Taken at face value, this 1961 Ford Thunderbird seems to tick the right boxes for potential buyers. It is a two-owner survivor that remains original and unmodified. It has 45,000 original miles on the clock, and its numbers-matching V8 sounds superb. It isn’t perfect, but it could suit somebody who wants to tinker with a straightforward project car. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, you will find the Thunderbird listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding currently sits at $1,000, which is below the reserve. The owner offers a BIN option at $17,500 for those wishing to avoid the auction action.

While classic cars can be extroverts, this Thunderbird is a study in subtlety. Its cause is aided by the original owner’s decision to order it wearing Honey Beige paint. It is not a vibrant shade that will appeal to everybody, but it seems to deliver for those seeking a classy appearance. It isn’t clear whether its two owners have performed any restoration work or whether the paint is original. If it is as it left the factory, its condition is quite impressive. There’s no evidence of significant flaws or problems, and the panels look straight. I can’t spot any penetrating rust, but there is evidence of surface corrosion in various locations around the vehicle. That would prompt me to perform an in-person inspection if I were considering handing over my money for this classic. I’ve mentioned this idea in the past, and there are times when I must sound like a broken record (at least, to those of you who are old enough to remember what a record is!). An inspection can seem an inconvenience to some potential buyers, but it is less so than having a classic dropped in your drive that is riddled with unknown problems. I’m not suggesting for one moment that this will be the case with this T-Bird, but I’m merely emphasizing that it is one of the most basic but essential weapons that any classic buyer can have in their armory. The exterior trim looks excellent, and there are no issues with the tinted glass.

Turning our attention to the interior, it is one aspect of this Thunderbird that sends mixed signals. It is upholstered in Beige, which matches the exterior, and at first glance, it presents well for a survivor. There are rips and splits on the driver’s seat, and I believe these are beyond repair. The buyer will probably choose to source replacement seat upholstery, and if they want to ensure color consistency, they may decide to spend $640 on a complete set of covers. There are some cracked plastic trim items inside the car, and the tops of the door trims are also split. I noticed the dash pad has cracked towards the front on either side of the speaker grille, but one other aspect of this interior causes me concern. Closely examining the supplied photos reveals that some plated components have begun to bubble. This in itself is not a drama because they could be restored or replaced. My concern is that this could indicate that this car may have spent time in a damp environment. Once again, this reinforces why an in-person inspection is so vital. It may be nothing, but it is worth checking for peace of mind. There have been no after-market additions to this interior, and the original AM radio remains intact.

I’ve probably treated this Thunderbird a bit harshly to this point, but it’s time for some positive vibes. Things improve when we start looking at its drivetrain. It appears that it is original and numbers-matching, with the engine bay occupied by a 390ci V8 that pumps out 300hp. Bolted to this V8 is a three-speed automatic transmission, while the luxury credentials of this classic are reinforced by power steering and power brakes. Ford marketed the Thunderbird as a luxury car, but it could get up and move if the driver gave it a poke with a sharp stick. While a ¼ mile ET of 16.3 seconds may not sound that impressive by today’s standard, it stood up well in 1961. It seems that this T-Bird is in sound mechanical health. The owner includes this YouTube video of the vehicle running, and that 390 sounds sweet. He claims that it has 45,000 genuine miles on the clock but doesn’t mention verifying evidence. This Ford runs and drives extremely well and is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.

This 1961 Thunderbird isn’t perfect, and some question marks are hanging over it due to the presence of surface corrosion. If this proves to be nothing dramatic, returning it to its former glory should be straightforward. With spotless examples capable of easily topping $30,000 in today’s classic market, even at the BIN, that leaves room to move on this restoration before its viability comes into question. It appears that there is nothing complex required, making it an ideal candidate for a first-time restorer. The new owner could complete most of the work in a garage or home workshop, and with a little bit of cold weather remaining before summer hits, I can’t think of a better way to spend time than in a workshop returning a classic like this to its best. Can you?