Ford Thunderbird 2nd Gen
The second-generation Ford Thunderbird introduced four seats, creating the personal luxury car segment. Today, these 'Square Birds' offer distinctive late-50s style and a wide market range, making them an accessible American classic.
Find one with Spotter →Ford Thunderbird 2nd Gen sold for a median of $17,600 over the last 12 months, based on 51 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $10,975 and $32,875. 93 currently for sale.
Ford's 1958 Thunderbird was a radical shift from the original two-seater. By adding a back seat and focusing on luxury, Ford created the 'personal luxury car' segment. Nicknamed the 'Square Bird' for its sharp, angular styling, the new model was a sales success, tripling the volume of its predecessor. Power came from a 352-cubic-inch V8, with a potent 430-cubic-inch MEL V8 available, both paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission.
Collectors value the second-generation Thunderbird for its distinctive late-50s design and its historical significance. It's a comfortable cruiser that represents a unique moment in American automotive history. Convertibles are significantly more desirable than the hardtop coupes, and models equipped with the optional 430 V8 command a premium. The 1960 models, with their cleaner grille and triple-taillight design, are often considered the most attractive of the three years.
The market for these 'Square Birds' is quite broad, with an average sale price around $21,000. This wide spectrum covers everything from basket-case projects to perfectly restored show cars. Condition, originality, and body style are the key value drivers. While top-tier convertibles can exceed $80,000, plenty of solid hardtops are available for under $25,000, making them an accessible entry point to classic car ownership.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest enemy of these unibody cars. Inspect the floor pans, rocker panels, trunk floor, and the cowl area, as leaks here are common.
- On convertibles, thoroughly test the complex power top mechanism. The hydraulic rams, lines, and switches are frequent points of failure and can be expensive and difficult to fix.
- The 352 and 430 V8 engines are durable, but check for signs of overheating and listen for timing chain noise. The Cruise-O-Matic transmission should shift smoothly without hesitation.
- Interior and exterior trim can be very hard to find. A complete car is much more cost-effective than one that needs numerous missing chrome or interior plastic pieces.
Prices range from as little as $50 for project cars to $85,000 for pristine, restored examples.
804 Ford Thunderbird 2nd Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 93 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Ford Thunderbird 2nd Gen cost?
Over the last 12 months, Ford Thunderbird 2nd Gen sold for a median of $17,600 across 51 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $10,975 and $32,875. There are 93 currently for sale.
How many Ford Thunderbird 2nd Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 93 Ford Thunderbird 2nd Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.