1963 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE
Designer: Joe Oros

Estimate: $32,000 ­ - $41,000

Chassis Number: 3Y85Z159137
Decoded: 3=1963; Y=Wixom, MI assembly; 8=Thunderbird; 5= Convertible; Z=390 cid V8;
159137=59,137th 1963 Thunderbird scheduled for assembly.
Engine: 390 cid OHV “big­ block” V8
4­-barrel Carburetor / 300 bhp
3­-Speed Ford­O­Matc Automatic Transmission
Power Assisted Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Mileage: 4,200

● Attractive “Bullet” Design
● America’s Favorite Personal Luxury Car
● Final Year of Dramatic Styling

The Model: When Ford introduced its first four­ passenger Thunderbird in 1958, a lot of pundits express that the company had lost their mind, the T­-bird was a two­ passenger car and that was it! However, customers thought otherwise and the 1958 Thunderbird was one of just two models that saw sales increase over their 1957 numbers. The popularity of Thunderbird continued to grow and when the 1961 edition was unveiled, the car was like a space­ship, sleek, streamlined and luxury appointed all the way. Sales pulled back a bit due in part to competition from other brands, but Ford held the #1 spot for this market. For 1963 a distinguishing feature line was added starting on the front fenders and moving to the doors, with a trio of hashmark ornaments. Featuring an automatic top that completely folded away in the rear deck, just 5,913 were produced for the final year of this design.

The Car: During its lifetime, Ford’s Wixom Michigan assembly plant consistently produced the best built automobiles in the USA. It was designed to hand only the finest in Ford’s line­up with just Lincolns and Thunderbirds put together there. This car is fitted with an original big­ block 390 cid engine that is topped off with an Autolite four­-barrel carburetor. Standard equipment for the convertible included power steering, power brakes and of course the power operated top. At the touch of a button, the rear hinged deck­lid rises, the top folds into the trunk with the lid closing to secure the top until needed again. This car was treated to a cosmetic restoration several years ago, riding on chrome wire wheels it is finished in Rangoon Red, with white vinyl bucket seats and a matching white soft top. This is not a trailer queen, but a road­-ready machine.