1963 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop
Description
Ford followed up the three-year run of the “Square Bird” with the freshly restyled “Bullet Bird” in 1961, challenging prospective buyers to “find one that’s standing still” in a period brochure. The new Thunderbird’s projectile-like shape was enhanced by large circular taillights resembling jet engines and a streamlined tonneau cover that covered the back seats in the 1962 Sports Roadster. Under the hood resided an even bigger engine to match its striking looks, as Dearborn’s “FE” V8 was enlarged to 390 cu-in and now pumped out 300 horsepower. Interior appointments remained luxurious with a personal center console, deep foam cushioning, bucket seats, and special convenience features like the first Swing-Away steering wheel. The Bullet Bird saw minor aesthetic changes for its final model year in 1963, including a razor-sharp body line running along the front fenders and doors, angling down behind three new chrome bars. Highly regarded as one of the most beautifully styled cars to ever roll out of Detroit, third-generation Thunderbirds are highly collectible, especially well-preserved examples like the car offered here.
Highlights
Highly original, well-kept survivor
Finished in Tuscon Yellow over Black leather upholstery
390 cu-in V8 topped with a four-barrel carburetor, rated at 300 horsepower
Cruise-O-Matic Drive three-speed automatic transmission
14 inch steel wheels with full wheel covers
Recent service reportedly included replacing the detent plate, gear shift lever, turn signal switch, fuel sending unit, oil & oil filter, transmission fluid, and air filter
The chassis number (3Y83Z162150) decodes as:
3 – 1963 model year
Y – Wixom Assembly
83 – Thunderbird Hardtop serial code
Z – 390 cu-in V8 engine 4V
162150 – the 62,150th Thunderbird scheduled for production
The body tag decodes as follows:
Body 63A – Hardtop
Color R – Tuscon Yellow
Trim 86 – Black Crinkle and Vachette Leather
Date 24F – 24 June
District Code (DSO) 21 – Atlanta
Axle 1 – 3.00:1 Ratio
This 1963 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop is offered with the five-digit odometer currently displaying 20,423 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown
Features
Power brakes
Power steering
Swing-Away steering wheel
Floating day/night inside rearview mirror
Remote-control outside mirrors
Individually adjustable front bucket seats
Padded instrument panel and visors
Deep center steering wheel with horn ring
All-transistor AM radio
MagicAire heater-defroster
Electric clock
Courtesy lights
Dual-lens door lights
Parking brake warning light
Glove box light
Trunk light
Back-up lights
Lighted ignition switch
Variable-speed hydraulic windshield wipers with 18-inch blades
Complete undercoating
Known Imperfections
Minor flaw in the stitching on the driver's seat back rest
Slight cracking of the arm rest upholstery
Included
Spare wheel and tire
Ownership History
The consignor reports that he is the third owner of this 1963 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop having purchased it in 2023. The original owner is said to have owned the car for over 50 years.
