1962 Ford Thunderbird Base Convertible 2-door 6.4l on 2040-cars

1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster: UNREPEATABLE OPPORTUNITY. 

The 1962 thunderbird sports roadster model is the rarest and most prized of all thunderbirds. Only 1427 were build and 150 known to have survived. To date only 127 are registered with the sports roadster society. Few were built because in its time few people could afford to buy it and it was more expensive than a Cadillac. The base price was $5439, the equipped was $6325. It was one of the great signature designs of the 1960s. It featured sleek styling with clean flanks, rocket like circular tail lights, small razor tailfins, Sharp nose and peak chrome. The car looks “torpedo” like, as if in motion even when parked. It has an almost ballistic urgency and “bullet bird” was the name that stuck.

Inside took the concept of wraparound cockpit to its extreme. With a clean wrap around dashboard that curved at its ends to flow into the door panels. Getting into and out of the driver bucket seat was made easier (if not simpler) with a swing away steering wheel that swung out of the way.

My thunderbird has been certified by the most eminent authorities of sports roadsters, Lois Eminger and Ron Bates. I have a signed certificate of authenticity and registration with the sports roadster society. I also have the original gate release invoice, original dealer invoice window sticker, original owner’s manual, original keys, and original sales brochures catalog. This is all included with the matching car ID numbers. I also have a signed motorized bill of sale from the last owner documenting low mileage of 40371 which is probably true given the impeccable original condition of this car.

Analysis shows that first production began Sept 13/1961. My car VIN number is 2Y85Z106571. This is the most desirable early production 2Y85Z and was built on the second day of production and tagged in the first week on Sept 20^th. It retains the original and most desirable Rangoon red color. The seats, carpets, interior, Kelsey Hayes wire wheels, radio, tinted glass, soft top, body panels etc….are all original to the car. The chrome is in great shape and shows no pitting. The body has no rust corrosion or body fillers/bondo etc…. The swing away steering wheel, power top, power windows, gauges, lights, original clock, cigarette lighter, glove box, courtesy and cigarette lighter light all function flawlessly as they should.

Recent freshening was completed In April 2014. This included a $25K paint job with many hours of old traditional manual body straightening. New gas tank, tank straps, gas sending unit, gas lines, break lines, emergency break cables, shocks, weather-stripping, leaf spring pads, leaf spring shackles, universal joints, original spark plugs, wires, timing tune up adjustment, thermostat, muffler and all fluids were changed. I have receipts of recent work totaling $34,500.

The matching number original engine is the reliable 390 cubic inch V8 with 300 HP and 427 foot pounds of torque. It is matted to the Cruise-O-Matic transmission and shifts smoothly and effortlessly through all gears. The engine bay is highly detailed with chrome dress up. This includes the valve covers, oil fill cap, oil dip stick, air filter housing, radiator expansion tank, fan, fan shroud, fan pulley/clutch, voltage regulator, master cylinder cap, and coil holder.

This car is in an original show room condition. It is an example of a very well

documented vehicle. Always turn heads and draws the biggest crowd. The value is sure to increase with time. Today it is valued by NADA classic car at $74,100 and by Hagerty price guide at $70,000. This is a beautiful rare car that will only go up in value from here on.