Vehicle Description
1962 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 1962 Ford Thunderbird Convertible in bright
white for the exterior and silver blue vinyl for the interior. 1962
was the second production year of the third generation of T-birds.
Of the total production for 1962, 75,536 units were produced, only
9,844 were convertibles.
Exterior
A respray of white for this bullet shaped model with a white
convertible canvas top, presents in good overall condition with a
few notable small tears in the top. 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. A 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 rear quarter panel
and add to the jet look.
Interior
Silver Blue vinyl, original to the car is seen, and is in full
glory, with very nice bucket seats in front, and a bench in the
back (although covered by the bucket's 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 silver blue 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. Down low on the passenger
side of the dash is an aftermarket AM/FM/CD player. Power windows,
power steering, power driver's seat, and power brakes are installed
options.
Drivetrain
As true for any restoration, plenty of attention has been paid to
the engine bay. It has been fully restored, and the engine rebuild
took the liberty of painting some black on the block, blue on the
air cleaner cover, and adding a pair of chrome valve covers. Nice
supple shiny hoses and wiring abounds here and the original FoMoCo
windshield wash bag hangs in there on the passenger's side. Specs
are a 390ci V8 fed by a single 4-barrel carburetor. A 3-speed
Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission is bolted to the back which
sends power rearward to a Ford 9" 3.00 geared rear.
Undercarriage
Plenty of factory undercoating and rustproofing bathes the
undercarriage and is rust free. Rear leaf springs are the rear
suspension, along with power drum brakes. Up front, more power drum
brakes are on along with an independent coil sprung suspension
being 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 with only the factory AM radio being nonfunctional. 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 midcentury, last year of a truly iconic
convertible, the 1962 offers an opportunity to own an immediately
recognized classic for a wonderful 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
2Y85Z150901
2-1962
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
85-Thunderbird Convertible
Z-390ci V8 4bbl 300hp
150901-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76A-Thunderbird Convertible
COLOR N-Diamond Blue
TRIM 50-Silver Blue Vinyl
DATE 15C-March 15th Build
DSO 74-Seattle
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 650 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.
