Vehicle Description
1 of 37 M-code Sports Roadsters produced in 1963! Fully restored,
judged, certified and documented. The car is documented by its
original build sheet and invoice. It has been certified by the
Sports Roadster Society and Thunderbird Club International. It has
been concourse judged and awarded 298.5 points out of 300 in the
Senior class in 1999. In 2014 it was awarded concourse status. The
M-code designates a high-performance tri-power engine. The Sports
Roadster package included the tonneau cover over the back seat, a
grab bar, special emblems and chrome wire wheels. This package was
very rare in itself, now add to it the M-code high performance
tri-power engine and you have one of the rarest Birds of all time.
Out of the 37 made it is believed only 25 exists! That's still not
to mention factory a/c among other options like leather upholstery.
Production #s: 1962 1,427 roadsters, 120 were M-codes. 1963 455
roadsters, 37 were M-codes.
The '61-'63 Thunderbird is considered by many to be the most
beautiful Thunderbird ever built, largely do to the aerospace
design by Alex Tremulis. While sales were strong through the late
'50s and early '60s purest besieged Ford with demands for the
return of a two-place Thunderbird. Division chief Lee Lacocca
tapped designer Bud Kaufman to develop a solution. Kaufman returned
with the stunning sports roadster which built upon the Thunderbirds
sweeping lines with a unique fiberglass tonneau cover extending
from the trunk to behind the front seats, effectively transforming
the four passenger Thunderbird to a two-seater.
EXTERIOR: Absolutely striking! The profile of this car looks like
it's going 100 mph while standing still! I'm in love with the
fiberglass tonneau cover that alters and accentuates the already
beautiful factory body lines. The Raven Black paint is not totally
perfect but looks outstanding with a smooth and highly reflective
finish. I could absolutely read the print of our sales contract in
it and all the chrome shines like jewelry. Looking down the side of
the body it is 100% laser straight. The panels are perfectly
aligned and the doors with handles integrated into the trim close
like a new car. All the correct badging is in place. All the glass
except the windshield is original and date codes verified by
experts. It includes gorgeous Kelsey Hayes chrome wire wheels that
are wrapped in reproduction GoodYear Super Cushion white wall
tires. The exterior scored perfectly when judged! The retractable
top is in excellent working order. When you hit the switch the
trunk lid opens, a flap unfolds and the top folds into the trunk
then the lid comes down and screws shut, all automatically. The
tonneau cover does not interfere with the the top. If you decide to
remove the tonneau to use the back seat, it very easily lifts right
off. The convertible top is in excellent shape: tight as a drum and
the rear window is clear.
INTERIOR: Very stylish interior with luxury features throughout.
Some really cool options here including the super cool and unique
swing away steering wheel! I love how the brushed aluminum trim on
the dash extends into the door panels and console. Optional genuine
leather upholstery too! It also includes rare air conditioning,
factory AM/FM radio, working clock, power windows, power seats, and
a power convertible top. The entire interior has been painstakingly
refurbished to factory original condition and looks virtually new.
The door panels and dash pad are in excellent condition as well as
the gauges, gauge bezel, knobs, climate control, sun visors, rear
view mirror, and center console. The genuine leather front bucket
seats and rear bench seat are in remarkable condition and give
great support. The carpeting is in phenomenal shape, and it even
includes rubber Thunderbird floor mats. There is a full back seat
when the tonneau is removed. The interior scored perfectly when
judged!
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Outstanding original engine bay! Extremely rare
factory M code performance package with original date coded engine!
This included a 390 motor making 340 hp and 430 lbs of torque with
406 heads, 10.5:1 compression, a hotter cam, high pressure oil
pump, a reworked distributor an aluminum intake and of course a
tri-power carb system on top. It was only fitting to give it a full
dress up kit as well including an aluminum air cleaner and several
chrome accents throughout the engine compartment. It is very
correct down to date coded plug wires, correct belts, cloth wrapped
choke tube, reproduction hoses and belts, anodized hinges etc.
Correct numbered intake, carbs and alternator. Additionally, the
radiator is correct and verified by experts. It's equipped with a
real reproduction battery, windshield washer bag, expansion tank
and more. The engine compartment scored 63.5 out of 65 possible
points when judged!
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: The trunk is fully restored. All clean metal
with gloss black paint and full correct liner kit fits right. All
the hardware, rams, motors, wiring is in excellent shape. It has a
5th matching reproduction spare and wire wheel. The trunk scored
perfectly when judged!
UNDERSIDE: This car was concourse restored and was very well
preserved underneath since! The steering system appears to be
rebuilt with factory components. The front suspension also looks
good and has several newer parts which includes a sway bar and
fresh links. The rear leaf springs look freshened up with black
paint. It's equipped with power drum brakes at all four corners and
the lines look replaced. The emergency brake is also hooked up. It
has a full 2" dual exhaust system that is complete with crossover
pipe and mufflers that are tucked neatly in their factory position.
The gas tank and straps have been replaced. Looking up at the date
coded and correct 390 cubic inch V8 engine everything appears
proper and even includes the correct starter stamp. Additionally,
the cruise-o-matic trans was unique to the M-code with a
performance shift points, it is verified by its original tag. The
power is transferred through a drive shaft with factory correct
markings. From there it goes into the correct 9" rear end that's
equipped with a heavy duty 4 pinion and a 3.00 gear ratio, the date
code on the tag was also verified by experts and found to be
consistent with manufacturing. The floors look solid with an
undercoating that is likely original to the car. The undercarriage
scored perfectly when judged!
SERVICE: Our professional team of mechanics has completed a
thorough inspection on this car and replaced the fuel level sending
unit, adjusted the convertible top, adjusted the driver window,
replaced the power steering pump and hoses, repaired and rewired
the carburetor, and replaced the valve cover gaskets. This car is
ready to be enjoyed!
Don't let the opportunity slip off your fingertips! Grasp this once
in a lifetime chance to own what is possibly the most concourse
correct and rare 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadsters in
existence!
I, Jay Grams, take pride in personally writing the descriptions for
virtually every car for about the last 30 years now. A significant
amount of effort goes into fact checking. What I am offering is my
professional impression of the vehicle. Our salesmen are happy to
assist with descriptions and making sure your questions are
answered. One great suggestion is letting us do a walk around video
that explains the car's condition in detail. **These cars are
displayed in a museum. If interested in a particular car, make an
appointment with a salesman to see that car. Without an appointment
there is an admission fee to enter the showroom. If you buy a car,
your admission will be...for more information please contact the
seller.
