1960 Ford Thunderbird T Bird Hardtop with Rare Factory Sun Roof - My Car Story with Lou Costabile

[@craigtalbot607]

My absolute favorite T-Bird model!!! ... and a sunroof??? Did not know they existed!! Factory air!!! LOVE this car!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Craig, Happy to read you enjoy this model and it's you're favorite. Good news! Here is another, and stay tuned as there will be a convertible coming up in a future episode you're going to want to see, Lou kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJCwaHigfZWid80

[@tedbomba3957]

My first car was a 1958 Tbird, black with the red and white leather interior. I got it in 1964, used, of course, and, quite honestly, I have never had a car that I loved as much as that Tbird ! I have always felt that the '58, '59 and '60 Thunderbirds were the most stylish of the four seat Tbirds; they were truly elegant, both exterior and interior. My car turned more heads and got more compliments from absolute strangers than any other automobile I have owned since and when I see one, even a picture of one, my heart STILL skips a beat or two . . .

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ted Bomba, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your 1st car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@MisterMasterShafter1]

Another beauty. Factory sunroof in 1960. Nice!

[@loucostabile]

Glad you enjoy this "beauty" :-)

[@zachwheeler9846]

Very gorgeous car, looks like a rocket ship. Definitely was made during the space age. A cars design can tell a lot about the time period it came from. Great video Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Zach, Happy to read you enjoy this "rocket ship" :-) Appreciate the kind words on the video, Lou

[@nbowling10trio]

what a beautiful car man. I've always likes Thunderbirds

[@loucostabile]

Good to read. If on KZbin.com you type in "My Car Story with Lou T Bird" and you should be able to see a dozen more good ones :-) Enjoy! Lou

[@bobjohnson8206]

I was very surprised to see rusty exhaust manifolds. I would have thought when they had it all apart they would have addressed that issue. Very nice and thank you so much for posting it. I had a 1960 Thunderbird no sunroof or air conditioning.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bob, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@tamaragarringer391]

I've always wanted one I'm haylie poe love this one 💓💓💓💓👍👍👍 it's my dream car💟💟

[@loucostabile]

Hi Tamara, Happy to read you "love this one" :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@tamaragarringer391]

It looks lovely and andsome to love to have one one year 💟💟💟💟💟💟💓💓💓💓👍😉

[@larryhawkins3294]

Other interesting facts about the 60 T Bird. 60 was the only year the 430 V8 was offered as an option. The sunroof was manuel. It was the last year T Birds came standard with 3 on the tree manuel steering and brakes. It and the Lincolns were the only Ford's where the optional A/C units were integrated into the instrument cluster. Other Ford's and Mercs were hung under the dash until 1965. The 430 V8 went away in 61 and the new 390 V8 became standard. This video is greatly appreciated. Thanks Lou !

[@loucostabile]

Hi Larry Hawkins, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge, Lou

[@opera93]

Thanks, forgot about the 430 engine, a/C particulars....I,had a lot,of Fords in 1962/71 years,

[@jerryparks6123]

I seen a 58 Thunderbird convertible restored with a 430 Engine! They mentioned the parts that weren't original, but the Engine wasn't 1 of them!.

[@markericcarlson6576]

You Tube description says "1960", Owner says 1963, Door Plate in video reads "1963". There is a error somewhere. What a special car !

[@loucostabile]

Hi MarkEric Carlson, This special car is a 1960 Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you'll enjoy, Lou

[@desmondruff]

I have a 60 and it looks nothing like a limousine. Definitely a cool car.

[@loucostabile]

Sounds like you have a cool car too.

[@randiruiz96]

The Cadillac is the one she really Likes!

[@jameshankssr466]

Nicest t-bird body ever made!

[@loucostabile]

High praise for this design :-)

[@tippey2011]

Oh Lou what a wonderful tbird! I love the style colors and of course the sun roof! Never knew they had them.back then! Thanks Lou for sharing this treasure!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Steve Flad, High praise :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@chrisbarthol8032]

I actually just purchased this car! Kinda crazy to see a video out there.

[@loucostabile]

+Chris Barthol Hi Chris, Congratulations! Nice purchase! Take care, Lou

[@chrisbarthol8032]

+Lou Costabile Thanks Lou...a little nervous as it's my first classic car, not sure what to expect as far as maintenance and such!

