Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

1962 Ford Thunderbird Factory Sports Roadster M-code #46 Of 120 on 2040-cars

US $55,000.00
Year:1962 Mileage:68330 Color: Rangoon Red /
 Black
Location:

United States

United States
Advertising:
Transmission:Automatic
Body Type:Sports Roadster Convertible
Engine:V8 390ci 340HP
Vehicle Title:Clear
For Sale By:Private Seller
Condition:
Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. ...
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
: 2Y89M147868
Year: 1962
Interior Color: Black
Make: Ford
Number of Cylinders: 8
Model: Thunderbird
Trim: Sports Roadster 2-door Convertible
Drive Type: RWD
Options: Leather Seats, Convertible
Mileage: 68,330
Power Options: Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
Sub Model: M-Code
Exterior Color: Rangoon Red

Of the 1,427 Thunderbird Sports Roadsters produced in 1962, this example VIN#2Y89M147868 is one of only 120 factory Sports Roadsters to be fitted with the “M”-code tri-power high performance engine.  The “M” Roadster’s power plant is a 390cu. in. overhead valve V8 with 10.5:1 compression, three two-barrel Holley carburetors, three-speed automatic cruise-o-matic transmission, front independent and 3:00 live rear axle with leaf-spring suspension and a wheelbase of 113".  This formidable “M” power plant produced an impressive 340 horsepower and is enhanced on this car by an engine dress up kit. In addition to the highly sought after M-code engine option, the Thunderbird Sports Roadster comes equipped with power steering, four wheel power drum brakes, power windows, a power seat, tilt-away steering wheel, AM/FM radio and an analog clock with the original internal working movements.  The Thunderbird is cosmetically original and mechanically restored to the highest standards with meticulous attention paid to authenticity and Vintage Thunderbird Club standards. Today this Thunderbird Sports Roadster ranks among the best of the few examples left in existence.  Such limited production numbers have rendered the M-Code Sports Roadster one of the most collectable Ford automobiles to date. This original example with all matching numbers is no exception and simultaneously remains a potent performer and a viable competitor at respected show events.

Finished in its original Rangoon Red accented by an original Black convertible top, beautifully original chrome and red tonneau cover, at first glance, the Sports Roadster commands attention. The cockpit-style interior remains in excellent condition, and features the original black upholstery with black carpeting.  Up close the viewer is rewarded as finer details come into view with excellent detailing present on all areas of the car. The Thunderbird presented here possesses both the Sports Roadster package and the “M”-Code engine, making it the ultimate embodiment of the enthusiast’s Thunderbird.

The original engine bay is impressively detailed, with correct finishes used throughout. In addition, the current owner has kept original the bright components, including the hood hinges and latches, the coolant recovery tank, and the optional engine dress-up kit. The car also features a highly detailed trunk with well-fitted, period correct floor mats and spare tire cover. Additionally, the power top mechanism and wiring are in very good order.

This handsome Thunderbird is one of a mere 120 Sports Roadsters produced in 1962 with the M-Code high-performance engine, and is offered with its original build sheet and a copy of the original shipping invoice. It will provide its next owner/collector/museum with an abundance of style and top-down motoring excitement with the value of a rare appreciating investment.

Purchased by its current collector over 25 years ago from an individual who owned the vehicle for 25 years, this all-original Sports Roadster is one ultra-rare Thunderbird delivered with the factory M-Code option.

History of the M-Series Sports Roadster Thunderbird:

The third generation Ford Thunderbird introduced in 1961 reflected the bold, youthful enthusiasm taking hold in the U.S. Its aggressive, sleek design, influenced by the aerodynamic fighter jet, captivated youthful president-elect John Kennedy, who used 50 Thunderbirds in his inaugural procession.

