Vehicle Description
1963 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
The Thunderbird and the Corvette have a long and sorted history,
with both initially competing for the same customer space.
Eventually the Corvette went to racing, and the Thunderbird became
the boulevard king. The ultimate getaway car from the kids with a
two-seat configuration (rear seat is there but covered by cowlings)
with a convertible cruiser, it became the "it" car for early 1960's
suburbia. With design queues courtesy of the jet age, its bullet
like front appearance, and jet engine taillights was keying into
the upwardly mobile middle class, and growing suburbia.
Offered for sale is a 1963 Ford Thunderbird Convertible in Chestnut
Brown exterior and black vinyl interior. 1963 was the last
production year of the third generation of T-birds. Of the total
production of 214,375 units produced, on 5,913 were
convertibles.
Exterior
A Chestnut Brown bullet shaped model with a white convertible,
presents in good overall condition. The mechanicals for this pop
top are a marvel of engineering, as the whole long expansive trunk
section, and the top become involved on the up and down operation
and storage. Paint matching Sport Roadster style tonneaus are
attached to the back each bucket, and swoop from the headrest to
the rear deck, creating an aerodynamic "bat mobile" look. Chrome
and bright work are correct, and in fine shape. Wide white sidewall
tires wrap original chrome spoke wheels, which have knockoff hubs.
3 chromed faux jet intake appliqu�s adorn each exterior door panel
and add to the jet look.
Interior
Black vinyl original to the car is seen, and is in full glory, with
near nice bucket seats in front, and a bench in the back. (Although
covered by the buckets rear headrests and Sport Roadster Tonneau) A
sleek console makes its way to the dash, and houses the vinyl
covered console glove box, and ashtray. Horizontal ribbed aluminum
snakes its way up the dash and proceeds to spread out from side to
side over the dash front, and houses the heater and air flow
controls, light switches, logos and a very cool swing away steering
wheel. Above this are 2 black vinyl winglike structures (can you
say bird?) that form the padded dash top. A speaker, radio, and a
3-gauge cluster is within these swoops, and all appear in excellent
condition. Power windows, power steering, power driver's seat, and
power brakes are installed options.
Drivetrain
The car presented has gone through a thorough mechanical
restoration which includes a rebuilt transmission with new front
and rear seals attached to the original 390ci engine. A complete
motor tune up including new plugs, points, condenser and car
rebuild was performed. New brakes on all four corners, including
front discs with power booster, replaced the worn discs and drums.
The main axle bearings and rear wheel bearings were refreshed with
new suspension bearings and complete front end alignment. The
engine head gaskets were replaced with new as well as all hoses and
belts. New shocks and HD helper springs completed the suspension
restoration.
A very, cool retro midcentury, last year of a truly iconic
convertible, the 1963 offers an opportunity to own an immediately
recognized classic for a below market price. So why not relive that
fantasy of leading the "jet set" lifestyle, driving a "jet age"
style automobile, flying around town, turning heads while doing
so.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find
collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania,
conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76
Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and
our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for
more information or to come see the vehicle in person.