Vehicle Description
1963 Ford Thunderbird Landau Hardtop
"When they came out, we thought the big Thunderbirds were
laughable," says Bob Collier, a youthful 16 year old when the 1963
he now owns was born. And why not? Besides propelling middle aged
fat cats to and fro in style, did the Thunderbird really do
anything well? Was it quick? Did it handle? Even with its large by
large size, could it really haul anything? The answer to all the
above is a resounding "not really," but in the end, the market
proved that style and luxury were all that mattered. The
Thunderbird proved an undeniable success, and remains one of Ford's
most recognized nameplates." Motor Trend magazine, Feb. 2011
For consignment, a 1963 Ford Thunderbird Landau hardtop showing
14,528 miles but the true miles are unknown. The '63 is noted for
the bold landau top option, with landau bars that were glued to the
side to represent old school carriage hinges. Other brands did it
too and in later years, would drop the hinges, but the Thunderbird
was a standout. The origin of "Landau" comes from the German city
of Landeau, where luxury carriages were produced in the 1800's.
Exterior
Two stage Raven Black paint is dramatically contrasted by the beige
vinyl landau top and its ornamental faux hinge, picked up visually
by the Coker white walls tires below riding on 14-inch wheels. More
ornamentation is found on the doors where a triple ribbed design
represents forward momentum on a bullet shaped car. Thunderbird is
scripted in a metal nameplate on each rear quarter and on this car,
accented with turquoise and gray sweeping pinstripe design and that
pinstriping is also found on the rear decklid and in front of the
hood scoop. Turquoise is a conscious choice as the Navajo inspired
Thunderbird emblems contain a turquoise center, which is first
noted on the nose above the thinly ribbed grille between dual
headlights on each side. Out back, one of the great 60's tails
begins with small fins, remnants of theatrical features of the
1950's, and round tail lights that look like the flaming
afterburners on a space bound rocket ship and undoubtedly was the
catalyst for many Thunderbird sales. Metalwork, paint, and the
vinyl top are in presentable shape but with imperfections noted as
numerous areas of bubbling in the paint, a few dings, some invasive
rust, cracked and lifting body work, and some separation of molding
on the fender skirt.
Interior
Luxury abounds, beginning on the door panels which are alternating
bands of beige vinyl, simulated woodgrain strips, stainless
ribbons, along with vertical accent trim and dual lens courtesy
lights. Armrests on both doors show wear and cracking.The bucket
seats are also beige vinyl, low backed and in decent shape,
mirrored in condition and form by the rear 2+2 seats. The covered
steering wheel wears a horn ring and frames the triple gauge
cluster on the panel ahead, underscored by more woodgrain in line
with the door's trim, and it boldly covers the entire mid panel
taking in residential sized vents in the center and Thunderbird
script over the glove box. The faux wood creates a warm atmosphere
that spills onto the center console just behind the A/C panel, and
runs smoothly to some window switches. Up top, under the covered
dash pad, is the AM/FM radio, seemingly suspended by the flowing
vinyl of the pad. Beige loop carpet covers the floor while a plaid
mat with some usage adorns the large trunk which includes a covered
spare.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a clean 390ci V8 rated at 300 horsepower shows its
gold features including the air cleaner cover over the 4-barrel
carburetor. A Cruise-O-Matic 3 speed automatic transmission sends
power to the Ford 9" in back with 3.00 gears. Power drum brakes are
front and rear.
Undercarriage
Clean driver quality underneath with some typical surface rust,
some oil on a crossmember, and single drop of the red stuff on the
transmission. The knuckles are clear and new ball joints are
evident. Dual exhaust connects at an H-pipe before running in
tandem to find stock style mufflers in back with exhaust tips.
Front suspension is coil spring and rear is leaf spring.
Drive-Ability
This personal luxury car is a degree more luxurious with the beige
palette contrasting with the medium wood on the inside. Our
consignor states a new electronic fuel pump is on board and it does
its job when we turn the key, igniting the 390 with a healthy
start. Another great, low cruising car, this one tracks straight
and stops well and with dual side mirrors and a big back window,
visibility is excellent. We note just the radio and right rear
power window not working, but all other functions operate as they
should. 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.
Bullet birds and their kin are some of the up and coming
collectibles in the market. Long overshadowed by the iconically
classic Baby Birds of the 50's, the 60's era Thunderbirds represent
some daring design both inside and out, and remain a bargain in the
world of classics. But don't wait too long, these birds are taking
off and will be soaring high as Hagerty reports a younger, hipper
audience is discovering the coolness of them. Get with the in crowd
and pick up a '63 today!
3Y87Z139171
3-1963
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
87-Thunderbird Landau
Z-390ci 4bbl 300hp V8
139171-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63B-Thunderbird Landau
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 54-Beige Vinyl
DATE 04B-February 4th
DSO 71-Los Angeles
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
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
