Vehicle Description
1963 Ford Thunderbird Coupe
1963 Ford Thunderbird design gave us the "bullet bird" with its
rounded to a point front end to the twin turbine rear taillights,
we were firmly into the jet age, beehive hairdos, fedora wearing,
pipe smoking suburban dads, and the white picket fence surrounding
the New England style house. From the day it was built, this car
became a desirable collectable, and dripped with suburbia
success.
For consignment we have 2 (click) 2 (click) 2 cars in one! A
classic 1963 Thunderbird come faux gasser. I know you have to see
it to believe it with its front mounted barrel tank, to the bolt on
side pipes emanating from the front wheel wells, to the 8 stack on
top of the hood and the rear spoiler we give you the jet age
gasser, disguised as a 1963 bullet bird.
Exterior
The original design has been retained, in fact all the "gasser" add
ons can easily be removed and you'll be back to normal within a few
hours. Exterior is Silver Blue metallic and has several areas of
patching, some minor cracking of the paint especially on the seams,
and some areas of underlying rust showing bubbling of the paint.
Chrome bumpers and trimmings are original to the car and retain a
mirror-like shine. Badging is all there and some drag strip
advertising and the B/ G (B gasser class) stickers are on the front
quarter. One has to love the turbine style rear taillights topped
by a mild fin, and the fender skirts giving the car a low profile
look. Mustang wheels are wrapped by BF Goodrich rubber all around.
Don't forget the rear spoiler to keep this rocket on the
ground.
Interior
Dripping with mid century modern curved styling the interior shows
some wear. Seats are covered and we do not know the condition
underneath. This is true for the front buckets and the rear bench.
An upgraded console covered in tan vinyl races from the rear bench
and houses dual storage compartments and front cup holders. Just in
front of the console is a floor shifter, now added replacing the
tree automatic shifter. Save for the loss of the shift lever the
column and wheel are original to this car. So is the dash with a
background of wood applique a trio of round deep set gauges plenty
of stylish 60's knobs and pulls, and all underneath a large curved
overhang. This dash is padded, and a peek underneath the carpeted
covering reveals some cracks. In the middle of the dual curved
overhangs is a new style radio and heater and airflow controls.
Plenty more of wood applique panels the dash front and just below
more curved padded vinyl for your knees and legs. Door panels in
light tan vinyl are showing some wear, and also have a panel of
wood applique. Cocoa brown carpet floods the floors and above is a
light tan headliner which remains mostly tight. Cruise control has
been added.
Drivetrain
A 390ci V8 with a 4-BBl carburetor setup, and a 3-speed
Cruise-O-Matic transmission on back. The rear axle weighs in at
3.00:1. Engine bay is clean and sports some blue valve covers and
new wiring and hoses, as well as a new dual master cylinder.
Undercarriage
Up on the lift we notice plenty of surface rust on all
undercarriage parts. It however remains structurally sound, and
some of the original undercoating has chipped away revealing
surface rust. 4-wheel drum brakes are power assisted and have new
lines. Some oil blowback is seen around the engine pan, and the
passenger rear wheel shows an axle seal is leaking. Cherry bomb
exhaust is on the back of the car.
Drive-Ability
A definite eye catcher, mostly in a good way, with its gasser add
ons, this car fired right up, and had great acceleration. It puts
out plenty of power and exhaust noise as my work mates said they
heard me out on the test track. It was a fun driver, the braking
requires some heavy foot, but steering was easy, and functions were
functional.
A few dents and dings, and patina with the passage of time on the
bullet bird from '63, and then the gasser add ons which if you
don't care for can be easily removed. Could be a project car with a
bit of work or could be left to show to the world. It drives great,
has good power, and definitely attracts attention.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located 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.
