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 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, only 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 in the up and down operation
and storage. Paint matching Sport Roadster Tonneau is attached to
the back of 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 appliques 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 to 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
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 carb
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.
Undercarriage
Plenty undercoating and rustproofing bathes the undercarriage,
which due to said coatings, and is rust free. Rear leaf springs
with coil overs are the rear suspension, along with drum brakes. Up
front disc brakes are on and also coil overs are here too.
Drive-Ability
To the test track I fired this bullet bird up and shot through the
gate. Here it has nice acceleration, smooth shifting, and good
handling. This is a very cool car which makes the driver feel very
cool, especially since you can have the top down in the middle of
winter if you so desire. Nicely preserved for that Sunday drive to
plow through some fossils.
A very cool retro mid century, 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.
Look up in the sky!!!...
VIN DECODE
3Y85Z130289
3-1963
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
85-Thunderbird 2 Door Convertible
Z-390ci V8 300hp
130289-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76A-Convertible
COLOR V-Chestnut Brown Metallic
TRIM 56-Black
DATE 28M-December 28th
DSO 41-Chicago
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic
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.