Image of 1960 Ford Sunliner, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1960 Ford Sunliner beckons to an era of automotive elegance and open-air freedom. As a standout model from the Blue Oval's lineup, the Sunliner captured the hearts of America with its blend of style, performance, and leisure. Born from the fervent design revolution of the late 1950s, this convertible was Ford's glamorous response to a public hungry for innovation and luxury. The Sunliner not only offered a glimpse into the future of car design but also became a symbol of the optimism that defined the beginning of a new decade. A notable moment in its history was when it cruised down boulevards as one of the most sought-after drop-tops of its time, embodying the spirit of American motoring.

Design and Innovation

The 1960 Ford Sunliner's exterior styling was a harmonious blend of sleek lines and chrome accents, with a front fascia that smiled at onlookers through quad headlights and a wide grille. The car's side profile swooped gracefully from its bullet-like tail lights to its proud front end, a testament to Ford's attention to aerodynamics and aesthetics. Inside, passengers were greeted with an interior that boasted plush seating and high-quality materials, including options like vinyl or cloth for personal customization. Technologically, it featured innovations such as a "Cruise-O-Matic" three-speed automatic transmission and power-operated top for effortless convertible bliss. Color options ranged from Monte Carlo Red to Corinthian White, with Colonial White being a particularly popular choice among enthusiasts. The Sunliner was available in various body styles, but it was the two-door convertible that captured imaginations and became an icon of its era.

Historical Significance

The 1960 Ford Sunliner left an indelible mark on automotive history through its bold design choices and engineering feats. It set itself apart with its Skyliner counterpart's retractable hardtop technology—a marvel at the time—and helped pave the way for future advancements in convertible mechanisms. Its lasting influence can be seen in subsequent generations' emphasis on combining performance with luxury in open-top vehicles.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior, the Sunliner housed a robust engine capable of delivering impressive performance figures for its time. With options like the formidable 352 cubic inch V8 engine, it could achieve top speeds that made it a joy to drive on highways yet still manageable in city traffic. The 0-60 mph sprint could be completed in figures that would hold their own against contemporaries. On the road, drivers enjoyed a smooth ride with handling that confidently absorbed bumps and provided stability through windy conditions. Behind the wheel of a Sunliner, one could expect an auditory treat from the engine's throaty rumble complemented by an overall sense of control and comfort.

Ownership Experience

The 1960 Ford Sunliner served various roles ranging from daily transportation to weekend showpiece or even as an occasional participant in local racing events. Its maintenance profile was generally considered owner-friendly for its era, with many parts being readily available and simple enough for home mechanics to tackle common repairs. However, as with any classic vehicle, upkeep could be more demanding than modern cars.

Fun Facts

The Sunliner has seen its fair share of limelight with rare editions such as dealer-installed superchargers making certain models highly coveted. Celebrity ownerships have added to its allure, while appearances in movies and television shows have cemented its status in pop culture. Despite facing criticisms over fuel economy—a common issue among vehicles of its size during that period—the Sunliner remains an emblematic figure in Ford's storied past.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors clamor for well-preserved examples of this classic American convertible. While production numbers were significant—with tens of thousands made—finding one in pristine condition can be challenging due to their age and desirability among enthusiasts. Values range considerably based on condition, originality, and provenance; however, one might expect to see prices anywhere from $20,000 for a driver-quality example to upwards of $60,000 or more for concours-level specimens.

Conclusion

The 1960 Ford Sunliner stands as a testament to a bygone era of automotive excellence—a time capsule on wheels that continues to captivate collectors and classic car aficionados alike. Its blend of style, performance, and historical significance ensures that it remains not just a memory but also a cherished piece of Americana that continues to cruise gracefully into the hearts of new generations.

1960 Ford Sunliner Suspension Ball Joint Dust Seal. 3/4" top I.D-BN 101-BSuspension Ball Joint Dust Seal. 3/4" top I.D., 1-11/16" bottom O.D., 3/4" high. For some rare models. Check dimensions against original. Each

1960 Ford Sunliner Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high-BN 12Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high., with 3/4" I.D. Each

1960 Ford Sunliner Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D-BN 20Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D. X 1-5/8" high, with 9/16" I.D. Each

1960 Ford Sunliner Front Stabilizer Bar Bushings. Made of hard rubber-BN 32-BFront Stabilizer Bar Bushings. Made of hard rubber. 1-5/8" long X 1-7/8" wide X 1-5/8" high. Pair

1960 Ford Sunliner Stabilizer Bar Bushings-BN 32-DStabilizer Bar Bushings. 1-9/16" long X 1-1/2" wide X 1-5/8" high, 15/16" I.D. Pair

1960 Ford Sunliner Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt-HA 6Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt. 1-1/16" O.D. X 1/2" I.D. X 7/16" thick. Each

1960 Ford Sunliner Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each-HF 40Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each

1960 Ford Sunliner Generator Boot. Replaces OEM #C1AZ10170B-RP 2-FGenerator Boot. Replaces OEM #C1AZ10170B. Note: Notch may have to be cut by purchaser. Each

1960 Ford Sunliner Inlet Box Bellows. Fresh air duct to heater-RP 300-HInlet Box Bellows. Fresh air duct to heater. Made of PVC with lower steel core and wire clamp. 7" wide X 9-1/4" long. Each

1960 Ford Sunliner

1960 Ford Sunliner Brake Booster Boot. Each-RP 32-AABrake Booster Boot. Each

1960 Ford Sunliner Hood Bumper. Snap-in wire base like original. Each-SB 89-AHood Bumper. Snap-in wire base like original. Each

1960 Ford Sunliner Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track-VS 4Rear roll-up Seal. Two 18" sections sliced into metal track. this foot with no steel insert. Pair

1960 Ford Sunliner Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long-VS 6Vertical Seals for Vent Window. Each piece is 17" long. Pair

1960 Ford Sunliner Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.-VS 6/FTVertical Seal for Vent Window. Sold by the foot.

1960 Ford Sunliner Rigid division-bar channel-WC 28-96Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead, heavy steel core and pile lining. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1960 Ford Sunliner Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 7-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.