Vehicle Description
Ford's glamorous 1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster was a star at
birth. While at the peak of his popularity in the Fall of 1961,
Elvis Presley purchased one of the first Thunderbird Sports
Roadsters built. Then Picture if you will, an early Sports Roadster
featured on an episode of "The Twilight Zone," on February 2, 1962.
Yet, despite its splashy debut, the Sports Roadster was built in
comparatively small numbers relative to the standard
Thunderbird.This special edition in the Thunderbird range was
designed in response to some customers who felt the T-Bird had
grown too soft, particularly those recalling the original two-seat
55-57 models. While performance wasn't changed, this new option
package did give the T-Bird a striking new look. The integral
components of the Sports Roadster include the fiberglass tonneau
cover, passenger assist bar, wire wheels, and Roadster-specific
emblems on the front fenders and tonneau cover. This tonneau was a
simple yet striking design piece transforming the standard
Thunderbird convertible into the Sports Roadster by covering the
back seat and adding jet-age aerodynamic headrests behind the front
seats, giving the big four-seat Thunderbird a welcome dose of
sportiness and style. Designed to be easily removed, owners could
change from a sleek, sporty two passenger roadster to a
four-passenger convertible in a matter of minutes. Critically, Ford
designers ensured full operation of the convertible top regardless
of the tonneau cover being in place. Additionally, the top is fully
automatic except for latching or unlatching the top's frame to the
windshield header. The included Kelsey-Hayes Wire Wheels are among
the most beautiful wheels ever created, and at $372.30, they
accounted for over half the cost of the Sports Roadster package.
Priced at $5,439 without any extras, it was $1,118 more than the
Hardtop, and $651 more than the standard Convertible. Amazingly it
was just $149 less than a Cadillac Sixty-Two Convertible!While the
new Thunderbird and Thunderbird Sports Roadster were up to par on
style, Ford was still looking to dial in more performance. 1962
also saw the introduction of the M-code. Displaying the engine code
M in the chassis number, the M-code cars utilized three two-barrel
carburetors. This "tri-power" setup was completed with a special
intake manifold feeding Ford 406 heads on top of the Thunderbird
390 V8 block, resulting in an incredible 340hp. Desired by many,
purchased by few, the M-code was phased out in the middle of the
1963 model year. While Ford produced 1,427 Sports Roadsters for
1962, only 120 were true M-code Sports Roadsters, making the M-code
Sports Roadsters the holy grail of all third generation
Thunderbirds.This 1962 M-Code Sports Roadster is truly a stunning
example boasting a highly detailed, award-winning restoration
performed by Whitehall Auto Restorations in Hopkinton,
Massachusetts. Finished in a dazzling and factory original
combination of Silver Mink over light silver blue metallic leather
upholstery, it is beautifully presented with outstanding paint,
chrome, and detailing. This T-Bird is restored to a standard rarely
seen on similar cars and has been maintained to a high standard
while in a private collection.As a factory Sports Roadster, this
T-Bird features the all-important tonneau panel, wire wheels, and
special badging, while power comes from the aforementioned 390
cubic inch, 340 horsepower, V-8 from the FE family of powerplants
that includes the mighty 427. Topped with three two-barrel
carburetors and mated to a Cruise-O-Matic transmission, this T-Bird
glide can glide effortlessly down any road of your choosing, but
also plenty capable of shaming many Corvette-driving challengers
thanks to bottomless reserves of torque and a remarkably refined
chassis. The doors open and shut with precision, and panel fit is
exemplary, notable for a large American cruiser of this era. Loaded
to the gills, equipment includes the signature swing-away steering
column, pushbutton radio, power windows, power seats, power top,
heavy-duty battery, power steering, power brakes, Thunderbird floor
mats and an extremely rare console mounted "Rotunda" tachometer.The
outstanding restoration continues in the cabin, which features
factory-correct light silver blue metallic leather upholstery
accented with sparkling chrome and aluminum accents for a
sophisticated, upscale ambience. As with the body, the detailing is
superb, with crystal clear instruments and a factory correct radio.
The spotless engine compartment includes chrome air cleaner, proper
"Thunderbird" valve covers, and correct stickers and tags.A veteran
of the concours lawn, the car has been awarded 1st place at the
2008 Vintage Thunderbird Club International Convention, as well as
being shown at the Meadowbrook Concours, Indy Classic, Milwaukee
Masterpiece, and the Ault Park Concours d'Elegance.Any
third-generation Thunderbird makes a strong impression, with many
considering its styling to be the finest ever applied to the
long-running Ford model. This 1962 "M-Code" Sports Roadster adds
incredible rarity and an award-winning, well-maintained restoration
to the mix, placing it at the very pinnacle of Thunderbird
desirability. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7683-1962-ford-thunderbird-sports-roadster/
