Vehicle Description
Introduced in 1962, Ford offered a limited production Thunderbird
option produced for only 2 years called the "Sports Roadster
Package". It included a special fiberglass tonneau cover to
completely cover the rear seats making the car appear as a 2-seater
roadster. To highlight this option, the car received chrome Kelsey
Hayes 48-spoke wire wheels and special Roadster emblems and
passenger grab bar as standard equipment. The soft top was designed
to fully operate without the removal of the tonneau. Additionally,
storage space underneath the tonneau allowed for personal items to
be concealed on top of the rear seats. Only 1,427 Sports roadsters
were produced in 1962, and the first 465 cars were all in a Rangoon
Red over Black color combination.
We are very proud to offer this spectacularly restored 1962 Ford
Thunderbird Sports Roadster! It was completed refinished
professionally in original Rangoon Red with all new Black vinyl
interior (originally Pearl Beige) and Black convertible top. It
remains its original drivetrain to this day with 91,528 actual
miles! Original options include 390ci V8 4-barrel, Cruise-O-Matic
transmission, swing-away steering column, 1" radial whitewall
tires, power lift windows, power driver seat, Magicaire
heater/defrost, pushbutton AM radio, windshield washer, outside
mirror, interior Day/Night mirror, rubber floor mats, and
heavy-duty battery!
This Sports Roadster was built March 20th, 1962 and delivered new
from the Louisville, Kentucky sales district. It was said to have
lived most of its life in the Wellsburg, West Virginia area when
the most recent Florida owner found it in approximately 2011 in a
partially restored state. He would take great pride, and expense,
in finishing it to its current condition! The car made its way to
Racine, OH and with the help of Hill's Automotive Classic Car
Restoration & Parts, it would receive all the right attention to
bring it back to show-worthy condition!
With the body already professionally stripped and refinished in
approximately 2015 with a final color sand and buff to a remarkable
finish, the interior received everything new to convert it to black
which included seat upholstery, dash pad, door panels, interior
carpet, along with new convertible top, trunk kit, and fresh
weather stripping throughout. The original 390ci V8 was completely
rebuilt by Jasper Engines along with a fully overhauled
transmission. For optimum performance, the cooling system was
fitted with a new 3 row radiator, new water pump and 180-degree
thermostat. The convertible top operation was converted to an
electronic relay system to replace the original mechanical relay
system along with new pump, limit switches, solenoids, and motors.
It performs perfectly and is remarkably quiet! It has been driven
approximately 1,500 miles since this total frame up
restoration.
Upon arrival to the St. Louis Car Museum, it has been looked over
very carefully to ensure all safety items are working properly
making it ready to enjoy immediately! We did replace the carburetor
accelerator pump with new carburetor gaskets, as well as one
battery cable. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to own such a
rare piece of Thunderbird history! Cars of this caliber are quickly
being purchased by collectors throughout the world. Please feel
welcome to call with questions.
