Vehicle Description
We have long admired the 1961-63 "Bullet Birds" for their styling
and awesome road manners, and this 1963 Ford Thunderbird
convertible delivers an awesome look with an unusual color
combination, as well as fantastic road manners befitting a
top-of-the-line ragtop.
Quite honestly, you'll feel like a movie star whenever you drive
this car. People will wave, honk their horns, and come up just to
talk to you about it. The Bullet Birds are like that. The 1963s
stand out for their highly sculpted sides, including the ornaments
on the doors, which give them a bit more interest than the
smooth-sided 61-62 models. With handsome code V Chestnut paint,
this one will also stand out in a set of red and white 'Birds in a
good way, because this is a color that's very much back in fashion
today. It's an older paint job that's been enjoyed properly, so it
shines up nicely but there are signs of use throughout. However,
that shouldn't get you down, because none of them are really
visible unless you get close and you'll be having too much fun from
behind the wheel to really sweat it. You will note that this one is
not wearing its fender skirts, which is due to the Kelsey-Hayes
chrome wire wheels, which don't clear the 'skirts. The good new,
however, is that the '63s were also redesigned with a rear wheel
opening that looks far more natural than the earlier cars and the
no-skirts look gives the big car a rather sporting look.
The black interior is in good order, too, wearing correct seat
covers with some age on them but no splits or tears and they're
still quite comfortable for long highway cruises. The wraparound
cockpit is beautifully designed, and important details like the
anodized aluminum trim that sweeps down onto the center console is
in excellent shape. The gauges are bright and crisp in their
individual round pods and the liberal helpings of chrome used
throughout makes it look upscale and sophisticated. Other features
include power windows, a tilt-away steering column, and the
original AM radio (which, sadly, doesn't work). Thunderbird-logo
floor mats look right and the back seat has a nice two-seater look
with the tonneau cover installed. And yes, the insanely complex top
is fully operational and is in good condition overall.
The only engine you could get in your 1963 Thunderbird was a 390
cubic inch V8, but it's plenty for the low-slung ragtop. With 300
horsepower on tap and seemingly limitless torque, it moves the
Thunderbird with the kind of ease that you'd expect. Not fast, but
not slow, just perfect for a car that commands respect on the road.
The engine bay is nicely detailed with a lot of authentic features,
including the big air cleaner and chrome details that dress the
place up a bit. It's quite clean and the big V8 presents nicely
without any major issues. Power steering and brakes are mandatory
on a car this size, and the Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission
shifts cleanly (remember to use the green dot shifter position for
best performance!). The underside is quite clean, showing the
results of years of living in a warm climate. There's a newer dual
exhaust system (dual exhaust was an option, believe it or not) and
with 3.00 gears out back, this is a fantastic highway cruiser.
Those aforementioned wire wheels give it the Sport Roadster look
without the price tag and carry recent 14-inch wide whitewall
radials.
We like this cars a lot. Of all the Thunderbirds, the Bullet Birds
seem to be the only ones that are still appreciating, making this a
car that you can enjoy by knowing it's a smart buy. Call today!