Summary

One of 455 produced. A genuine factory-produced sports roadster. Two-owner car. 390cid OHV V8 engine, 4 barrel Holley carburetor, 300hp at 4,600 rpm, 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission. From the Gateway Auto Museum.

Details

The Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster is without question among the most important examples of the model. With only 455 produced, it is certainly the most rare. This one features a 390cid OHV V8 engine, 4 barrel Holley carburetor producing 300hp at 4,600 rpm with 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, front and rear drum brakes as well as front upper and lower A-Arms with coil springs and a rear live axle with leaf springs. The correct Sand Beige paint is in excellent condition and has been very well cared for. This rare and understated color allows the futuristic 'Bullet-Bird' styling of the Sports Roadster to take center stage. The effect is an easy elegance that absolutely suits the Thunderbird. The signature feature of the Sports Roadster model is a fiberglass tonneau that fits over the rear seats, effectively creating a streamlined two-place roadster from the four-seater. These Thunderbirds also feature Kelsey Hayes chrome wire wheels that give the car a just a hint of pizzazz. This Sports Roadster has been stored in a climate-controlled garage since new and maintained with remarkable dedication. The engine and transmission were rebuilt 3,500 miles ago and the car is in impressive mechanical condition. Proof of this exists in that the car completed a 2,650-mile tour after the rebuild, completely without incident. The Art Querfeld-designed pearl-beige interior is also in extraordinary condition. The bucket seats are separated by a center-console that flows uninterrupted to the almost perfectly symmetrical dashboard, creating a remarkably modern cockpit. The standard swing-away steering wheel eases entry and exit for drivers of all shapes and sizes. The automatic convertible top has recently been refreshed and operates amazingly. Many consider this to be among the very best interiors of the 1960s, and this is a fine example. This car is well documented with a well-established history. A two-owner car, this Sports Roadster has Thunderbird Sport Roadster Society certification and a service history from the day the original owner took delivery, including many receipts, the original owner's manual, warranty book and service shop manual. Also included are several period advertisements collected by the original owner, magazines featuring the Sports Roadster and several badges from shows and meets in which this car has participated. The Bullet Birds are beloved for their sporting character and elegant styling and this 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster is a truly exceptional example of this rare and desirable model. The car carries extensive documentation and has been lovingly cared for by just two owners. It is surely among the best Sport Roadsters known to exist and a wonderful opportunity for collectors of mid-century Americana.