1963 Ford Thunderbird

1963 Ford Thunderbird

One of the so-called “Bullet Birds,” this Ford Thunderbird Hardtop was made when Ford was on a roll; it created the mid-size class of car in 1962 with its Fairlane and the new Mustang was in development for 1964. Unicorn find in this one family owned 1964 T-Bird. The current owner inherited this car from his mother in 1984 is evidensed by the title. His parent purchased the car new in 1963 from McMahon Ford here in St Louis and he states the mileage of 58,9XX are actual from new. During the last 42 years of ownership he has had the car maintained yearly and had a fresh paint job and new interior installed! He stated that he had a tranny cooler installed. Pertronix electronic ignition and had the exhaust manifold replaced and upgraded the exhaust to dual exhaust system. The motor is original to the car as well.

Built in Ford's Wixom, Michigan factory (VIN code Y), this example is dressed in Rangoon Red (code J), this car's paint and trim are in overall very good condition. The chrome bumpers fit tightly to the body; the cargo area is clean and has a spare tire and wheel. The engine bay is tidy. The exterior door handles are built into the car's beltline with a pushbutton below to open the door.

This T-Bird rolls on 14-inch steel wheels mounted on white stripe Hankook Optimo radials topped with factory wheel covers. The tires are in very good order while the wheel covers are in good, original condition.

Under the hood is Ford's 390 CID V-8 engine. (VIN code Z). It's a 16-valve unit (code FE) with a four-barrel carburetor and breathing via dual exhausts. Driver convenience features include air-conditioning, power steering, power brakes and power windows. The motor is wed to a Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission (code MX) and a 3.00:1 final drive. The car appears to retain its original windshield washer fluid bag.

The car has a newer dual exhaust system, a 20-gallon fuel tank and rides on a 113.2-inch wheelbase.

Opening the doors reveals a newer black vinyl-and-cloth interior (code 76). The front buckets and rear bench seat are in overall decent order but the back seat has at least one blemish in the bottom cushion. The headliner looks good but the carpet could use some TLC. The interior's overall black-and-silver color scheme and twin cockpit theme evokes the Space Race of the period. The three-spoke Swing-Away steering wheel has been enhanced with an aftermarket padded rim cover. Swing-Away worked when the car was in Park and the driver could move the wheel and steering column about 18 inches to the right to make entering and exiting the vehicle easier. The center console is in good order and the car has a factory AM radio. Rear windows are inop and A/C blows but not cold.

Other innovations include a floating rear view mirror, directly attached to the inside of the windshield. Several standard features, such as power steering and power brakes, back up lights, and bucket seats, were costly options on most other automobiles of the time. Model options included air conditioning, power windows, power seats, AM radio, fender skirts, and white wall tires. Changes for 1963 were relatively mild. An AM radio and a remote driver's side mirror became standard, while vacuum assisted door locks and an AM/FM radio were added as options.

Competition to this Thunderbird in 1963 included Buick's new-for-'63 Riviera, Chrysler's 300G, Pontiac's Grand Prix and Studebaker's Avanti.

Documentation includes the original owner's manual, a variety of parts manuals and a sheaf of receipts and invoices.

If you are a Ford or a Thunderbird fan, you should consider adding this T-Bird to your collection. Otherwise, this Thunderbird is in search of a new nest to call home. Will it be yours?

VIN: 3Y83Z131005

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

Note: Please see full terms and conditions listed below that pertain to the purchase of any said vehicle, thank you.

Key details
Exterior: Rangoon Red exterior (code J)
Interior: Black and silver vinyl and cloth interior (code 76)
Transmission: Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission (code MX) and 3.00:1 rear end
VIN / chassis: 3Y83Z131005

Offered by MotoeXotica Classic Cars, 2340 Cassens Dr, St. Louis, MO 63026. Taxes, title and fees not included.

Photos courtesy of MotoeXotica Classic Cars.