Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster, 1963
Ford Thunderbird IV
Ford Thunderbird IV•
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Chassis No.: 3Y89Z103700
Auction: Monterey 2023
Auction date: August 19, 2023
Lot No.: F42
$45,100 | Sold
- Odometer: 15,552 miles
- Engine: V-8
- Transmission: Automatic
- Exterior: White
- Interior: Black
- Body: Sports Roadster
- 1 of only 455 Sports Roadsters produced in 1963
- 390/300 HP OHV V-8 engine
- 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- Fiberglass tonneau cover
Following the 1958-60 production run of the large “Square Bird” Thunderbird generation, Ford’s sleek, third-generation “Bullet Bird” Thunderbird series debuted in 1961 and while certainly well received and successful, many buyers still yearned for the original two-seat T-Birds of 1955-57. Designed by Ford stylist Bud Kaufman, a neat fiberglass tonneau covering the rear-seat area created the visual impression of a two-seat roadster. Racy faired-in and padded headrests, reminiscent of the adventurous sports-racing cars of the era, occupied the leading edge of the tonneau, just above the Thunderbird’s seatbacks.
Factory-available with the tonneau cover for 1962-63, the Thunderbird Sports Roadster also included a set of handsome Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels and the deletion of the Thunderbird’s customary 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 then a handful of “Flair Birds” upgraded by Ford dealers for 1964. Today, with their projectile-like “Jet Age” styling cues and muscular 390 CI V-8 powerplants, these sleek Thunderbirds continue to rank among the most desirable and collectible Thunderbird models ever produced.
One of only 455 Sports Roadsters factory-produced for 1963, this example features a 390/300 HP OHV V-8 engine and 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, plus power-assisted brakes and steering. In addition to the unforgettable fiberglass Sports Roadster tonneau cover, this highly equipped and exceptionally rare Thunderbird features an aircraft-inspired interior including bucket seats and a center console. Riding on wire wheels with spinner centers mounting whitewall tires, this Sports Roadster nicely exemplifies the Thunderbird’s early-1960s power and prestige.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/1097482/1963-ford-thunderbird-sports-roadster/
Cost
165,630 AED
