The 1961 to 1963 production/sales cycle of the luxurious Ford Thunderbird was known as the “Bullet Birds” because of its futuristic shape. Sales continued to improve with an eight percent increase over the popular “Square Birds” of 1958-60. The seller has a 1963 T-Bird which has been in the garage for more than 20 years, and it runs (though it is a bit rough). Located in Hampton, Georgia, this vintage ‘Bird is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,500. Thanks for the tip, “Moparman”!
Except for the two-seat first generation of the Thunderbird, I’ve always found these Bullet Birds to be the most exciting. The folks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway agreed as they picked the 1961 edition to pace the field at the Indy 500 that year. A 390 cubic inch V8 was standard and the only powerplant offered, providing good looks, creature comforts, and great throttle response, all rolled into one car.
Why this Ford has been in the lock-up for the past two decades isn’t mentioned. But the seller has gotten it to at least start and idle in a video that was included in the listing. The T-Bird has an automatic transmission because who would want a manual with a car like this? The mileage isn’t known, but the seller promises to update the ad with the proper information. The body may be okay, and the white paint is probably due for a respray.
Dark photos are what you usually get in a dirty garage, so it’s hard to tell how good (or bad) the white leather interior is. As the seller says, this could be a “great car to restore if you have the time.” The asking price initially was $10,000 OBO but has been lowered due to a lack of buyer interest. Add $1,000 to the final agreed amount, and he’ll throw in a 1975 Suzuki GT 250 motorcycle.
Nice cars. I’m not a fan of the body design. Still not as bad as the 4 door birds to come later.
Singer Richard Carpenter has the 2 seat option on one of these in red if I recall. Amazing car from an amazing collection, check it out online. Pretty nice.
@Pinto
You must be referring to the “roadster” option where you can hide the rear seat under a fiberglass cover with built-in headrests for the front bucket seats.
Another over priced project
Very intriguing. It would be nice to have more details and more pics, especially underneath. But the fact that it started AND is in a garage is encouraging. Probably a good project to get it to sweet driver stage.
Ayup – Pass on this turdage. Better ones for less ….
Funny how he’s got a Suzuki GT 250 motorcycle but didn’t show it here. I had one back in the early 80’s and with the dual carbs and ram air system that little bike was FAST for what it was and I had to hang on tight when it hit second gear at WOT it nearly got out from under me it jumped so hard the first time I rode it startled me! It looked much bigger than a 250 because of the ram air on the engine and surprised a lot of people on much bigger bikes quite a few times!
Can’t really tell form the photo, but if it has AC there’s some value in that. Actually, my favorite year for this style.
To answer the one question, I would want a manual transmission in a car like that.
My parents purchased a white 1963 T-Bird. In 1967 I passed my Maryland Drivers license exam in it. Had to parallel park in order to pass. That.was a challenge.
Nobody ever called these cars Bullet Birds.
This one?