To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Auburn Fall event, 3 - 5
September 2020.
Estimate:
$40,000 - $50,000
- One of 1,427 Sports Roadsters produced in 1962
- 300 hp, 390 cu. in. V-8; three-speed 'Cruise-O-Matic'
transmission
- Power windows, heater, push button radio
- Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels
- Older restoration; correct Rangoon Red over red vinyl; tan
top
- Accompanied by owner's and repair manuals
Introduced for 1961, the third-generation Ford Thunderbird was more
luxurious than it was sporty; the following year, the Sports
Roadster was introduced to bring back the model's
performance-oriented presence. This rare specification is easily
distinguishable from other Thunderbirds of this generation by its
removable fiberglass tonneau cover, which covers the rear seats and
makes for a more streamlined appearance. Additionally, all Sports
Roadsters were equipped with Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and fitted
with a special front fender emblem and a passenger grab bar. Rear
wheel skirts were deleted.
In total, just 1,427 Thunderbird Sports Roadsters were built for
its inaugural year-a low figure partially attributed to the
substantial $651 US premium needed to option a new Thunderbird as
such.
Offered here is a highly presentable example which has been
refinished in its original Rangoon Red over red vinyl and tan cloth
top. Having left Ford's Wixom plant on March 29, 1962, this car was
ordered through the company's Chicago district sales office. The
chassis retains many of its factory features-including the
three-speed "Cruise-O-Matic" automatic transmission, push-button
radio, "Magic Aire" heater, power windows, and chrome side mirror.
A set of correct center-mount wire wheels are presently shod with
an older set of B.F. Goodrich whitewall tires.
This particular chassis is a "Z-code" example powered by a 390
cubic-inch big-block V-8 engine, which uses a four-barrel Holley
carburetor to deliver a factory-rated 300 hp to the rear wheels.
Some desirable chrome 'M-code'-style dress-up components have been
added to the engine bay, including a set of embossed valve covers,
radiator surge reservoir, and several miscellaneous caps.
Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadsters have always had a keen following
for their unique styling, and this example would be a wonderful
addition to any Thunderbird collection. To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/af20.
