The concept of personal luxury reached new heights in the early 1960s when the Ford Thunderbird played a key role in the inaugural parade for President John F. Kennedy. There were reportedly 50 Thunderbirds used in his parade in January 1961. All were convertibles, and all were said to be finished in Mahogany. The marketing presence paid off, and between 1961 and 1963, there were over 214,000 Thunderbirds sold to the American public.
The Pick of the Day is a 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Kelowna, British Columbia. (Click the link to view the listing)
The car is finished in Chestnut Metallic (paint code V) and was originally delivered to Hayward Motors, in Hayward, California. The listing doesn’t specify how or when the car found its way to Canada later in life, but the condition, at least in photos appears to speak for itself. “Totally restored to original condition with as many original Ford parts as possible,” the seller says. “Always stored in a heated garage and only driven on dry sunny days. Award winning car ready to show.”
The 1962 Thunderbird was marketed as being more luxurious than its predecessor – and perhaps more luxurious than virtually any other automobile in the marketplace. One of the magazine advertisements from that era said, “Thunderbird Hour is the shimmering part of any day, the moments when this subtly sculpted motor car moves with your slightest hint… gliding as silently as sea mist… soaring to the imperative of Thunderbird power. Miles seem too brief when you are sheathed in such individual luxury.”
The Sports Roadster, as featured here, was unique for a few reasons: It came with 48-spoke Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, unique fender badging, and – perhaps most notably – a color-matched fiberglass tonneau cover that went over the back seat to give the car a two-seat appearance. Among its distinctive interior features was the “Swing Away” steering wheel. With the transmission gear selector in Park, the steering wheel could move 18 inches to the right, allowing for easier entry and exit for the driver.
Under the hood, power comes from a 390cid “FE” V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and torque is transferred to the rear wheels via a push-button Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The seller believes that the 92,280 indicated miles are original, although such has not been verified.
The asking price is $68,000 USD or best offer. The car will come with invoices, a shop manual, a build sheet, and other documentation. You will surely feel like a presidential elite cruising this thing around town.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, fly over to check it out at Pick of the Day.
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