Well Restored/Sport Roadster Tonneau/Solid Underneath/390ci V8/Wonderful Paint

1962 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

The Thunderbird and the Corvette have a long and sorted history, with both initially competing for the same customer space. Eventually the Corvette went to racing, and the Thunderbird became the boulevard king. The ultimate getaway car from the kids with a two-seat configuration (rear seat is there but covered by cowlings) with a convertible cruiser, it became the “it” car for early 1960's suburbia. With design queues courtesy the jet age, its bullet like front appearance, and jet engine taillights was keying into the upwardly mobile middle class, and growing suburbia.

Offered for sale is a 1962 Ford Thunderbird Convertible in bright white for the exterior and silver blue vinyl for the interior. 1962 was the second production year of the third generation of T-birds. Of the total production for 1962, 75,536 units were produced, only 9,844 were convertibles.

Exterior
A respray of white for this bullet shaped model with a white convertible canvas top, presents in good overall condition with a few notable small tears in the top. The mechanicals for this pop top are a marvel of engineering, as the whole long expansive trunk section, and the top become involved in the up and down operation and storage. A paint matching Sport Roadster Tonneau is attached to the back of each bucket, and swoop from the headrest to the rear deck, creating an aerodynamic “bat mobile” look. Chrome and bright work are correct, and in fine shape. Wide white sidewall tires wrap original chrome spoke wheels, which have knockoff hubs. 3 chromed faux jet intake appliqués adorn each exterior rear quarter panel and add to the jet look.

Interior
Silver Blue vinyl, original to the car is seen, and is in full glory, with very nice bucket seats in front, and a bench in the back (although covered by the bucket's rear headrests and Sport Roadster Tonneau). A sleek console makes its way to the dash, and houses the vinyl covered console glove box, and ashtray. Horizontal ribbed aluminum snakes its way up to the dash, and proceeds to spread out from side to side over the dash front, and houses the heater and air flow controls, light switches, logos and a very cool swing away steering wheel. Above this are 2 silver blue vinyl winglike structures, (can you say bird?), that form the padded dash top. A speaker, radio, and 3-gauge cluster is within these swoops, and all appear in excellent condition. Down low on the passenger side of the dash is an aftermarket AM/FM/CD player. Power windows, power steering, power driver's seat, and power brakes are installed options.

Drivetrain
As true for any restoration, plenty of attention has been paid to the engine bay. It has been fully restored, and the engine rebuild took the liberty of painting some black on the block, blue on the air cleaner cover, and adding a pair of chrome valve covers. Nice supple shiny hoses and wiring abounds here and the original FoMoCo windshield wash bag hangs in there on the passenger's side. Specs are a 390ci V8 fed by a single 4-barrel carburetor. A 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission is bolted to the back which sends power rearward to a Ford 9” 3.00 geared rear.
Undercarriage
Plenty of factory undercoating and rustproofing bathes the undercarriage and is rust free. Rear leaf springs are the rear suspension, along with power drum brakes. Up front, more power drum brakes are on along with an independent coil sprung suspension being here too.

Drive-Ability
To the test track I fired this bullet bird up and shot through the gate. Here it has nice acceleration, smooth shifting, and good handling with only the factory AM radio being nonfunctional. This is a very cool car which makes the driver feel very cool, especially since you can have the top down in the middle of winter if you so desire. Nicely preserved for that Sunday drive to plow through some fossils.

A very cool retro midcentury, last year of a truly iconic convertible, the 1962 offers an opportunity to own an immediately recognized classic for a wonderful price. So why not relive that fantasy of leading the “jet set” lifestyle, driving a “jet age” style automobile, flying around town, turning heads while doing so. Look up in the sky!!!…

VIN DECODE
2Y85Z150901
2-1962
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
85-Thunderbird Convertible
Z-390ci V8 4bbl 300hp
150901-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76A-Thunderbird Convertible
COLOR N-Diamond Blue
TRIM 50-Silver Blue Vinyl
DATE 15C-March 15th Build
DSO 74-Seattle
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-Cruise-O-Matic