1959 Thunderbird

This month Tony salutes one of Ford’s most successful models, the Thunderbird, with a special look at the second generation square birds…

- TONY OKSIEN

It’s normally around this time of year, as we head into the better weather of spring and summer, that most American classic convertibles are released from their winter hibernation and head out for the events, cruises and gatherings that enable us to connect with fellow enthusiasts, as we drop the top and enjoy fresh air driving. Sadly, that’s not going to be the case for many of us this year, but nevertheless, I have chosen this month to focus on an icon of the classic American car hobby: the 1959 Ford Thunderbird convertible.

Turning the clock back to 1973, I, like many thousands, flocked to the cinema to experience the feature film American Graffiti, produced by Francis Ford Coppola and directed by the legendary George Lucas. The film dealt with the last day of summer vacation before a group of teenage friends matured into adult life and went their separate ways. Filmed mostly in Petaluma, north of San Francisco in California, it was set in 1962 and documented early Sixties small-town teen life. It featured a host of up-and-coming young actors, many of whom would go on to have successful careers. I too in 1973 was a teenager and this movie opened up my world to American cars, lifestyle, rock ’n’ roll and good times.