1962 Ford Thunderbird (1961-1963)

This 1962 Ford Thunderbird is one of approximately 1,425 total examples of the Sports Roadster that were produced for the model year, 120 of which are said to have been built to M-code specification. Finished in black over matching vinyl upholstery, the car is powered by a 390ci V8 topped by three Holley two-barrel carburetors and paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Sports Roadsters were equipped with wire wheels, front fender badges, a passenger-side dashboard grab bar, and a fiberglass tonneau cover for placement over the back seat of the car. Additional equipment includes a power-retractable black soft top, dual exhaust outlets, a driver-side mirror, a swing-away steering wheel, power steering, and a push-button radio. The seller purchased the car in 2014, and service performed under current ownership is said to have involved replacement of the radiator, the exhaust system, the fuel lines, and the brake primary cylinder. This Thunderbird is now offered with manuals and a California title in the name of the seller’s corporation. This car was reportedly repainted in black some time ago under prior ownership. Features include a power-retractable black soft top, a removable fiberglass Sports Roadster tonneau cover, chrome-finished bumpers, quad headlights, reverse lights, front fender badges, windshield washers, a driver-side mirror, and dual exhaust outlets. Chrome-finished 14″ wire wheels wear spinner-style Thunderbird-logo caps and are mounted with 8″-wide BFGoodrich Silvertown whitewall tires. The car came equipped from the factory with power steering, and braking is provided by power-assisted drums at each corner. The brake primary cylinder, rear brake lines, and rear wheel cylinders were replaced under current ownership, and the brakes and the power steering were serviced in preparation for the sale, per the seller. The cabin features manually adjustable front seats and a rear bench trimmed in black crinkle vinyl (56). Stainless-steel trim accents the console, instrument panel, door panels, and rear trim panels. Amenities include a grab bar for the front passenger, a push-button AM radio, a center console, manual windows, and front lap belts. The electric clock and the horn are inoperable. The three-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a swing-away column and frames a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 57k miles, approximately 75 of which were added under current ownership. True mileage is unknown. The power-retractable folding soft top stows into a trunk-style compartment that contains a spare tire as well as mechanisms for raising the rear deck and managing the roof operation. The 390ci V8 is fitted with a trio of Holley two-barrel carburetors and was factory rated at 340 horsepower. The seller states that service performed under current ownership involved replacement of the radiator, the exhaust system, and the soft and hard fuel lines. The carburetors were serviced in preparation for the sale, and the engine oil and coolant were changed. Images of part numbers on the carburetors and other components are provided in the gallery below. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The transmission and differential fluids were reportedly changed in preparation for the sale. The reproduction door tag is shown above. Various stampings and casting numbers are pictured in the gallery. The California title notes “Title Only”.