Ford Thunderbird

The second generation of the Ford Thunderbird is a large personal luxury car that was produced by Ford Motor Company for the 1958 to 1960 model years. While intended as the successor for the 1955-1957 two-seater, two major changes were done to attract potential buyers. Although the convertible remained an option, Ford replaced the lift-off hardtop with a fixed-roof pillarless hardtop bodystyle. Most visibly, the 1958 Thunderbird was nearly two feet longer as Ford had added two rear seats to the vehicle. Along with the 1958 Lincolns, the 1958 Thunderbird was the first Ford Motor Company vehicle designed with unibody construction. The new Thunderbirds were produced at a new assembly plant at Wixom, Michigan, built as part of a corporate expansion plan to increase the sales of up-market cars. A second location was opened in Pico Rivera, California at another new location called Los Angeles Assembly.