1963 Ford Thunderbird

1963 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop For consignment, a 1963 Ford Thunderbird hardtop showing 54,585 miles which are not actual, a stunning example with an older restoration, some recent engine work and paint correction that bring it up to par, ready for show, go, and one that will warrant frequent peeks into your garage just to bask in its beauty. Exterior Twenty exterior colors were available in 1963 and white was certainly one of them! Each generation of Thunderbird came with its own nickname, and for 61-63, they had two, bullet bird and rocket bird and justification for the names can be seen in profile as the rounded point of the front fender is indeed bullet shaped, and the movement created by the forward tilted trim, forward leaning C-pillar, and sweeping shoulder line trim creates the optical illusion of forward momentum. The back of a rocket would have a single rounded burner and thats represented by the ridged round tail lights out back, each mated to modest, rising fins. The facia is classic 60s with its fantastic narrow grille, flat trunk lid, (with gentle scoop), and wide set quad headlights, and lets not forget the turquoise Thunderbird on the nose, inspired by the Navajo symbol. Metalwork, including the rechromed bumpers, is in excellent shape throughout the exterior and imperfections in the paint are limited to a ding and some chips and touch ups on the rocker panel. Interior A staggering seventeen interior options were available in 1963, and this black vinyl selection presents beautifully, beginning with the artful door panels with ribbed aluminum insert on smooth and metal trimmed vinyl parts and the dual lens safety/courtesy light is a sign of attention to luxury and detail. Other than some compression for the driver, all the seats are in excellent shape with pleated centers framed by white piping and a stylized Thunderbird emblem on each of the four. Up front, remnants of 1950s lavishness and generous use of polished metals and chrome knobs is evidence, and rocket influence is picked in the three gauges over the ribbed aluminum panel that threads the span of the mid-dash and waterfalls on the center console that holds the climate panel, vents, and horizontal storage. Black loop carpet covers the floor, protected by Thunderbird mats specially contoured for the car. Up above, a perforated white headliner lightens the interior like a cloudless blue sky while the trunk is covered with a woven mat that has seen some use. Drivetrain The clean engine bay contains a 390ci V8 wearing gold valve covers and rated at 300 horsepower. Its equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor and tied to a Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the Ford 9 axle with 3.00 gears. Power brakes are included and assist the drums at all four corners. Undercarriage Relatively clean on this driver quality underside with sporadic surface rust mainly reserved for the first stretch of the exhaust. From there, the single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler on its way to exit via a single tailpipe on the right rear. Theres some residual oil on the pan and some extra grease on the knuckles, but nothing worrisome to our eyes. Suspension consists of coil springs out front and leaf springs in the rear. We note a good amount of surface rust on the bottom of the drivers door. Drive-Ability 60s T-birds are hot in the market and one minute behind the wheel is reason enough. The interior is so different, so removed from what were used to today, and more than anything, its a work of art and a fun place from which to pilot this cruiser. The 390 takes us on the loop and delivers very good power and the low center of gravity provides good handling and straight tracking with great visibility, especially out of the movie screen sized rear window. Everything works on this well sorted Thunderbird and we fly it back to the mall. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. This car was delivered to the Philadelphia District Sales Office and hasnt strayed too far from home. Thunderbirds from the 60s still represent a great way to get into the world of classic cars without breaking the bank and holding a certain mystique as the lesser known Thunderbird. Heres one that needs nothing and like a majestic bird of prey, flies high with power and grace. 3Y83Z150408 3-1963 Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant 83-Thunderbird Hardtop Z-390ci 4bbl V8 150408-Sequential Unit Number WARRANTY PLATE BODY 63A-Thunderbird Hardtop COLOR K-Chalfonte Blue TRIM 56-Black Vinyl DATE 04D-April 4th DSO 23-Philadelphia AXLE 1-Ford 9 3.00 Conventional TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (thats more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!