Vehicle Description
1962 Ford Thunderbird Custom Roadster
Cars have long been used as the canvas for art. The most famous
transformations were done by George Barris and Hollywood, but
thousands of artisans have taken many cars to the level of show car
only, meaning they are so special, so outlandish, so modified, that
street driving becomes impossible or even somewhat illegal. Art
cars, SEMA displays, prototypes and others are destined to a life
on stage and in enclosed trailers being taken, rather than driven
to shows. And we're glad they exist!
For consignment, one of the wildest rides we've had at Classic Auto
Mall, and we've had a Flintstone car so you know that's saying
something! A highly aesthetically modified 1962 Ford Thunderbirds
that is still recognizable as a Thunderbird, but is a long, long
way from its original configuration. It's won numerous Best of Show
awards and that's no surprise. Let's get into it...
Exterior
The smooth lines and glass like finish of this car are striking.
The high quality paint is deep and aptly named Antifreeze Green
Metallic. And like antifreeze, it does have a glow to it. Every
inch of the car has been customized in some way including the front
where the busy grille of the original has been cleaned up and the
hood edge straightened to form a brow over the headlights. But
there's enough here to recognize its origins. Gone are the metal
trim pieces riding the top of the fender next to the hood.
Everything has been melded in a continuous flow of green and no
emblems or trim remains. The formerly round side mirror has been
replaced with a body matching angular piece, and the door handles
have been shaved. More smoothness has been brought to the
taillights which are flat, solid red circles that appear to have a
bullet protruding. The car is bumperless, but a spare wheel housing
craftily carved into the trunk adds some texture. The wild roof,
probably the most dramatic feature of the car, is a flowing stretch
of plexiglass supported by a handmade stainless steel frame. This
bubble top, which hints of the 60's Batmobile, is removable per the
consignor. The roof is open over the body-colored fairings. Rat rod
style turbine hubcaps continue the drama and the rears are
partially covered with a fender skirts. We note one paint bubble
near a body line as the only imperfection.
Interior
Fixed, fin shaped windows top metal paneled doors that match the
body color. A swooping ivory design in leatherette accents the
door. The bucket seats are decked out in ivory leather with
matching green alligator patterned leather. The steering wheel is
an amazing crescent design unlike anything we've seen and at its
center is a large chrome jewel. The gauge pod is a stand alone
lance shaped sculpture with green snakeskin patterned backing and
housing two Dolphin gauges, white faced and red needled. The metal
dash spills a center console which waterfalls with a series of
metal rods that bend and flow past the seats in the center. This is
pure show, there are no buttons, switches, cup holders or anything
else on the "console". It's simply a work of art. Low pile green
carpet covers the floor where we find pedals that have unique metal
plates with designs embossed within them.
Drivetrain
The block and valve covers are painted bright red and the engine
bay is very clean. It's where we find a 390ci V8 topped by a
4-barrel carburetor and connected to a Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed
automatic transmission. Power is met in the rear where a Ford 9"
exists with 3.00 gears. Power drum brakes are supplied front and
rear.
Undercarriage
Essentially driver quality underneath with areas of surface rust,
some oil on the rear diff, and some general road grimes. We note
two areas of previous patching on the rear unibody. Dual exhaust
leaves the engine independently then enters two MagnaFlow mufflers
and dumps just before the rear axle under the car. Coil springs are
found in the front independent suspension while leaf springs handle
the load out back.
Drive-Ability
We eased this low car out of our garage and onto the test loop. We
dare not enter the town of Morgantown because it might cause a
crowd to form. We stayed on our flat terrain and tested all of the
functions. It cruised nice and everything that's left on the car
such as lights and turn signals work. Then we brought it back
inside before word got around town.
Are you looking for a turnkey show car that will fill your den with
trophies? Do you want something so unique that no one else has
anything close? Then this is it. This is an absolute show stopper
and a must have, especially if you happen to fancy those 60's
Thunderbirds which even in stock configuration, are cool. This
antifreeze colored T-bird is so hot, it takes cool to a new
level!
2Y83Z156500
2-1962
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
83-Thunderbird 2 Door Hardtop
Z-390ci V8 4bbl 300hp
156500-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63A-Thunderbird Hardtop
COLOR M-Corinthian White
TRIM 57-Turquoise Vinyl
DATE 10D-April 10th
DSO 13-New York
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
