Cowart that their local representative will work with him to ensure his satisfaction with the car! A swift response from their Customer Relations department assures Mr. In response to Ford-conducted surveys two major changes were made to attract potential buyers: two rear seats were added and the level of luxury and features of a full-sized car were incorporated into. Over the course of the car's early years it appears to have given Bob Cowart no end of trouble, culminating in his writing to Henry Ford III in 1962 to complain. The second generation Ford Thunderbird was produced by Ford for the 1958 to 1960 model years as a successor to the popular 1955-1957 two-seater.

all of which passed to the Shucks and remains with the car, including its original Handbook. of New Orleans, Louisiana and also Metaire Motor Sales, Inc. As was more the case in the day, he kept all of his records for the work carried out, much of which was done by Dutch O'Neal Motors Inc. Cowart, a director of Avondale Industries, a major local Shipping company is understood to have bought the car new from Ford. The Shucks acquired this '58 T -Bird in 1976 from Bob Cowart of New Orleans, who was a personal friend of theirs. It was delivered in Raven Black with tan/white vinyl trim. Although dramatically different in looks and purpose from its predecessor, it was well praised, and critics were favorable in the commentary, so much so that it was the first time that Motor Trend would specifically nominate an individual car, rather than line up as their 'Car of the Year'.Īccording to its data plate, this car, built in the Wixom assembly plant on Septemwas fitted with the 300hp 352 cubic inch motor, coupled to the was the Cruise-O-Matic 3 speed auto transmission and with a 3.1 rear axle ratio manual. *In the present ownership for more than 40 yearsĪ clear departure from the original two seater Thunderbird, Ford's '58 now provided commodious touring for 4 persons, with a distinctly modern guise. Ford Cruise-O-Matic Automatic Transmissionįront Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle

1958 ford thunderbird