Personal luxury concept In the early 1960s, the Ford Thunderbird reached new sales highs when it played a prominent role in President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural parade. Reportedly, 50 Thunderbirds were used in President Kennedy’s parade in January 1961. All were convertibles and were said to be mahogany in color. The marketing campaign paid off, and more than 214,000 Thunderbirds were sold to the American public between 1961 and 1963.
Today’s Featured is a 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Convertible, for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Kelowna, British Columbia. (Click on the link to view the listing)
Finished in Maroon Metallic (paint code V), the car was originally delivered to Hayward Motors in Hayward, California. The listing doesn’t say how or when the car later came to Canada, but the condition, at least from the photos, seems to speak for itself. “Completely restored to original condition, using as many original Ford parts as possible,” the seller says. “Always stored in a heated garage and driven only on dry, sunny days. Award-winning car ready to show.”
The 1962 Thunderbird was billed as more luxurious than its predecessors, and perhaps more luxurious than any other car on the market. A magazine ad from the time read: “Thunderbird Hour The most shining moment of every day, this meticulously crafted vehicle moves at your slightest hint…gliding as quietly as an ocean mist…soaring with the power of a Thunderbird. Long journeys seem all too short when you’re immersed in such personal luxury.”
The Sports Roadster featured here is unique for several reasons: It features 48-spoke Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, unique fender badges, and—perhaps most notably—a color-matched fiberglass tonneau cover that covers the rear seats, giving the car a two-seater appearance. One of its unique interior features is the “Swing Away” steering wheel. When the transmission gear selector is in park, the steering wheel can be moved 18 inches to the right, making it easier for the driver to get in and out.
Under the hood, power comes from a 390cid “FE” V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, with torque sent to the rear wheels via a push-button Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The seller believes the 92,280 miles posted are original, though that has yet to be confirmed.
List price is $68,000 or highest offer. The car will come with invoices, repair manuals, assembly sheets and other documentation. You will definitely feel like a presidential elite driving this car around town.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, fly over to Daily Picks.
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