Description
West Coast Classics are proud to present a highly desirable example of the third generation of Thunderbirds and an original factory Sports Roadster, 1 of 1, 427 built, a mostly all original example of this 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster which was originally sold at the 'Dahlberg Bros Inc' Ford dealership of Hopkins, MN and which has been upgraded with the 390 c. i. three two barrel Holley carburetor setup for the desirable 340HP 3x2 BBL V8 engine matched to it's original 'Cruise-O-Matic transmission in completely rust free condition in it's original factory 'Rangoon Red' color (Code J) paint with a 'Black' interior and with factory options including bucket seats, full carpeting, with front console, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power door locks, power front seats, original AM radio, heater & defroster, full instrumentation, sequential turn signals, and obviously the unique swing-away steering wheel & the Roadster's trunk stored power convertible top with the car mounted correctly on it's striking Kelsey Hayes chrome wire wheels with the deletion of the rear fender!
The car will be sold with a copy of its original window sticker and Ford's original gate release sticker showing original factory added options including;
Convertible Sports Roadster ($5, 439)
Rangoon Red
WSW ($42)
Power Lift Windows ($106)
Power Driver & Passenger Seat ($184)
Push Button Radio ($112)
Tinted Glass ($43)
Windshield Washer ($13)
Outside Mirror ($5)
Heavy Duty Battery ($7)
The Thunderbird was redesigned in 1961 with sleeker styling from its previous 'Squarebird' design that gave the bird a renown 'bullet-lie' appearance with an all new bodyshell featuring a severely pointed front end and the car enjoyed a smoother ride with much improved handling and soundproofing. The interior design featured a contoured dash that curved at its outward ends to blend in with the door panels and the model boasted the first 'Swing-away' steering wheel. A new engine, the 390 c. i. 6. 4L V8 was standard and mated to a three speed automatic transmission. A vinyl roofed Landau option with simulated S bars was added to the line up in 1962 as was the legendary Sports Roadster for convertible models.
The Sports Roadster had a special fiberglass tonneau cover for the rear seats which gave the car the appearance of being a two seater roadster like the original Thunderbirds from 1955-57. Priced at over $5, 500 when new only 1, 427 were built in 1962 and just another 455 in 1963 making this one very rare and collectible Ford.
Newly optioned for '62 was an upgraded version of the 390 c. i. V8 named the 'M' code after the designated M used as the engine code in the VIN number of the very few and rare cars equipped with this upgrade. The 'M code version of the 390 c. i. V8 was equipped with no less than three 2 barrel Holley carburetors and produced 340HP. These 'M' code V8 Thunderbirds are exceptionally rare with some reports showing only some 200 in total being built during its production years of 1962-3 and obviously very few are left remaining on the roads today!
This particular car is a factory Sports Roadster with a copy of its original window sticker and the recipient of a restoration some years ago which is holding up very well. The car has been garaged in southern California for most of its life and boasts it's original and highly striking 'Rangoon Red' factory color paint with a beautiful 'Black' bucket seats interior and with the floor boards, trunk and all the typical rust-prone areas all completely solid and rust-free - obviously a mostly always garaged and cherished car since new. The original spare wheel with its jack is in the trunk and the car rides on new Coker tires mounted on its correct Kelsey Hayes chrome wire wheels.
The 390 3x2V 340HP 'Thunderbird' V8 engine is extremely strong and powerful and this particular car drives extremely well and must be driven to be fully appreciated. The transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears and the temperature always remains cool!
This is a rare opportunity to own a great daily driving example of an obviously always garaged coveted and beautiful older restoration example of a factory 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster in very fine condition throughout and an outstanding example of one of the outstanding Ford designs of the sixties which has high repute for both it's beautiful lines and smooth fast performance.
In summary, this is one rare and very sought after and well maintained and rust free example of this increasingly desirable and collectible factory 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster and loaded with desirable factory options and fully documented, a perfect addition to any Ford enthusiasts collection or indeed for any American classic car collector!
