Summary

Powered by a 390ci OHV V8 engine topped with three Holley 2-barrel carburetors backed by a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. One of only 37 M-Code 1963 Sports Roadsters; built with nearly every available factory option. Multiple award-winner.

Details

This is one of only 37 M-Code 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadsters built, with nearly every available factory option. This car received an exceptional restoration by noted model expert Jim Wulf. It is powered by a 390ci OHV V8 engine with three Holley 2-barrel carburetors, with factory 340hp at 5,000 rpm. The engine is backed by a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission and the car is equipped with 4-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes, independent front coil-spring suspension and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs. According to Ford factory records, this Thunderbird was built on October 5, 1962, and was shipped to Twin County Motor Co. in Galax, VA. Its M-Code 390ci engine boasted high compression (10.5:1) and three Holley two-barrel carburetors. It produces 340hp and an impressive 430 ft/lbs of torque. As delivered, this Thunderbird was opulently appointed with Rangoon Red paint, a luxurious black leather interior, engine dress-up package, air conditioning, power windows, power seats, seat belts, tinted glass, heavy-duty battery, windshield washers and even the exceedingly rare vacuum-assisted power door locks. The MSRP for this top-of-the-line Thunderbird was $6,868.19, a staggering figure in 1963. Discovered in unrestored condition in 2007, this Thunderbird was rescued and treated to a multi-year restoration. In 2011, it was sold and delivered to respected Thunderbird restorer Jim Wulf of Doylestown, PA. The restoration was revisited and brought to concours standards, using the original build and gate release to ensure accuracy. The exhaustive research collected for this restoration was incorporated into the 1961-63 Official Factory Specifications Manual by acclaimed model expert Alan Tast's Vintage Thunderbird Club International - thus making this vehicle's restoration the standard by which others are now judged. Since its restoration was completed, the Sports Roadster has earned many high-level awards, including a perfect 300-point score at the 2014 VTCI Convention and a perfect 400 at the 2014 AACA Annual Grand National, among many other prestigious honors. Other awards include AACA National Fall Meet, Hershey, PA, October 2011 (National first place Junior); International Thunderbird Club, Wilminton, DE, June 2012 (First Place Formal); Vintage Thunderbird Club International, Charleston, SC, September 2012 (First Place Primary); AACA National Fall Meet, Hershey, PA, October 2012 (National First Place Senior); AACA Annual Grand National, Moline, IL, June 2013 (First Grand National, Preservation Award); Vintage Thunderbird Club International, Houston, TX, September 2013 (First Place Senior, Wixom Authenticity Award); Vintage Thunderbird Club International, Houston, TX, September 2013 (First Place Senior, Wixom Authenticity Award); Vintage Thunderbird Club International, New Orleans, LA, May 2014 (First Place Senior, Best of Show); AACA Grand National Lebanon, TN, June 2014 (Senior Grand National); and AACA National Awards Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, February 2015 (Outstanding Postwar Car Award).