Sport Roadster Tonneau/Power Convertible Top/390ci With Major Maintenance

1963 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

The Thunderbird and the Corvette have a long and sorted history, with both initially competing for the same customer space. Eventually the Corvette went to racing, and the Thunderbird became the boulevard king. The ultimate getaway car from the kids with a two seat configuration (rear seat is there but covered by cowlings) with a convertible cruiser, it became the "it" car for early 1960's suburbia. With design queues courtesy the jet age, its bullet like front appearance, and jet engine taillights was keying into the upwardly mobile middle class, and growing suburbia.

Offered for sale is a 1963 Ford Thunderbird Convertible in Chestnut Brown exterior and Black vinyl interior. 1963 was the last production year of the third generation of T-birds. Of the total production of 214,375 units produced, only 5,913 were convertibles.

Exterior
A Chestnut Brown bullet shaped model with a white convertible, presents in good overall condition. The mechanicals for this pop top are a marvel of engineering, as the whole long expansive trunk section, and the top become involved in the up and down operation and storage. Paint matching Sport Roadster Tonneau is attached to the back of each bucket, and swoop from the headrest to the rear deck, creating an aerodynamic "bat mobile" look. Chrome and bright work are correct, and in fine shape. Wide white sidewall tires wrap original chrome spoke wheels, which have knockoff hubs. 3 chromed faux jet intake appliqus adorn each exterior door panel and add to the jet look.

Interior
Black vinyl original to the car is seen, and is in full glory, with near nice bucket seats in front, and a bench in the back (although covered by the buckets rear headrests and Sport Roadster Tonneau). A sleek console makes its way to the dash, and houses the vinyl covered console glove box, and ashtray. Horizontal ribbed aluminum snakes its way up to the dash, and proceeds to spread out from side to side over the dash front, and houses the heater and air flow controls, light switches, logos and a very cool swing away steering wheel. Above this are 2 black vinyl winglike structures (can you say bird?) that form the padded dash top. A speaker, radio, and 3-gauge cluster is within these swoops, and all appear in excellent condition. Power windows, power steering, power driver's seat, and power brakes are installed options.

Drivetrain
The car presented has gone through a thorough mechanical restoration which includes a rebuilt transmission with new front and rear seals attached to the original 390ci engine. A complete motor tune up including new plugs, points, condenser and carb rebuild was performed. New brakes on all four corners, including front discs with power booster, replaced the worn discs and drums. The main axle bearings and rear wheel bearings were refreshed with new suspension bearings and complete front-end alignment. The engine head gaskets were replaced with new as well as all hoses and belts. New shocks and HD helper springs completed the suspension restoration.

Undercarriage
Plenty undercoating and rustproofing bathes the undercarriage, which due to said coatings, and is rust free. Rear leaf springs with coil overs are the rear suspension, along with drum brakes. Up front disc brakes are on and also coil overs are here too.

Drive-Ability
To the test track I fired this bullet bird up and shot through the gate. Here it has nice acceleration, smooth shifting, and good handling. This is a very cool car which makes the driver feel very cool, especially since you can have the top down in the middle of winter if you so desire. Nicely preserved for that Sunday drive to plow through some fossils.

A very cool retro mid century, last year of a truly iconic convertible, the 1963 offers an opportunity to own an immediately recognized classic for a below market price. So why not relive that fantasy of leading the "jet set" lifestyle, driving a "jet age" style automobile, flying around town, turning heads while doing so. Look up in the sky!!!...

VIN DECODE
3Y85Z130289
3-1963
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
85-Thunderbird 2 Door Convertible
Z-390ci V8 300hp
130289-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76A-Convertible
COLOR V-Chestnut Brown Metallic
TRIM 56-Black
DATE 28M-December 28th
DSO 41-Chicago
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.