Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster, 1962
Ford Thunderbird III
Ford Thunderbird III•
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Chassis No.: 2Y89M169809
Auction: Monterey 2025
Auction date: August 16, 2025
Lot No.: S126
$77,000 | Sold
- Odometer: 183 miles
- Engine: V-8
- Transmission: Automatic
- Exterior: Rangoon Red
- Interior: Red
- Body: Sports Roadster
- 390/340 HP V-8 engine
- Three 2-barrel carburetors
- Automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- Leather upholstery
- Power windows
- White stripe tires
- Chrome wire wheels
- Copy of a build sheet
- Owner’s manuals
Ford and its new president Lee Iacocca were riding high in 1961, when the company launched restyled models across the entire full-size range, the most radical being the Thunderbird. The “Squarebird” styling of previous generation ‘Birds gave way to what designer William Boyer called “projectile” or Space Age styling, with flowing curves, cleaner surfaces and such Jet Age details as pointed front fenders (after the contemporary Lincoln fashion) and single-element “afterburner” tail lights beneath token fins. The following year brought with it a new model: the Sports Roadster.
The most attractive and expensive of the Thunderbird lineup, the Sports Roadster’s key feature was the fiberglass tonneau cover with integrated headrests that completely hid the rear seats, smoothing the car’s silhouette. Also included were chromed Kelsey-Hayes chromed wire wheels with knock-off style spinner center caps (the additional width necessitating open rear wheel wells), whitewall tires and a passenger side grab handle. A new “M-Code” version of the 390 CI Y-Block V-8 was also offered, featuring triple Holley 2-barrel carburetors and producing 340 HP at 5,000 RPM.
The M-Code designation denoted this engine’s unique cylinder heads, valves and springs, a high-volume oil pump, special distributor and larger-diameter dual exhaust pipes. Just 120 Sports Roadster models were produced with the M-Code engine, making these among the rarest of the third-generation Thunderbirds. The splendid example offered here is festooned in lustrous Rangoon Red paint with a matching red interior and power-operated white soft top. Its 390/340 HP M-Code V-8 engine is mated to an automatic transmission and complemented with power steering and brakes.
The 1962 Thunderbird’s jet-inspired interior is well appointed, featuring extensive use of leather upholstery, power windows, power locks, folding front seats and a pushbutton radio. This rare and beautiful 1962 Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster comes with a copy of a build sheet and its owner’s manual.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/1152037/1962-ford-thunderbird-m-code-sports-roadster/
Cost
282,783 AED