[@loucostabile]

+Chris Barthol Oil changes every 3K, tune ups every 20K (check the manual in the glove box to confirm), and get ready for LOTS of Thumbs Up! Enjoy, Lou

[@badapple65]

I love the white, light color. So many classics are dark colors. The blue interior with the exterior is beautiful. This is the kind of classic that brings smiles. A classy driver not trying to be a hot rod. I owned a 66 Cuda a beautiful light silver mist blue. Never should have sold her to ex bro in law. He was a bar hopper and someone kicked dents into every body panel one night he must have had a feud with. Made me shed tears and I didn't even own her anymore. That was my only classic. Maybe when I retire in 8 more years.

[@davidkastin4240]

I personally like all the extra chrome. This could be one of the best T birds and Ford ever made

[@loucostabile]

I like extra chrome too :-)

[@jamesh2711]

Love the square T-Birds, especially the 1960 with the 6 tail lights. You can still pick up a decent one of these beauties fairly cheap.

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-)

[@nancyblanton5012]

My father had one of these with the sunroof in the late 60s . Family car for a few years. Red beautiful car. Lost it in a fire in the building where he stored it before renovating.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Nancy Blanton, Sounds like wonderful memories :-) Sad to read the end result for your car :-) Lou

[@yukimikasaki9705]

That's sad, Nancy, your dad's Square bird got its' goose 🦆 cooked.

[@iamrichrocker]

wow..rare beyond rare...great car...tough job u got Lou!

[@loucostabile]

HI iamrichrocker, Glad you like this rare one. Right now I'm having fun, so...I'll keep the videos coming :-) Lou

[@daniellack3559]

Hey Lou...very nice touch having factory installed A/C...while not completely unusual by 1960 for upscale American autos, still a great additional option...half expected to see power windows as well, but apparently not...

[@loucostabile]

Hey daniel lack, Thank you for viewing and sharing the details you enjoyed :-) Lou

[@johnpotter8039]

Power windows, indeed. On the center console so the front and rear passengers can reach them.

[@garytillotson5145]

I had the opportunity to buy a 60 Thunderbird that was significantly more rare than the one with a sunroof. It was 1971 and I had just spent all of my savings on starting the restoration of a white 60 Thunderbird with about 60,000 miles on it. I spotted another one that looked new and stopped to talk to the owner. He wanted to sell it for $1500 but, of course, I no longer had any money. It was white with turquoise leather interior and all the goodies but a sunroof. What it did have, that I've never seen again, was a 3 speed manual transmission with the original shifter on mounted on the column! My understanding is that only 5 were made and 3 were already in the junkyard. The car had 36000 original miles on it at that time.

[@loucostabile]

Hi a469ql b469ql, Thank you for viewing and sharing your story too, Lou

[@Disques13Swing]

I think the 3 speed manual with overdrive was a normal option for the 430 MEL engine. I've seen several of them on here in the last two hours.

[@brucerobbins755]

Love it same year I was born. What a great looking car

[@loucostabile]

Win / Win :-)

[@jamesschult2475]

Great car Lou. Wasn't aware they even had sunroofs back then.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you appreciate the rarity of this car :-)

[@tombstone5860]

square body thunderbirds are my favorite

[@loucostabile]

Hi tombstone5860, We have a Winner :-) Glad I was able to vidoe & share one of your favorites, Lou

[@daleandrews367]

Right. Not only did they have killer body styles, but they could function (almost) like a family car what with a back seat. A great combination!

[@cymoncyrado2879]

I agree and it's not just because I was born in '59.... everything was styled juuuuust right back then.

[@geoben1810]

I remember when cars had chrome trim and mouldings, and when they had class and STYLE. And like with this T-Bird you were going to strap yourself in because you were going on a trip into space in your own personal rocket ship! 😲

[@loucostabile]

Hi George B, Sounds FUN, let's GO! Lou

[@jimb18]

Love my 60. Also is sunroof model . located in Canada

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jim B, Glad this one reminds you of yours you're familiar with, Lou

[@opera93]

Thanks, see my comments:: TBIRDS are SPECIAL....

[@jean-pierrethibaudeau7201]

Another beauty, Lou! But tell me, why does the owner says at 0:13 seconds « a 1964 Thunderbird » when it’s a 1960?? 🤔

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jean-Pierre, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Hmmm, Not sure. Lou

[@Conn88]

Those sunroofs were made by an outside company called Golde. They had a deal with Ford to supply the kits to be installed in the factory; it wasn't done on the assembly line, but in much the same way as it would be done at the dealer; it required space off to the side of the assembly floor to do the work. It was time consuming and it wasn't the success Ford hoped it would be. They could also be installed by the dealer, and many T-Birds have them installed that way as well.

