1959 Ford Thunderbird

2dr Convertible

8-cyl. 352cid/300hp 4bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$20,200*

-30.3%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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Value Graph07/2410/2401/25$10k$20kApr 2025
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1958-1960 Ford Thunderbird stats
Highest sale
$348,332
Lowest sale
$3,410
Most recent sale
$30,780
Sales
554

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1959 Ford Thunderbird
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Model overview

Model description

For 1959, the exterior changes to the Ford Thunderbird were more subtle than the major redesign of the previous year, with various ornamental and detail changes. The mesh grille was replaced with a slotted or billet-style grille. The “Thunderbird” lettering was also moved from behind the headlights to the “rocket” character line that ran from the rear bumper to the doors, the tip of which was given a chrome cover to make it more visually pronounced.

The 1959 Ford T-Bird was available as a coupe or a convertible that stowed neatly, without a noticeable boot. This was also the first year that a fully-automatic convertible top operation was introduced.

Under the sheet metal, the rear coils were replaced with semi-elliptical springs and a Hotchkiss drive. Inside, meanwhile, the ’59 T-Bird was now available with optional leather upholstery for the first time. All of these touches went towards making the Thunderbird more luxurious, more comfortable, and more personal.

Up front, a new V-8 engine was made available: Ford’s massive 7.0-liter (430 cid) MEL-family (Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln), making 345 horsepower. Only 1,168 Thunderbirds were ordered with this “J-Code” setup, and they are very valuable today.

Buyers could still get the base engine, which was the 300-hp 352 cid V-8. Power was routed through either a 3-speed manual with overdrive, or Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission.

The year 1959 was a smashing one for T-Bird sales. For the 1959 model year, a total of 67,456 Ford Thunderbirds were built.

Vehicle specifications

  • Vehicle Length205.3 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches113 in

Equipment

  • StandardOptional
  • Transmission3-Speed Manual TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
  • BrakesPower Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • TiresWhite Sidewall Tires
  • EntertainmentAM
  • Air ConditioningYes
  • WindowsPower Windows
  • Comfort Equipment Heater/Defroster
  • SeatsBucket Seats
  • TachometerYes
  • Restraint TypeSeat Belts

Equipment

Standard

  • Transmission3-Speed Manual Transmission
  • SeatsBucket Seats
  • TachometerYes

Optional

  • TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
  • BrakesPower Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • TiresWhite Sidewall Tires
  • EntertainmentAM
  • Air ConditioningYes
  • WindowsPower Windows
  • Comfort Equipment Heater/Defroster
  • Restraint TypeSeat Belts
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Common Questions

The value of a 1959 Ford Thunderbird can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $16,550 for a 1959 Ford Thunderbird in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1959 Ford Thunderbird at auction over the last three years was $59,400. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1959 Ford Thunderbird at auction over the last three years was $10,450. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 22 1959 Ford Thunderbirds sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1959 Ford Thunderbird was $11,000 on December 06, 2024 by Mecum Auctions.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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