I screwed up majorly about ten years ago.. A neighbor of mine had a cherry 56 thunderbird, that had a oil leak he needed fixed.. I’d never talked to him before but he flagged me in one day to talk to him, he was saying how he noticed how I keep my cars spotless and running good.. after about a half an hour he asked me if I knew anything about Y blocks and if I’d care to work on his T Bird for him.. I said yes of co**** and he said “you have to buy the parts”.. and it kinda threw me.. I said I can’t, which I meant I wasn’t working at the time and was broke.. but I believe he took it as I didn’t trust him and I didn’t catch it, like a dumb***.. So turns out the ol boy was dying and knew he didn’t have much time left.. He had two daughters that weren’t into cars, so I ***ume he was looking for a good home for his baby… I am such an idiot for not clarifying that I just didn’t have the money to buy the parts..
Gen 1 'Birds are awesome. They really offer something for everyone. Racers and rodder like them because they're small and can fit a big engine. Restorers like them because they're attractive and usable in factory form. Customizers like them because they are great looking cars that can look even better with some styling improvements and cleaning up. Definitely on my list of cars to own.
The only problem with the small Birds, is they are small. If you are heavy or 6 foot you may not fit.
I've always liked the little Birds, but never really cared for skinny tire wide whitewalls, fuzzy dice, or continental kits. The most appealing ones to me have always been the meaner looking ones with an aggressive stance, American Racing or other mags, and properly sized tires. They are tight. Steering wheel is right in your chest, but that may be an era thing. XK120's and C1 Vettes have the same sort of tight steering wheel placement.
Sadly recently sold but restored to stock instead of candy g****. I find it ironic to sell it focusing on the link with Annette but not selling it in the version she had it. Lol
Bob Turgeon's Starbird-built '57. 1959 best of show winner at the NHRA Nationals show held in conjunction with the National Drags in Detroit. Car Craft cover car. Darryl went a little overboard with the the styling trend du jour (bullets)! Overall tasteful treatment in my opinion. Petersen Archive unpublished photos taken there in Detroit. Built in Kansas, it's radical and tasteful styling rivaled anything from the west coast at the time.
The Ayala Bird from the 2017 Roundup. I believe that a European had purchased it in Florida and was in mid journey on the way to the west coast.
When it comes to customizing the early bird is a tricky bird, to improve upon its looks the same can be said of tri5 chivies (just my humble opinion)
Any info on this one Pacecar? I had one I sold back in the 70's a dedicated race car, it could be this one. Pat
The Jalopy Journal