[@loucostabile]

Hi chromebone3, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge, Lou

[@opera93]

Thanks, interesting......I had a lot of Fords 1962-73, etc

[@joshmackk]

nice car , my dad has a 1960 also with a sunroof and continental kit same color just doesnt have skirts !!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Pludough, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@opera93]

Thanks. nice overview....

[@loucostabile]

Hi Opera, My pleasure sharing this one with you, Lou

[@timjones2750]

I read in a few articles that the square bird was the first to use a center console due to the new unit body high transmission tunnel.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Tim, I'm not sure, however maybe one of the Viewer will know the answer? Thanks for viewing. Lou

[@dicarlo57]

thats true-since it was a unit body the tunnel served as a structural member

[@loucostabile]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, and appreciate you viewing this video, Lou

[@tbird430]

Ditch the 1957 wheel covers and get the correct 1960 set. The clock can be easily removed & modernized with a quartz conversion. Valve covers should be chrome as well, as part of the engine chrome dress-up kit. I was thinking either the radiator cap and/or the oil breather was chrome as well? I would also ditch the chrome rear fender skirts & get the correct painted originals. This bird is too rare to not be shown correctly. I love the 2-tone blue vinyl interior- It's so refreshing. 👍

[@DB-hr5xy]

Very nice 1960 Square Bird, Factory sunroof, chrome package but 1957 Ford hub caps ! A nice set of period correct Kelsey Hayes wheels would really set this T Bird off !

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dennis Brown, Glad to read you find this car to be very nice :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing tips on how you'd improve the looks of this one, Lou

[@opera93]

Thanks, interestingly I had **57 FORD HUBCAPS /14 inch tires, erc,,on rear of my first car: my Dad found a 54 V8FORD 2DOOR/with “special 57 /289 Four Barrel, “dual Exhausts, mild custom(?),:and Spinner HUBCAPS ON 15 inch front Wheels) . A Mechanic friend in Columbia City INDIANA HAD tuned, & built it up, etc.Ran good for more than a couple years, etc...Interestingly, I found a LOW miles 56 Ford/TBIRD engine,4 door/auto / Selectaire(?, not work) that got totalled, a few month after buying...Unfortunately,then I got a **61 RED/White Top,Ford Convertible/352/4\BBL THAT was junk( trans/ body putty)...Though, that led to a 1966 GALAXIE Xl/4 speed/352 4 BBL /P S/PB/Console/DeluxeTHAT I improved on & had a lot of years,........etc.We a,ways looked of F CODE, OR Thunderbird Ford stuff in 50/60s...etc.

[@putinhuilo01]

wow very nise!! Thanks

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dexter Morgan an Real, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@clarkgriswold5903]

What a beautiful Thunderbird, I used to own a '62 Thunderbird Convertible w/ A/C, unreal cars!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Clark Griswond, Glad you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Thank you for sharing you used to have a 1962 too, Lou

[@boogiebarbie7792]

fabulous

[@loucostabile]

Glad you enjoy this one DogieBuster :-) Hope you see many more cars you'll enjoy on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@craigjorgensen4637]

Very nice! That Chrome Package I believe was a dealer installed option. Don’t care at all for the chrome fender skirts but otherwise it’s stunning! I would try to find the correct wheel covers instead of the 1957 Ford ones it has now.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Craig, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@craigjorgensen4637]

@@loucostabile Lou, you keep asking me to subscribe and I keep telling you that I am already a subscriber and I have been for Years. My page shows me as a subscriber with the bell emphasis. Something is wrong on your end! Keep the good stuff coming!

[@garypearsall1589]

In my opinion the most beautiful American car ever.

[@loucostabile]

High praise :-)

[@michaels612]

Beautifulllllll car

[@loucostabile]

Glad you enjoy the looks of this car :-)

[@walleyechannel]

Very nice. I have one even more rare the the sunroof option. Mine is three speed manual shift. Yep, three on the tree. Find another one of those.

