1962 Ford Thunderbird Coupe

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

This “bullet bird” Thunderbird Tudor Hardtop is a California car from new, sold to its first owner in Santa Barbara. The original selling dealer’s license frame is still affixed to the rear license plate. It appears to have been completed on 3 November 1961 at the Wixom, Michigan assembly plant. According to its data trim tag, we know that it was originally finished as it appears today, in the attractive color of Chestnut Metallic over a Light Beige upholstery. It was originally equipped with the 390 cu-in “FE” V8 engine and a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic. 

The Thunderbird has enjoyed its entire life in the care of just two private owners, and is still in the care of its second owner who acquired it in 1976 as her first car. She drove it in Southern California through 1979, then onwards to Texas for U.S. Army basic training, and then to Washington, D.C. for an internship. When that concluded, she and the T-Bird headed back west, stopping for work assignments in Missouri in 1980 and San Antonio, Texas, in 1982. In 1986 the owner was dispatched to Germany for work, and the T-Bird was driven back to California where it was stored in her parents “car barn” until it was unearthed and brought back to life in 2015. A Ford enthusiast and collector himself, the owner’s father commenced cosmetic restoration on the T-Bird in the late 1980s, replacing the rear quarter panels and repainting the car himself in the original shade of single stage enamel Chestnut Metallic. The bumpers were also rechromed around this time.  

In 1977, the original engine was replaced with a short block after an engine failure. This engine has been upgraded with higher performance valves, and more recently has been fitted with a Holley four-barrel carburetor, an alternator in place of the original generator, and electronic ignition. The carpet and headliner were previously reupholstered, while the seats were reupholstered using correct materials. The dash pad was replaced with a FoMoCo dash pad in 2017, while the windshield was also replaced at that time.  

Maintenance over the past several years has included a major fuel system service in 2017 (fuel tank removed, refurbished, and pressure tested upon reinstallation) and a rebuild of the transmission in 2021. In 2022, new drum brakes were fitted, along with new shocks and tie rods. Earlier in 2024, the exhaust was replaced, and a new driver’s side exhaust manifold fitted.  

Today, the T-Bird is an approachable, usable example of an American icon. Its restoration shows its age, some 35 years on, and its paintwork shows flaws and aging throughout, but the car undeniably exudes presence. In the words of its owner: “The car runs and sounds great. It’s not loud, but you know it’s a big block V8. When driven it’s a head turner and smile producer.” What more could one ask? 

Highlights 

• A Charming, drivable example of Ford’s “Bullet Bird” 

• Two owners from new; same owner since 1976 

• Original, attractive color combination  

• Much recent maintenance over the last few years 

• 390 cu-in “FE” V8 with added Holley four-barrel carburetor 

• Three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission 

• Nicely redone carpet, headliner, and seats reupholstered in correct material 

• The chassis number (2Y83Z115457) decodes as: 

  • Model Year 2 – 1962  

  • Assembly Plant Y - Wixom, Michigan 

  • Model 83 - Thunderbird 2-door hardtop 

  • Engine Z - 390 cu-in 4V, V8 

• Consecutive Unit Number 115457  

• The trim tag decodes as: 

  • Body 63A - Tudor Hardtop 

  • Color V - Chestnut Metallic 

  • Trim 84 - Light Beige Leather with Medium Beige Inserts 

  • Date 03L - November 3rd (production completion date) 

  • Axle 1 - 3:00:1 

  • Trans 4 - Three-speed Cruise-O-Matic 

• This 1962 Ford Thunderbird Coupe is offered currently showing approximately 4,710 miles at the time of listing, it is believed that it has rolled over at least once and, as a result, the true mileage is unknown. 

Features  

• 14 inch steel wheels with polished covers 

• Chrome bumpers, front and rear 

• Chrome driver’s side exterior rearview mirror 

• Heater and Defroster 

• Radio 

• Three-spoke steering wheel  

• Polished aluminum interior trim accents 

• Power windows 

• Vent windows 

• Rear seats 

• Dual sun visors 

• Lap seatbelts 

Known Imperfections  

• Paint is an older repaint of mediocre quality and is showing its age; shows some waviness and orange peel in the finish 

• Various dents, dings, and paint chips 

• One fender skirt damaged 

• Passenger side rear window inoperative 

• Clock inoperative 

• Windshield washer inoperative 

Included  

• Fender skirts (damaged) 

• Spare wheel & tire 

• Original carburetor 

• Extra hubcaps 

• Various, incomplete A/C system components from another Thunderbird 

• Owner’s Manual 

• Shop Manual 

• Jack 

Ownership History 

1962 - First owner purchased at Thomson Fauske Ford in Santa Barbara, CA. 

1976 - Acquired by current second owner.

Additional Notes A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.

Contact: David Swig Phone: 415.302.2247 email: dswig@hagerty.com