Ford executives positioned the Thunderbird in the low-end luxury segment, and the model's shining star was the convertible Sports Roadster, an option package available only in 1962 and 1963. Ford only made 1,427 convertibles with the Sports Roadster package in 1962 and a mere 455 Sports Roadster in 1963. The company would have built more, except for the price of the Sports Roadster package, which drove the convertible to only $149 less than the price of a Cadillac ’62 convertible. This impacted sales, but not desire.

The original Ford Thunderbird was an irresistible combination of luxury and sportiness that appealed to a much larger market than did the Chevrolet Corvette. The second-generation “Square Birds”, which provided seating for four, proved even more popular and it was clear that consumers were primarily concerned with personal luxury over sportiness. The third-generation Thunderbird, introduced in 1961, featured a sharply-pointed front profile, and was aptly nicknamed the “Bullet Bird”.

The third generation Thunderbird did little to stem the tide of complaints from sports car devotees. Tired of hearing from discontented dealers, Lee A. Iacocca finally charged Bud Kaufman with finding a solution. The resultant Sports Roadster package consisted of a hard tonneau cover sealing off the rear seats and adding drama while imitating the original two-seat Thunderbird. Conveniently, the convertible top could be raised with the tonneau cover in place. Available as a dealer-installed item, the tonneau cover was made available near the end of first year production. Sales were so promising that Iacocca asked Kaufman to have a Sports Roadster variant of the Thunderbird ready in time for the introduction of the 1962 model year.. Also included was special badging, a color-keyed passenger assist bar mounted on the dashboard and five Kelsey-Hayes chrome plated wire wheels with knock off centers.

Meanwhile, Ford continued to offer a series of high-performance engine choices for the customer who wanted all the comfort the Thunderbird offered as well as enough power to embarrass Corvette owners. By 1962, the M-Code 390 cubic inch V8 engine was released, with induction handled by a trio of Holley two-barrel carburetors. This engine produced a stout 340 brake horsepower, and moved the “Bullet Bird” with authority.

While the Sports Roadster was a particularly desirable variant and a favorite of such notables as Dino de Laurentiis and Elvis Presley, it was the M-Code variant that added yet another level of exclusivity to the mix.

Serious Buyers/Collectors call 585-202-7362 to have any questions answered.

Body 76B Color J Color 56 Date 01C DSO 23 Axle 1 Transmission 4

Sports Roadster Convertible, Rangoon Red Ext, Black Vinyl Int & Top, March 1 1962, PA, 3:00, Cruise-O-matic

MATCHING NUMBERS FOR M-CODE AUTHENTICITY:

C2SE A A 2LB              MIDDLE CARB

C2SE B A 2KB              BACK CARB

C2SE B A 2BB              FRONT CARB

C2SE 6090-A                 BLOCK

C2SF 12127-B               DISTRIBUTER

C1SD 7000-F PCE-K   TRANSMISSION

Recent Auction Sales of the ‘62-‘63 Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster

Auction Results For 1962 M-series Thunderbird Sports Roadster

Results

Auction

 

1962 Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster
(No reserve)
ENGINE - V8; 390ci; 340hp
BODY STYLE - Roadster
EXT COLOR - Raven Black; White Top
INT COLOR - Black

$51,150

2013 Auctions America by RM Auctions

 

1962 Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster
(No reserve)
ENGINE - V8; 390ci; 340hp
BODY STYLE - Roadster
EXT COLOR - Red
INT COLOR - Black

$58,000

2012 Mecum

 

1962 Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster
Chassis Num: 2Y89M153372
ENGINE – V8; 390ci; 340hp
BODY STYLE - Roadster
EXT COLOR - Black
INT COLOR - Black

$99,000

2011 Barrett-Jackson

 

1962 Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster
(No reserve)

$70,000

2011 Mecum

 

1962 Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster
(No reserve)
76B on the body tag, factory air, Kelsey Hayes wire wheels

EXT COLOR - Rangoon Red,

$55,000

2010 Barrett-Jackson

 

1962 Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster
Complete rotisserie restoration, original documents.

