TOURING T-BIRD: Sammy Hagar’s Classic 1962 Thunderbird at the Scottsdale Auction
January 9, 2025
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
LOT #1071.1 – SAMMY HAGAR’S 1962 FORD THUNDERBIRD – NO RESERVE
Get ready for an electrifying night! Sammy Hagar and his powerhouse bandmates – Michael Anthony, Vic Johnson and Kenny Aronoff – will be rocking the stage live at the “Rock the Block” concert on January 17, the night before the 2025 Scottsdale Auction begins. And here’s the real treat: Hagar revealed he’ll be driving a 1962 Ford Thunderbird (Lot #1071.1) into the arena during the concert, the very same car he cruised in with his legendary Montrose bandmates – founder/guitarist Ronnie Montrose, bassist Bill Church and drummer Denny Carmassi.
The Thunderbird is a beauty, powered by its original 390ci engine and boasting the same drivetrain it had when it first hit the road. Its sleek black exterior is perfectly complemented by a striking red interior, creating a timeless look. Hagar spent two years meticulously restoring this classic back to its original glory, ensuring every detail stayed true to its iconic roots.
The 1962 model year marked the midpoint of the third-generation Ford Thunderbird, produced from 1961 to 1963. As a cornerstone of the burgeoning personal luxury car segment, this generation saw the Thunderbird evolve with a sleeker, more refined design, departing from the bulkier lines of its second-generation predecessor. The ‘62 T-Bird showcased bold styling cues, including the signature bullet-nose grille and dramatic rear-quarter lines, embodying a jet-age aesthetic that appealed to upscale buyers.
This year also marked the debut of the Landau model, which introduced a vinyl roof, giving the Thunderbird an added touch of sophistication. The Landau quickly became a popular option, solidifying its place in the model’s lineage and influencing Ford’s luxury styling choices for decades. With its combination of luxury, innovation and striking looks, the 1962 Thunderbird reinforced its reputation as a trendsetter in American automotive design.
“We drove that car to Winterland and went on stage to play and drove it home afterwards,” Hagar said, adding, “It’s a street rod. It’s made to be driven on the street.”
After its star-studded performance at the concert, the Thunderbird will make its way across the world-famous auction block later in the week, where it will sell with No Reserve. Hagar shared that a portion of the proceeds will benefit suicide prevention, turning this legendary car’s sale into a chance to support a cause close to his heart.
The 2025 Scottsdale Auction is Jan. 18-26 at WestWorld. Reserved seating and hospitality packages for the “Rock the Block” concert, as well as tickets and bidder registration, are available online at Barrett-Jackson.com.