[@loucostabile]

Hi John, Well if you have one we'll have to video yours :-) So I guess I've found one. Hope we see each other soon. I'm in IL & AZ, if you're in the areas here is my e-mail, Lou [e-mail]

[@walleyechannel]

@@loucostabile hey…I will send you some pics. My dad bought the car from a one owner for my mom in 1974. We have had it ever since. I restored her in the late nineties early 2000. Im out of Knoxville Tn. She was one of the last made in July in wixom.

[@walleyechannel]

My dad always loved and kept the car. He told me it was rare. But why this Tbird gets no love in value is beyond me? They are simply beautiful cars

[@walleyechannel]

@@loucostabile did you get my email? I sent some pics

[@richmcintyre1178]

Hey Lou, who's the kid doing your videos? Cool car, I wasn't a fan when they first came out but McNamara was right they sold like crazy. My best friend's Grandmother had one we used to "borrow". They were fast as far as we were concerned and very comfortable. The girls sure liked them LOL. Nice to see your son doing videos :-)

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rich, On this one I think it was me. In 2018 my Son started editing, and he has helped tremendously, Lou

[@artheis1342]

My step mother worked for a Lawyer as his secretary in 1960, her car broke down hand he loaned her his car to get home. It was this exact car with the sun roof in a skyblue paint and dark blue interior...is this the same car? I know as a kid I was amazed by the the sunroof and the luxury air conditioning..

[@loucostabile]

Hi A HSR, Clearly the car made an impression, and who knows, maybe this is that car. Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@yukimikasaki9705]

Always my favorite Thunderbird, I care not what the world may say. It would be perfect if only it weren't so top heavy to drive, particularly with the big Lincoln mill. The 350.should be less taxing, but don't forget there is always a Sinclair station there for you for the hi-test you'll constantly need. The low MPG and top-heavy handling are worth the beauty of the Square bird. And don't let the Joneses with their '57 two-seaters get you down. I own a '59 🐦 Square Bird.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read this one is a favorite of yours :-)

[@TreasuredVintage]

Yay! Another T Bird to enjoy :) I wonder if the sunroof ever leaks? It's awesome the simple engineering of that closure. The interior of this car is wonderful. Wish they would make them like that again. The best things seem to always be old things in my opinion! Hence my channel name. Thank you Lou :) Thumbs up for this video!

[@loucostabile]

Not sure about if the sunroof leaks or not. You hit on an important point, the interiors of the 1950's & 1960's cars are some much fun to view, Lou

[@garyeagleson5634]

Nice interview Lou, the owner was a pretty tall guy, I wonder if he's actually comfortable in the driver seat while driving. I have a 59 Ford T-Bird hardtop & it's comfortable for me but I'm only 5'6". 😄✌💚🙏

[@loucostabile]

Hi Gary Eagleson, Glad to read you enjoy this interview :-) Care Taker seems to fit just fine in this car, Lou

[@JamesJohnson-re9zw]

I’m just curious about windshields in classic cars. If this windshield in this 1960 Thunderbird were damaged, how would it be repaired or replaced? How many available windshields are there in junkyards or is there a company that makes specialized windshields for rare classic cars. Just wondering.

[@loucostabile]

No idea James Johnson. Maybe a Restoring Viewer can help with your question.

[@johnterpack3940]

$600 brand new; www.tbirdhq.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=A2B5E81D0542492D88F1F7B2DAC2DAE8

[@michaelm00n88]

One of my favorite T Birds was a 1968 Bird with hideaway headlights.?390 ENGINE with great interior . Huh Nice car Fo Sure..

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael M00n, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@tkelly5422]

Beautiful TBird no doubt. However it was mentioned that the hood scoop was functional. Beyond being a hole in the hood, how exactly did it function? It doesn't line up to any cooling or air intake system and it's apparent cooling capabilities would appear to be negligible. Am I missing something?

[@loucostabile]

Hi T Kelly, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this T Bird. Not sure on the scoop functionality, so hoping a Viewer with knowledge can share, Lou

[@pietrofigura7007]

I want buy One like this...how can i do ( i'm in Italy)

[@loucostabile]

Hi Pietro, You have great taste in cars. I'm not sure how you'd buy a car like this in Italy. Hoping a Viewer with overseas purchases can help answer your question. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@StvMcQueen1]

Good job, Lou! The last of the "Square Birds!" You could also get the optional Lincoln 430 cu. in. engine that put out 50 more horsepower (350). I maintain a running feature thread called "Nifty 50s" on our car club site, IMBOC (International Mustang Bullitt Owners Club) and often try to include one of your vids on my presentation cars. This vid went on the '60 T-Bird post I put up yesterday. Here's the link: www.imboc.com/forums/157-sevens/163311-nifty-50s-thread-841.html#post3720511 (More exposure for you, since you do the best job). Have a great day. All the best. ---Jimbob

