Ford Thunderbird (2nd generation)
The 'Square Bird' that redefined the personal luxury car.
- Power
- 300 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.9 s
- Top speed
- 120 mph
- Est. value
- $10k–$46k
About the Ford Thunderbird
The 1958 Thunderbird marked a radical departure for Ford, evolving from a two-seat sports roadster into a four-seat 'personal luxury' car. This second-generation model, nicknamed the 'Square Bird' for its angular styling, featured a unibody construction—a first for Ford—and a new 352 cubic-inch FE-series V8. Despite purist initial skepticism, the move was a commercial triumph, with sales nearly doubling compared to the previous year. It was the first individual car model to win Motor Trend's Car of the Year award, cementing its status as a design icon of the late 1950s.
Ford Thunderbird specs
The Ford Thunderbird produces 300 bhp (224 kW) and 536 Nm (395 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 9.9 seconds and has a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h).
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Thunderbird |
| Generation | Second generation (2nd generation) |
| Trim | 5.8 |
| Years | 1958–1960 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 37,892 built |
| Original price | About $3,600 when new |
| Engine | 5.8-litre V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,768 cc (5.8 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 300 bhp (224 kW) at 4,600 rpm |
| Torque | 536 Nm (395 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 9.9 s |
| Top speed | 120 mph (193 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,682 kg (3,708 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 178 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Ford Thunderbird worth?
A typical Ford Thunderbird is estimated to be worth $9,700 – $46,000 (about £7,200 – £34,000).
Its original price when new was about $3,600.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Ford Thunderbird rarity in CarSpot
The Ford Thunderbird is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 42 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Ford Thunderbird fun facts
- The 1958 Thunderbird was the first Ford vehicle to use unibody construction, shared with the Lincoln Continental of the same year.
- Despite being much larger and 1,000 lbs heavier than the original two-seater, the 1958 model's sales success saved the Thunderbird nameplate from potential cancellation.
- The convertible version was delayed until June 1958 due to engineering challenges with the complex power-folding top mechanism.
