1962 Ford Thunderbird on 2040-cars

Advertising:

Year: 1962
Exterior Color: Chestnut
Make: Ford
Interior Color: Chestnut
Model: Thunderbird
Number of Cylinders: 8
Trim: base coupe 2 door
Options: Leather Seats
Drive Type: rear wheel drive
Mileage: 83,686

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. ... 

The "Bullet Bird" is an outstanding piece of American history from the time of Camelot.  Before the assassinations,  riots, Vietnam and Kent State.  The "Bullet Bird came out in 1961 and supposedly former Ford executive, Robert McNamara arranged to have 200 white Thunderbirds in Washington DC for John Kennedy's inauguration.  The styling is like no other from that time, but is purely early 60's  Americana.  Sleek lines and jet afterburner styled taillights are reminiscent of that era's Century Series jet fighters.  The dash was more a wrap around cockpit that merged into a large console separating two bucket seats.  A high tech steering column swung inward for ease of access, then back into position after the driver strapped in.

This incredibly original 1962 Thunderbird is one of the purest survivors available.  The car was sold new in Longview, Washington and had had only two owners and 75,000 miles on it when sold by a prominent classic car dealer in Portland, Oregon around 2002.  It was only driven 7,000 miles since and and was parked in a garage when the tags expired in 2006.  In the last 3 months it has had the fuel tank drained and flushed, a new radiator, water pump, belts / hoses, master cylinder, brake booster, starter and solenoid.  Brakes were inspected, front hubs turned and a wheel cylinder replaced.  Then it was given a major tune up and carburetor overhaul.  Finally the original Kelsey Hayes steel wheels were sandblasted, repainted and mounted with new Kuhma whitewall radial tires.  Everything works and it runs like when new.  The chrome trim and bumpers are lustrous and perfectly straight.  The body is very very straight and has been professionally inspected with no signs of previous damage.  The doors, hood and trunk hinges are smooth and solid, the fit is like it was on the showroom floor.  The glass is all original tinted and has no cracks, pitting or chips.  The seats are all original leather with negligable wear or sagging.  The headliner is perfect. The carpets are original and show almost no wear. The floor mats may be very likely original also. The engine and engine compartment are completely original and no attempt has been made at detailing or repainting anything under the hood (except the previously described new parts).  The trunk is in very good condition with the original cardboard paneling and a serviceable matching white wall spare tire.  Included with the car are the two sets of original keys and original owner's manual.

In preparing this car several hard decisions were made, if I've erred, it would be on the side of originality. (See Pictures to view the following details)  The detail process was limited to cleaning only, nothing has been repainted and nothing replaced with new parts to dress it up or make it appear like new. The paint was very nice, but needed buffing to removed some oxidation, tree sap and bird droppings. Knowing that even the most skillful buffing would produce some thin spots I elected to have it buffed, sealed and hand waxed.  The result is an incredibly lustrous deep finish, but there is now some thin paint along the top gutters where rust stains were removed and a stain that couldn't be removed on side of the top below the emblem and 3 spots on the hood where bird droppings were removed.  There is also a buffer burn between the chrome trim and hood on the right nose of the car.  All of these flaws are easily spotted in, but I want that to be the buyer's decision.  In addition there is a 3" cut on the side of the driver's seat and cracks in the dash at each of the 4 corners of the speaker.  Both the driver's and passenger's door panels have cracks also.  While the carpets are practically free of wear, they have faded in spots. The hood insulation was tattered so subsequently removed.  The trunk lining is a cardboard product and is heavily damaged on it's base and somewhat warped on the right horizontal.  Both reproduction hood insulation and trunk lining are readily available, but again, I want that to be the buyer's decision.  2 of the 4 hubcaps are in very condition and the other two are good but have a few small dents, minor rust and discoloration.  All 4 of the hubcap's painted surfaces are faded.   There are 3 pieces of chrome interior trim surrounding the top and sides of the windshield that are deeply pitted.  All of these issues are easily repaired or replaced, but as I have stated several times before I felt it should be the buyer's decision.  My mantra is "They're only original once!"