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jimbob, Happy to read that a few of my videos have been added to your "Nifty 50's" :-) Thank you for viewing & sharing, Lou

[@rodferguson3515]

Truly beautiful classic!!! Marilyn Monroe on wheels.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rod Ferguson, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car (and Marilyn too), Lou

[@rodferguson3515]

Lou Costabile your welcome Lou

[@antoniahamilton3201]

Marilyn Monroe actually owned and drove a 1956 black T-Bird. You can view it on an internet search. It was eventully auctioned off.

[@michaelm00n88]

There is definitely true difference between the early years.

[@loucostabile]

You're right, big difference from the 55-57.

[@joegy9944]

that's a very nice one lucky she survived you know they were known to rush to the ground back in the day by 2 years old they were loaded with rust everywhere so you I don't see a lot of them left

[@loucostabile]

Hi Joseph Wallace, Glad you enjoyed viewing this one :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@dannadipa9995]

0:13... 1964 TBird?

[@loucostabile]

Opps, Paul meant 1960.

[@Brian-gn1yv]

+Lou Costabile He probably said "1960 FORD Thunderbird" not 1964 lol

[@eoggblaine9725]

Ultra normal? A 352 engine is much less then the 390 cid with a four barrel carb. The 352 was the lower output, and very inefficient engine. The 390 mercury engine was powerful, yet the two primary Venturi barrels of the carberator, were smaller ( to allow for economical fuel consumption) when the secondaries ( much larger) barrels cut in on acceleration it was pure power.

[@loucostabile]

Hi eogg blaine, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@guyfaulkner3000]

No matter what Jim Dottling says ford never made a chrome package for a Square Bird Thunderbird he wrote the rule book for the Vintage Thunderbird club back in the '70's that was his homemade rule just saying !!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Guy Faulkner, Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Lou

[@myronhuffman91]

Personally I think it would look better without chrome package and chrome skirts. Beautiful car though

[@johnterpack3940]

@@myronhuffman91 I agree. I like the extra chrome around the taillights but the skirts and wiper "bowls" just look fugly.

[@bertcushman7427]

I know!! I just saw the demo for the 1989 Eldorado biarritz I bought in August! how funny... cheers 🍾🍾🍾🏳️‍🌈

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bert, :-) Cheers, Lou

[@Imnotyourdoormat]

hey lou...i remember now. thats the car they used in that mister mister broken wings video...

[@loucostabile]

hey charlotte quillen , thank you for sharing that info.

[@alanstrong3295]

A car like that deserves Ziebart rustproofing and exterior finish. Might have something even better.

[@loucostabile]

Thanks for viewing and sharing your thoughts.

[@michaelm00n88]

I believe that they changed body styles.,?

[@loucostabile]

Thank for sharing your knowledge.

[@discerningmind]

Nice colors and equipment. Wrong wheel covers, screwed up hood. Chrome fender skirts? Strange. I can't understand how someone has a decent car like this and doesn't do so little that's needed to make it right.

[@loucostabile]

Hi discerningmind, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge, Lou

[@opera93]

Thanks.. yes, interestingly my First car: a 1954/2DR/V8, with 57 Engine 4 BBL/289 (?), DUAL EXHAUST, MILD CUSTOM, HAD 57 HUB CAPS ON rear 14 inch Rims: looked like these... We had no,idea where mechanic got 57 engine /& exact specs,,etc.

[@randiruiz96]

The Darl'n looking at amethys

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing & sharing.

[@stevenhinds4907]

Very nice t-bird but lose the '57 hubcaps!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Steven, Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@j.d.b.pennamesonofharraant3367]

☕

[@loucostabile]

Not sure what that is?

[@j.d.b.pennamesonofharraant3367]

@@loucostabile A coffee cup 👍

[@stardustdreamfactory1947]

A shame the clock wasn't working. Many companies available that restore car clocks to better than new condition. Makes one wonder what else on the car was half assed done. dandmrestoration.com/services/clocks/

[@loucostabile]

Hi Stardust Dream Factory, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@lamper2]

i kearned to drive in a black 60-shitty car but pretty

[@loucostabile]

Good memories :-)