The 1961-63 era of Ford Thunderbirds are often referred to as “bullet birds” because of their futuristic styling. Though they didn’t sell quite as well as the generations right before and after, they may be more popular with collectors today. This one has been in storage for several years and needs some tweaking to run better. The asking price of $5,000 here on craigslist seems reasonable for this vintage T-Bird in Moreland, Georgia. Another fine tip brought to us by Bruce M!
After a redesign in 1961, T-Bird sales held their own at 78,000 units in 1962. The 390 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor continued as standard fare, though a “Tri-Power” set-up became optional. These cars were the epitome of cool wheels in the 1960s and were a popular choice for the actors in the swanky private eye TV series 77 Sunset Strip to tool around in (“Kookie, lend me your comb!”). They had replaced the “Square Birds” of 1958-60.
We’re told this Ford has been off the road for a long time, perhaps in the barn seen in the photos. The seller has cleaned it up and the body seems okay, and the red/orange paint could be passable. The engine is a bit rough (perhaps it just needs a tune-up or fresher fuel). The front brakes were switched from drums to discs and the odometer reads 94,000 miles. If you take it home, you’ll have to replace the power brake booster (supplied by the seller).
The interior looks exceptional in some of the pics and the overall car may only be short on TLC. A small dent is said to be in one of the fenders, but it doesn’t jump out in the images. We’re told the seller’s price is firm and he/she may be a little cranky (“I’m not sending you any kind of report, so don’t waste your and my time.”). Is this T-Bird worth the time and money?
Well by now everyone should know the sentimental value I place on these 61-63 birds. This one loos like a good investment from what can be seen. The interior isn’t perfect as it needs the headliner and the door panels need work. I don’t see and body issues though a hands on inspection would be appropriate. The only major question is the engine, but as mentioned that would likely be fresh fuel and a tune up. All in all this just might be worth a look.
Looks nice, but no engine pictures and “don’t waste your and my time.” Hard pass even for $5,000.
I agree on seller “attitude”: I would not want to chance dealing with a seller who is confrontational even beforehand. Love these T-birds; but, hard pass, here.
If you’ve tried selling a car on the internet, you’ll understand the seller attitude and frustrations.
I agree on seller “attitude”: I would not want to chance dealing with a seller who is confrontational even beforehand. Love these T-birds; but, hard pass, here.
About the only way to deal with this seller would be that if you’re in that area and could stop by to look.
My neighbor has a shop that specializes in resto rods. He bought.T bird just like this that just needed a face lift which he did with a beautiful paint job, block sanded. Nothing more. Then recently he found a disassembled 56 T Bird that he couldn’t live without so the 62 went up for sale and at the next big car show he sold it for $21,000. The 57 bird of course will have all modern mechanicals and a OHC engine. A true resto rod.