Having just got my drivers liesnce in 1955 and liking fords,the T-Bird was a sports car to every one then,even if ford didn't think so............. Anyway that took the down hill turn in 1958,but the body design may of looked good made smaller and a two seater,and same goes for all the way to 1961,guess what,they did sell a back seat cover that made them into a two seater=would of looked super had it only been built as small as 1955 to 57,was a much better design then vet had IMHO.
Point is,it's a bit hard saying it was this or that,if you were not there then,cus now I see guys saying things that is new BS based on not knowing crap of how it was. Not the same for everyone,ture but many it seems.