Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster, 1963
Ford Thunderbird IV
Ford Thunderbird IV•
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Chassis No.: 3Y89M118121
Auction: Monterey 2023
Auction date: August 19, 2023
Lot No.: S18
$151,250 | Sold
- Odometer: 38,895 miles
- Engine: V-8
- Transmission: Manual
- Exterior: Rangoon Red
- Interior: Red
- Body: Sports Roadster
- Factory M-code Sports Roadster, purported to be 1 of 37 made for 1963
- 390 CI V-8 engine with Tri-Power
- Carburetors rebuilt in 2022
- 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission
- Rangoon Red with Red interior
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- Power top just serviced including new correct original-style hydraulic rams
- Air conditioning
- Build sheet and gate release
- Delivered new to Fairway Motor Co, Inc. in Rockford, Illinois
Ford’s third-generation Thunderbird debuted for 1961, and while the sleek new design was successful, many buyers still yearned for the original two-seat T-Birds of 1955-57. In response, Ford stylist Bud Kaufman designed a neat fiberglass tonneau cover that fitted over the rear-seat area, creating the visual impression of a two-seat roadster. Racy faired-in and upholstered headrests, reminiscent of the era’s sports-racing cars, occupied the leading edge of the tonneau, just above the bucket seatbacks. Factory-available with the tonneau cover for 1962-63, the Thunderbird Sports Roadster also included a set of Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels and deletion of the normal rear-fender skirts.
The Sports Roadster was priced from $5,500 new and production was limited with just 1,427 factory-built for 1962, plus another 455 for 1963 and a handful upgraded by Ford dealers for 1964. Today, with their projectile-like Jet Age styling and brawny 390 CI V-8 powerplants, these sleek Thunderbirds continue to rank among the most desirable and collectible Thunderbird models ever produced. From 1962, the Thunderbird Sports Roadster experience truly lived up to the model name with an optional high-performance M-Code 390 CI V-8 engine developing 340 HP with triple Holley 2-barrel carburetors.
This factory M-Code Thunderbird Sports Roadster is exceedingly rare and purportedly one of just 37 produced for 1963. Delivered new to Fairway Motor Co. Inc. in Rockford, Illinois, it is unforgettably finished in Rangoon Red with a red interior. The 390/340 HP M-Code V-8 engine with tri-power benefits from a rebuild of the carburetors in 2022 and delivers the power via a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. Options and amenities are many, including power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, a power driver’s seat, center console, windshield washer, power windows and a pushbutton radio.
Riding on a set of chrome 14-inch wire wheels with three-eared knock-offs and period-style BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewall tires, this rare, high-specification 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster benefits from fresh service work on the power convertible top, including new and correct hydraulic rams. Documents include the factory build sheet and gate release.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/1091835/1963-ford-thunderbird-m-code-sports-roadster/
Cost
555,466 AED
