek predecessor. Its styling emphasized long, low proportions with a wide “egg-crate” grille, quad headlights, sharp creases along the sides, and modest tailfins at the rear. The convertible roof, which folded neatly behind the rear seats, gave the car a clean, elegant profile when lowered, transforming it into a glamorous boulevard cruiser. Chrome trim and optional two-tone paint highlighted its jet-age inspiration, while its overall size and presence projected confidence and luxury.
Inside, the Thunderbird Convertible was designed for comfort and sophistication. Unlike the first-generation two-seater, this model seated four adults with ease, making it far more practical as a daily driver or touring car. The interior featured individual front bucket seats separated by a full-length center console, a rarity in American cars of the time. Upholstery options included vinyl or leather in striking colors, complemented by chrome accents, a padded dashboard, and full instrumentation. Optional equipment included a radio, heater, power seats, power windows, and air conditioning, underscoring the Thunderbird’s role as a personal luxury car rather than a sports car.
Under the hood, the Convertible was powered by Ford’s new FE-series 352 cubic inch V8, producing 300 horsepower. This engine gave the heavier, second-generation Thunderbird smooth and strong performance, with ample torque for effortless highway cruising. Paired with Ford’s Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, the 352 delivered refined acceleration and a top speed of over 110 mph, making the Thunderbird both powerful and comfortable. For buyers who wanted even more performance, a 350-horsepower 430 cubic inch V8 was available as an option, though the 352 remained the standard engine for most.
The Thunderbird Convertible’s chassis featured a unibody construction, a first for Ford, which increased rigidity and reduced weight compared to traditional body-on-frame designs. It rode on a 113-inch wheelbase, with independent coil-spring front suspension and leaf springs at the rear. Hydraulic drum brakes were standard, providing adequate stopping power for the car’s size, while the suspension emphasized comfort and stability over sharp handling.
Priced around $4,000, the Thunderbird Convertible was one of Ford’s most expensive models, reflecting its role as a flagship personal car. It competed not only with Chevrolet’s Impala Convertible but also with more upscale models from Chrysler and Buick, carving out a niche as a glamorous, high-style automobile. Its sales success helped solidify the Thunderbird’s identity as a personal luxury car, a segment it would dominate for decades.
Today, the 1958–1960 Ford Thunderbird Convertible with the 352 V8 is highly collectible, admired for its distinctive styling, engineering innovations, and cultural significance. Enthusiasts prize its balance of performance, luxury, and jet-age design, while restored examples highlight the bold character that made the Square Bird such a standout of its era. With its four-seat practicality and powerful 352 engine, it remains a classic expression of 1950s American motoring at its most ambitious and stylish.