Vehicle Description
1963 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop
"Here modern American car luxury began - and here the trends are
set. Extra wide 51-inch doors invite you into personalized comfort
for four. Seats are individually contoured and pleated with deep
foam cushioning for supreme ease. Full length console puts power
window controls and a thoughtful storage compartment fingertip
close. Even though others may try, who can copy an original and
ever hope to be better than "second best." Boastful words from the
1963 Thunderbird brochure
For consignment, a 1963 Ford Thunderbird hardtop showing 54,585
miles which are not actual, a stunning example with an older
restoration, some recent engine work and paint correction that
bring it up to par, ready for show, go, and one that will warrant
frequent peeks into your garage just to bask in its beauty.
Exterior
Twenty exterior colors were available in 1963 and white was
certainly one of them! Each generation of Thunderbird came with its
own nickname, and for '61-'63, they had two, bullet bird and rocket
bird and justification for the names can be seen in profile as the
rounded point of the front fender is indeed bullet shaped, and the
movement created by the forward tilted trim, forward leaning
C-pillar, and sweeping shoulder line trim creates the optical
illusion of forward momentum. The back of a rocket would have a
single rounded burner and that's represented by the ridged round
tail lights out back, each mated to modest, rising fins. The facia
is classic 60's with its fantastic narrow grille, flat trunk lid,
(with gentle scoop), and wide set quad headlights, and let's not
forget the turquoise Thunderbird on the nose, inspired by the
Navajo symbol. Metalwork, including the rechromed bumpers, is in
excellent shape throughout the exterior and imperfections in the
paint are limited to a ding and some chips and touch ups on the
rocker panel.
Interior
A staggering seventeen interior options were available in 1963, and
this black vinyl selection presents beautifully, beginning with the
artful door panels with ribbed aluminum insert on smooth and metal
trimmed vinyl parts and the dual lens safety/courtesy light is a
sign of attention to luxury and detail. Other than some compression
for the driver, all the seats are in excellent shape with pleated
centers framed by white piping and a stylized Thunderbird emblem on
each of the four. Up front, remnants of 1950's lavishness and
generous use of polished metals and chrome knobs is evidence, and
rocket influence is picked in the three gauges over the ribbed
aluminum panel that threads the span of the mid-dash and waterfalls
on the center console that holds the climate panel, vents, and
horizontal storage. Black loop carpet covers the floor, protected
by Thunderbird mats specially contoured for the car. Up above, a
perforated white headliner lightens the interior like a cloudless
blue sky while the trunk is covered with a woven mat that has seen
some use.
Drivetrain
The clean engine bay contains a 390ci V8 wearing gold valve covers
and rated at 300 horsepower. It's equipped with a 4-barrel
carburetor and tied to a Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic
transmission that sends power to the Ford 9" axle with 3.00 gears.
Power brakes are included and assist the drums at all four
corners.
Undercarriage
Relatively clean on this driver quality underside with sporadic
surface rust mainly reserved for the first stretch of the exhaust.
From there, the single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler
on its way to exit via a single tailpipe on the right rear. There's
some residual oil on the pan and some extra grease on the knuckles,
but nothing worrisome to our eyes. Suspension consists of coil
springs out front and leaf springs in the rear. We note a good
amount of surface rust on the bottom of the driver's door.
Drive-Ability
60's T-birds are hot in the market and one minute behind the wheel
is reason enough. The interior is so different, so removed from
what we're used to today, and more than anything, it's a work of
art and a fun place from which to pilot this cruiser. The 390 takes
us on the loop and delivers very good power and the low center of
gravity provides good handling and straight tracking with great
visibility, especially out of the movie screen sized rear window.
Everything works on this well sorted Thunderbird and we fly it back
to the mall. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
This car was delivered to the Philadelphia District Sales Office
and hasn't strayed too far from home. Thunderbirds from the 60's
still represent a great way to get into the world of classic cars
without breaking the bank and holding a certain mystique as the
"lesser known" Thunderbird. Here's one that needs nothing and like
a majestic bird of prey, flies high with power and grace.
3Y83Z150408
3-1963
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
83-Thunderbird Hardtop
Z-390ci 4bbl V8
150408-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63A-Thunderbird Hardtop
COLOR K-Chalfonte Blue
TRIM 56-Black Vinyl
DATE 04D-April 4th
DSO 23-Philadelphia
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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
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