Well, 00mustng, I've owned my 1960
Hardtop since about 1976. It replaced my '64 Galaxie sedan and was my daily driver until 1991 or so. Drove it from CA to TN & VA while in the Navy, and bought a '62 in VA to share the load for a while. There isn't really anything like the thrill of looking out over the huge steering wheel at the ornaments on the fender tops and imagining them to be gunsights!
Drawbacks include:
Knocking your knees on the dogleg created by the wrap-around windshield when entering or exiting;
Wallowing around corners like a boat;
Waiting for the vaccuum-tube radio to warm up and play thru the tiny speaker in the console;
Having to start the engine to run the vaccuum windshield wipers at the drive-in movie;
Hunting around with the sloppy gear-shift selector trying to find gear (automatic), using the parking brake & neutral & sometimes a wheel chock to park and ensure the trans doesn't slip out of Park into Reverse;
Electrical problems - generator/regulator/starter;
Rocker panel
rust.
Advantages/thrills include:
Looks and comments you receive when driving it, or towing it across country behind a '62 Bird (which I did in 1980!);
Infinitely variable windshield wipers in 1950's and 60 (advantage - vaccuum);
Many electrical & other
parts common to contemporary Ford FE block engines - easy to carry spare generator/regulator/fan belts + tools in the trunk;
Spiffy-looking console (one of the industry's first), made to cover driveshaft with lower seating & stance. Includes said radio speaker and power window switches for easy access by all 4 passengers;
Engine bay has room to walk around in (almost) - easy to work on. I can unbolt and lift off the hood by myself for better access. Front-hinging hood;
Convertible tops that disappear completely into the trunk (not on my
hardtop, though);
Just staring at those lines & curves!
To be honest, there is a world of difference even between my '60 and the next generation in '61. Transmission, suspension, etc. are so much tighter and feel more secure. Transistor radio & electric wipers are more dependable, etc. When I bought a used '78 in 1991 and then my new '92 in 1992, I tried to drive the '60 once in a while just to keep it in driveable shape, but getting used to the A/C, cruise control, quite ride, etc. has made it hard, and the baby has been sitting for too long in the garage.
Hope this has given you some idea of what it's like. For years I didn't really know any better and loved the car. Now I've had other vehicles to reference. They are different and have their own qualities, but there ain't nothing like a Squarebird!! I still love it.
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Dennis Grant
1960 HT 208K
1992 Sport 247K
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