Vehicle Description
You may be wondering what makes this 1963 Ford Thunderbird hardtop
so special, deserving of the "special edition" and "Principality of
Monaco" monikers. Well, in 1963, for reasons nobody really
understands, Ford built 2000 special Thunderbirds to commemorate
Princess Grace of Monaco, better known here in the States as Grace
Kelly. Does it make it more valuable? Hard to say, but if you like
cars with stories to tell, this one really nails it.
Any "Bullet Bird" is a handsome car, and this special edition
wearing standard-issue Corinthian White, which certainly seems
appropriate on a car celebrating a princess. It's been repainted at
some point, but it looks right with a creamy, soft shine that makes
the Thunderbird look sophisticated. It does not appear that this
car has ever been rusty, and the long, lean bodywork looks
especially attractive with the 1963 model's unique hash marks on
the doors. It's not perfect but nobody's going to complain when
this car shows up at an event and you're going to feel like a movie
star every time you go out because people can't resist waving and
honking at this big white 'Bird. There's still plenty of chrome on
the Bullet Birds, most notably the trim running from the point of
the front fenders all the way back to the abbreviated fins, and we
just love how the door handle is integrated into that line of
chrome. A small hood scoop and jet-exhaust style taillights are
Ford styling cues that they used for years, and a few subtle
Thunderbird emblems use inlaid turquoise to salute the car's
namesake.
The interior appears to be original, so there's some wear and age
that's appropriate to the car's mileage, but nothing serious that
needs immediate attention. Most importantly, the data plate denotes
83 for trim, which was specific for this special edition vehicle.
The subtle colors used inside are a splendid choice, giving the car
movie star good looks with big car comfort. A long list of options
includes ice cold A/C, power windows, power steering, power brakes,
and the standard swing-away steering wheel that really does make it
easy to get in and out. The original radio has been replaced by an
AM/FM/CD/iPod unit that makes this a great road trip car. Beautiful
gauges with clear lenses and bright orange pointers are very
cool-looking and we love the anodized panel that sweeps from end to
end. The Thunderbird has always been about high fashion, and this
car still has it. The trunk is, of course, massive, and includes a
correct mat set that's in great shape.
The engine is the standard Z-code 390 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel
carburetor. There's plenty of muscle on tap here, and this 'Bird
really does move beautifully on the open road. It's been recently
tuned and fitted with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, which is surely
easier to keep in tune than the original Autolite. The engine bay
looks quite correct with its gold air cleaner and valve covers, and
please note how clean the inner fenders are and even that the hood
hinges still have their original cad plating intact. This car has
never seen winter weather, that's for sure! A Cruise-O-Matic
3-speed automatic was the only choice in 1963 and it feeds a set of
3.00 gears out back, making it perfect for high-speed hauls. A new
exhaust system with a bit of a rumble makes it fun to drive, and
the all-original chassis is quite clean, if not detailed for show.
Sparkling chrome wire wheels (not hubcaps!) are always the right
choice on a Bullet Bird, and they're wrapped in appropriate
whitewall radials (the original wheels and hubcaps are included
with the car).
A great-running 'Bird with an interesting story, great colors, and
a ton of class, all for under $20 grand? Don't wait, call
today!
