Vehicle Description
The all-new Thunderbird debuted in 1961, and today remains one of
the cleanest, most well-designed cars of the 1960s. This 1961 Ford
Thunderbird convertible shows why the "Bullet Birds" are still
surging in value while all the others seem to stay pretty flat.
Great looks, a strong-running 390, and the versatility of two or
four seats make this convertible a great hobby car for any
occasion.
If you're going to own a flashy convertible covered in chrome, you
may as well paint it bright red. Code J Monte Carlo Red is this
car's original color and it sure looks right on the smooth fuselage
of this long, sleek Thunderbird. Although there's still enough
chrome on the car to remind us that the '50s were not so long
before this car was built, the long, unadorned flanks speak for
themselves and demand top-quality bodywork. No ripples or waves,
good gaps, and a great shine on the finish, which sure doesn't look
two decades old. The red is exactly right, not too orange and not
too pink, but if you want to keep a low profile, this is the wrong
vehicle to drive. From the lovely strip of chrome that runs along
the tops of the fenders and incorporates the door handles to the
intricate grille to the jet-inspired taillights, this car looks
like a movie star from any angle. There are a few signs of use and
age here and there, but it's ready to enjoy and few cars make
better long-distance cruisers than a 4-seater 'Bird.
The appealing code 54 Beige interior is a nice complement to the
red, a little softer and more sophisticated than regular white or
black. Bucket seats and a console were standard equipment, as was
the cool swing-away steering wheel, and you won't find any faux
wood inside this 'Bird. Instead you get brushed stainless and
anodized aluminum, beautiful round chrome gauge pods with
clock-like instruments inside, and a very futuristic look overall.
Options include power windows, factory A/C, and an AM radio that's
fully operational. The upholstery, carpets, and door panels look
almost new and yes, there's a back seat under the removable Sport
Roadster tonneau cover that really gives the car a sleek look. You
will also be relieved to know that that the complex convertible top
is fully operational with updated relays and pumps, and the top
itself is new tan Haartz canvas that looks and feels expensive.
The only engine available was a Z-code 390 cubic inch V8 rated at
300 horsepower, and it's more than adequate to move the Thunderbird
with authority. These were unit-body cars, so they aren't as heavy
as you might think, and the torquey 390 gives them the moves of a
smaller car. However, the long wheelbase and soft suspension tuning
makes it feel luxurious under any circumstances. It's neatly
detailed with correct gray tinwork on the engine, traditional
expansion tank for the cooling system, and reproduction decals and
labels as needed. The brakes are upgraded with a dual reservoir
master cylinder, there's an alternator instead of a generator, the
front end was rebuilt, and the A/C system still uses good old R12
for best results. Ford's Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic
transmission is durable and unobtrusive, while the 9-inch rear
sports 3.00 gears to make it feel relaxed on the open road. A look
underneath will convince you that the 20-year-old restoration was
both quite thorough and very well maintained, and it sits on simple
steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and fresh 215/75/17 wide whitewall
radials.
A great-looking car that comes from down south, this Thunderbird
delivers everything you want from a vintage cruiser. Add in great
documentation and wonderful colors, and you get a car that's a big
win from any angle. Call today!