How many 1960 Thunderbirds were made?
The 1960 Ford Thunderbird, a highlight of Ford’s late-1950s design era, was produced in the tens of thousands. The figure most commonly cited for the 1960 model year is roughly 40,000 units, though exact counts vary depending on counting methods and market definitions.
Key considerations in counting production
To understand the number, it helps to know what counts as a production figure. Different sources may distinguish between U.S.-only production, global production, or whether they tally only certain body styles (hardtops vs. convertibles) as separate entries. The following points outline the main counting conventions used by historians and registries.
- US-only production versus global production totals
- Inclusion or exclusion of export markets (Canada, Europe, etc.)
- Whether convertibles and hardtops are counted separately or as a single model year total
Common ranges cited for the 1960 Thunderbird reflect these differences, which is why you’ll sometimes see modestly different numbers across sources.
Available figures and what they suggest
In practice, classic car registries and archival sources typically place the 1960 Thunderbird total somewhere in the low-to-mid 40,000s. Estimates commonly cluster around the following range, acknowledging that exact tallies can diverge based on dataset and counting method:
- Approximately 38,000 to 46,000 units when counting US and export models together
- Closer to the low 40,000s for U.S.-market-only tallies
- Higher totals when including multiple body styles (hardtop and convertible) as separate counts
These figures reflect the Thunderbird’s status as a popular personal-luxury two-seater during its third-generation run, balancing Ford’s production capacity with strong consumer demand of the era.
Context and regional breakdown
The 1960 Thunderbird represented the tail end of the late-1950s “Square Bird” styling, produced mainly for the U.S. market with some export activity. Ford’s assembly networks, dealer distribution, and the availability of two distinct body styles contributed to the overall tally. For collectors, the exact count is less critical than the car’s historical significance and its relative rarity among surviving examples.
Why you’ll see different numbers
Factory records from the period were not always preserved in easily accessible, centralized form. As a result, historians and registries compile totals from dealer invoices, production sheets, and regional registries, which can yield slightly different results depending on what was recorded and how it’s interpreted today.
What collectors typically rely on
For practical purposes, enthusiasts often reference a rounded figure in the low-to-mid 40,000s for the 1960 Thunderbird, with the understanding that precise counts vary by dataset. The broader takeaway is that tens of thousands of Thunderbirds were built in 1960, underscoring the model’s prominence in Ford’s lineup at the time.
Conclusion
The best-supported figure places the 1960 Thunderbird production near 40,000 units, with slight variations across sources due to counting practices. Whether you’re counting US-only, global totals, or including separate body styles, the car remains a significant chapter in Ford’s history and a collectible icon today.
Summary
In summary, around forty thousand 1960 Thunderbirds were produced, though exact numbers differ by counting method and market scope. The figure captures the model’s popularity during its era and its enduring appeal to collectors and automotive historians.
What made the 1960 Thunderbird special?
1960 Ford Thunderbird – Let's Refine It. For the 1960 model year, the grille was redesigned along with some styling changes. The dual-unit round taillights featured on the previous cars were changed to triple-units. A new option was a manually operated sunroof for hardtop models.
What's the value of a 1960 Thunderbird?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $19,050 for a 1960 Ford Thunderbird in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1960 Ford Thunderbird? The highest selling price of a 1960 Ford Thunderbird at auction over the last three years was $61,600.
What is the best year of the Thunderbird?
The "best" Thunderbird year is subjective, but strong candidates include the 1957 for its iconic design and powerful F-code option, and the 1964-1966 "Flair Birds" for their elegant style and comfortable interiors. Other popular choices include the 2002 for being a modern classic and winning "Car of the Year" in 2003, and the 1955-1956 for their original design and sentimental value. Ultimately, the best year depends on whether you prioritize classic design, modern features, or high performance.
Top contenders for "best year"
- 1957: Often considered the pinnacle of the first-generation, or "Baby Bird," this year featured distinctive tailfins and the optional F-code supercharged engine, one of the most powerful of its time.
- 1964–1966: The "Flair Bird" generation is praised for its striking restyled exterior and elegant, comfortable interior, which featured a unique "Swing Away" steering wheel and creative gauge layout.
- 2002: As the first model year of the final generation, it was a modern revival of the classic two-seat convertible. It was named MotorTrend's Car of the Year in 2003 and is a more practical modern classic.
- 1955–1956: The original "Baby Birds" are significant for their groundbreaking design that seamlessly integrated the interior and exterior, setting a new standard for American personal luxury cars.
Factors to consider
- Performance: For raw, old-school performance, a 1957 F-code is hard to beat. For modern performance with a classic look, a 2002 is a good option, and the 1966 model offered a larger 428 cubic inch engine option.
- Style: This is highly subjective, but the 1957 and 1964–1966 models are frequently cited for their classic and elegant styling. The 2002 model offers a modern take on the original, with a design that pays homage to the first generation.
- Reliability: Modern cars generally have better reliability and fewer maintenance issues, making a 2002 model a more practical choice for daily driving compared to vintage models that may require more specialized care.
- Collectibility: The 1957 F-code is one of the rarest and most expensive models due to its limited production run. The 2002 and 2003 models are also becoming increasingly collectible as modern classics.
How many 1960 Ford Thunderbirds were made?
92,843
Production totals
| Year | Production |
|---|---|
| 1958 | 37,892 |
| 1959 | 67,456 |
| 1960 | 92,843 |
| Total | 198,191 |
