Highlights

Beautiful example in cream with blue leather interior
Good history file including original manuals
Highly original and factory correct with upgraded chromed rims
Recent upgrade to alternator to improve reliability
Runs well and very smooth to drive
Great example of these ‘60s American design icons

The Appeal

In the early 1960s Detroit changed direction. Gone were the excesses of the 50s, in its place a more restrained, European-influenced aesthetic. But designers like Bill Boyen, who penned this third generation Thunderbird, didn’t fully break with heritage. Look around this beautiful ‘62 car and your eye will be rewarded by acres of chrome and lovely detailing.

This is surely one of the best-looking American cars of the era, if not of any contemporary manufacturer. Contemporary reviewers loved it, praising the lines, refinement, performance and smooth ride of these landmark ‘personal luxury’ cars.

With its fetching cream paintwork and blue leather interior, this gorgeous Thunderbird oozes class. Aside from a colour change, it is pleasingly original - check inside and you’ll still find the ‘swing away’ steering wheel. Only the purposeful chrome rims deviate from standard.

It arrived in the UK in 2017, and there have been just two keepers in that time. The car is naturally MOT exempt but for reassurance a recent MOT expired in May 2023 with no advisories. There is a thick history file and the vendor informs us the car runs and drives both very well and smoothly.

With its power steering and brakes, four-seat layout, endless shiny chrome and those crisp lines, the Thunderbird is one of motoring’s most compelling classics. Don’t miss this great example.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1962
First UK registered 6th July 2017
Two registered UK keepers
Current keeper since May 2022
Vendor purchased car to fulfill a long-held wish
VIN number 2Y83Z149159
Chassis prefix ‘83’ confirms this car was built in 1962
Originally painted Silver Mink (Paint Code G) with Light Silver Blue Metallic leather (trim code 80)
DVLA and UK importation documents as shown
Various manuals and magazines as shown
Receipts and invoices since arriving in the UK shown in photos
V5C in current keeper’s name
Registered as a Historic Vehicle
Last MOT expired 5th May 2023 with no advisories
1,000 miles showing on last MOT and now reported to be on 4,300 miles
Vendor believes that the car has covered 104,300 miles from new but this is not verified
Some old photographs of the car as shown in photos

The Condition

Smart cream paintwork in good overall condition with quality respray finish
There are some light marks including wings, bonnet and boot as shown in photos
These do not detract from the overall impression and are light for car’s age
Bodywork presents very well with straight panels, good panel edges and flush fit
There are some small areas of bodywork to note as shown in photos
These include small bubbling and marks to rear arches
Front driver’s side arch shows some light marks to arch edge
Beautifully detailed car with extensive chromework which presents well
Chromework appears to be original, bright and largely free from patination
Lights in good order with clear lenses and no obvious damage to note
Underside is well kept with no structural advisories on last MOT
Vendor has not reported any structural issues with car
Smart Sundym-style glass in good order with no obvious screen damage
Fitted with chromed aftermarket rims in good order showing light tarnish
White banded tyres which appear to be in good sidewall condition with decent remaining tread
Spare wheel in boot with faux wire trim included
Exterior rubber seals appear to be well kept with no reported issues
Magnificent blue leather 2+2 interior in lovely, lightly patinated condition
The mid-blue leather cabin is similar but darker than the original Silver Blue metallic leather factory trim
Retains compelling original features including Swing Away wheel and optional AM radio
Leather seats are well kept showing little wear or use
Fitted with lap belts to the front seats
Blue carpets in good order with some light ageing to note
Boot carpet is complete and appears undamaged but shows some staining
Headlining is in good condition with some light ageing to note
Dashboard, dials and switchgear in good order with no obvious cracks to former
Aluminium trim to dashboard and across cabin in original, lightly aged condition
There is some age to note to the original blue-rimmed wheel

The Mechanics

Ford 6.4L ‘FE’ V8 390CI engine
350bhp output at crankshaft
Four barrel carburettor
3spd automatic gearbox with column shift
Front disc brakes, power steering and power brakes
Alternator upgraded by seller to improve reliability
Well detailed engine bay including original Ford screenwash bag
Vendor tells us the car runs nicely and engine is smooth
We have no reports of running or driving issues
No advisories on last MOT which expired in May 2023

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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