Production Numbers

[partsetal]

While at the T-Bird Ted Auction this past weekend (see "Anything Goes"). Ted stated that there were only 52 430 Sun Roof cars produced with A/C. He claims this came from the Archives. I have never seen this figure and only knew that there were 377 SR's with the 430. I question the veracity of Ted's statement and wonder if any one here knows of such a figure.
As a matter of fact, the 377 figure I believe was from Automotive Milestones with no sources given.
Carl

[tbird430]

Everything I've ever read (since 1991) stated a higher number (like 377). Maybe they are guess-estimating only 52 survivors...?



-Jon in TX.

[partsetal]

Jon,
The 52 was for the 430's WITH A/C
Carl

[YellowRose]

Production Numbers

The one person who can probably answer that question is Alan Tast. Hopefully, when he logs on again, he will see this and address this question.

[vernz]

Logic would seem to dictate that there would have been more that 52 made with a/c. Anybody ordering a 430 and sunroof would seem to be going for a loaded car which would include a/c. I'd love to hear that there were only 52 though since my 430 sunroof has a/c :>)

Vern

[YellowRose]

Production Numbers

I have just passed this thread on to Alan Tast. He is probably the only man on the planet who can answer this question. He might have the information, or might not. Unfortunately, the data I received from Phil Skinner of Kelly Blue Book fame, and posted on this Forum, did not include a breakdown of how many '60 Tbirds of what type and what they had in them at time of manufacture.

[Alan H. Tast, AIA]

I have just passed this thread on to Alan Tast. He is probably the only man on the planet who can answer this question. He might have the information, or might not. Unfortunately, the data I received from Phil Skinner of Kelly Blue Book fame, and posted on this Forum, did not include a breakdown of how many '60 Tbirds of what type and what they had in them at time of manufacture.

52 out of 377 is around 14% of 430 SR production. For the entire production run in 1960, published information from trade journals of the period stated that 25% of the T-birds built were equipped with A/C, so I suspect that the quoted number may be low.

As with any other claim that attempts to establish a "low production/rare" number in order to inflate the asking price for a car, I have only one thing to say (and, yes, I'm intentionally "shouting" this), PROVIDE ME THE IRREFUTABLE FACTORY DOCUMENTATION AND SOURCES TO BACK UP YOUR CLAIM!!