1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster
Description
“The 1962 Thunderbird… unique in all the world!” proclaimed the Ford Motor Company. Its pioneering personal luxury car was now in the second year of the T-Bird’s third generation, and the new for ’62 Sports Roadster model included an innovative fiberglass tonneau cover, which transformed the four-seat convertible into a sleek two-seater by covering the rear seats. Other specific features include Sports Roadster emblems on the front fenders and a special grab bar on the dashboard. Most Sports Roadsters were finished in Rangoon Red with Black vinyl or optional leather upholstery.
Under the hood, the Sports Roadster came equipped with a powerful Z-Code 390 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 300 horsepower. Ford also offered the rare M-Code option, which included a high-performance version of the 390 engine with three two-barrel carburetors, boosting output to 340 horsepower.
According to the Vintage Thunderbird Club, the 558 Sports Roadsters built before November 1961 share model and body codes with standard convertibles and therefore make them difficult to authenticate. This early (3 October 1961 build date) Sports Roadster, costing an impressive $5963.90 new, is believed genuine based on the window sticker, original dealer invoice, and unique factory equipment, including the four original vibration dampening corner counterweights.
Highlights
Early production example of the first year Sports Roadster
The Z-Code 390 cu-in V8 was overhauled and upgraded to three two-barrel carburetors under previous ownership (original intake manifold, carburetor, and air cleaner are included)
Original Sports Roadster tonneau cover, emblems, and grab bar
14 inch Kelsey Hayes wire wheels standard on Sports Roadster models
The chassis number (2Y85Z109321) decodes as:
2 – 1962 model
Y – Wixom, Michigan, assembly plant
85 – Convertible
Z – 390 cu-in V8
109321 – Unit number
The Data Plate decodes as:
Body: 76A – Convertible
Color: J – Rangoon Red paint
Trim: 56 – Black vinyl upholstery
Date: 03K – October 3 build date
Axle: 1 – Standard differential with 3.00:1 gearing
Transmission: 4 – Three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission
Options on this 1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster include:
Convertible - Sports Roadster – $5,439.00
Rangoon Red – no charge
800 X 14 WSW Tires – $42.10
Power Lift Windows – $106.20
Power Seat Driver – $92.10
Push Button Radio – $112.80
Tinted Glass – $43.00
Windshield Washers – $13.70
Safety Belts – $16.80
Outside Mirror – $5.10
Heavy Duty Battery – $7.60
Features
Recent service includes:
Spark plugs and ignition wires
Engine professionally tuned
215/75 American Classic tires
Power-assisted steering and brakes
Black power convertible top
MagicAire Heater/Defroster
Swing-Away Steering Wheel
Media blasted to bare metal and professionally repainted several years ago
Best of Show at a local Ford Dealer show shortly after repainting (trophy is available).
The seller states the Thunderbird has been stored in an air-conditioned garage for 18 years
Known Imperfections
Dash pad is cracked (replacement NOS dash pad is included)
Included
Spare tire and wire wheel
Original intake manifold, carburetor, and air cleaner
NOS dash pad
Thunderbird floor mats
Window sticker
Dealer invoice
Four original corner counterweights
Ownership History
The original window sticker and dealer invoice shows this 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sport Roadster was delivered new to Tom Zweifel Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The early Sport Roadster was restored under previous ownership, and the consignor acquired it in 2005.
Additional Notes
Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida. Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.