$79,200

2007 Barrett-Jackson

 

1962 Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster Chassis Num: 2Y89M149460

$121,000

2006 RM Auctions

 

1962 Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster
Chassis Num: 2Y89M150858

$68,750

2006 RM Auctions

 

Auction Results For 1963 M-series Thunderbird Sports Roadster

Results

Auction

1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster
390cid/340hp Tri-Power V8 with an automatic, power steering and brakes. A real Roadster completely restored with matching numbers.

$71,500

2007 Barrett-Jackson

1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster

$64,900

2007 Barrett-Jackson

1963 Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster
Chassis Num: 3Y89M100215

$192,500

2006 RM Auctions

1963 Ford Thunderbird M-Code Sports Roadster
Chassis Num: 3Y85M109530

$88,000

2006 RM Auctions

Auto blog

Shelby boosts production of 575-hp Raptor on early demand

Mon, 08 Apr 2013

Shelby American unveiled its all-new Shelby Raptor at the New York Auto Show last month, saying that it would build just 100 examples of its off-road bad boy, a pickup priced at $17,995 over the cost of the donor Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. But the Las Vegas outfit apparently underestimated just how popular the supercharged 575-horsepower 4x4 would actually be.
Strong early demand reportedly has Shelby singing a whole new tune, as the company is now saying it will build upwards of 500 units annually. While the increased production will likely make for at least 400 more happy owners, those who were on the original short list - possibly speculating on future values - might not be grinning as much. Needless to say, the company has assured everyone that each and every one of the modified Raptors will still be listed in the official Shelby registry.
Keep in mind that Ford isn't sitting idle on its trophy-truck-for-the-street, either. The company will reveal its own 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition this month.

Detroit's new fleet of donated police cars have safety issues [w/video]

Wed, 23 Oct 2013

In a show of generosity in mid-August, Detroit's business leaders donated $8 million to the Police Department and Fire Department in order to buy 100 new police vehicles and 23 EMS ambulances. But now officers have discovered - and complained - that the police vehicles have glaring safety issues, Deadline Detroit reports. It is not made clear what models of the fleet vehicles - which include police versions of the Ford Taurus, the Chevrolet Caprice and the Dodge Charger - are affected by the safety issues.
Officers reportedly have complained that the Plexiglass partition separating front-seat officers and back-seat prisoners is easily breached, and that the front passenger seat is installed too close to the dashboard. Prisoners who manage to writhe out of their handcuffs can bend the Plexiglass and reach into the cockpit, and sitting too close to the dashboard can render airbags more dangerous and make officers more vulnerable to injury in a crash.
Mark Diaz, president of the Detroit Police Officers Association, received the complaints and reportedly said the vehicles would get safety updates addressing the issues. But Deadline Detroit reports that it checked some of the offending police cars and, as of the last few days, they hadn't been updated.

Ford bondage ads reportedly trigger firings at Indian ad agency

Wed, 27 Mar 2013

You will probably remember the ads for the Ford Figo hatchback in India, the ones that showcased the extra large boot of the little hatchback by joking that you can fit three of your enemies in the trunk. One of the ads had Michael Schumacher in the front seat, obviously pleased about having Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso tied up in the back. But the other two had Paris Hilton and ex-Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi up front and three bound and gagged women in the back - in Hilton's case (shown above), it was the Kardashians.
This did not go over well, and Reuters reports that certain employees at JWT India have been fired over the matter. It is also reported that the images weren't actual advertisements, nor were they part of an actual campaign; JWT said they "were never intended for paid publication, were never requested by our Ford client." A JWT rep said the employees who created the ads did so on their own, Ford commented to Automotive News that the ads were "part of a creative exercise intended to test concepts for an advertising competition."
The problem, if the story is to be believed, is that the employees skipped the regular review protocols and uploaded their work to an ad industry site - they were found on Ads of the World. That page, like the employees, has been removed.