January 20, 1961 was a day of optimism for America. A young John Kennedy was sworn in as the nation’s 35th president. His young, attractive wife, Jackie, made for a glamorous first lady, and their two small children (Caroline and John-John) were the darlings of the media. With what Kennedy called a “New Frontier” for America, there was a renewed hope and optimism in the air. And, in the president’s inaugural parade, nothing captured this spirit quite like the sleek, new 1961 Thunderbird. Ford produced 50 special edition “Presidential Thunderbird” convertibles for the inaugural parade, which are quite collectible today. Here’s a nice example of a 1961 hardtop that’s a testament to the bold, jet-age styling of the third generation Thunderbird. It is located on Salisbury, North Carolina, and is for sale here on Facebook Marketplace for $18,900.
The seller shares that he’s owned the car for 15 years and is selling it due to the lack of garage space. I really like the color combination on this ’61 ‘Bird. A second paint color was a $25.80 option, and this particular combo of Aquamarine with a Corinthian White top was a good choice. It is very attractive. The paint looks presentable and I’m not seeing any rust or accident damage. The chrome, trim, glass, and lenses (don’t you love those big, round, jet afterburner taillights?) look good as well. No other production car for the 1961 model year compares to the flair and sporty elegance of the all-new-for-’61 Thunderbird.
The Thunderbird’s turquoise interior is in very good condition and compliments the exterior paint perfectly. The cool, jet-age styling is evident without being over-the-top. This one was ordered with the new optional Swing-Away Steering Wheel. This $25.10 option would prove to be so popular that it became a standard feature in 1962 production and continued for the next four years.
The padded front bucket seats look comfy and show very little wear. The seller states the ‘Bird has factory air conditioning which was a very expensive option back in 1961 ($463.00 which equates to $5,113 in today’s dollars). Nothing is mentioned about how it works and I can’t tell if this Thunderbird was ordered with power seats, but it does have power windows. Photos are limited, but I’m assuming the headliner, door panels, and carpet are in good condition.
Oddly, there are no photos of the engine and engine bay. There should be a Thunderbird 390 Special V8 under that sloping hood that generated 300 horsepower when new. There are 95,456 showing on the odometer and it’s mated to a Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. The seller says the “car runs and drives well and that it is cruise-in ready.” The brakes have been updated along with a new starter. This appears to be a great looking, driver-quality “Bullet Bird,” and I’m envious of the next owner.
Aw, me too Ron, but you know, I had my chance to have one, and didn’t. T-birds were rare in the Badger. In fact, aside from a stray at a car show, I never recall seeing any. Ford dealers in Milwaukee had much more success with LTD wagons, or Falcons, a T-bird just wasn’t on the radar. I always thought the swing-away wheel was a silly idea, and read it was troublesome in the cold. The interior styling was highly influenced by the up and coming airline industry, even ads using pilots driving them and tail lights resembling jet engines. Not sure about that, but it was to emphasize how modern these cars were, flying being the most modern way to travel. Beautiful cars, I guess I’ll never get one, but I’m not the only one.
Great write up Ron. I’ve already said before that this is my favorite generation of T Bird. And if I was ever in a position in life to get one, one like this would be at the top of my list for sure, great color combination. This one looks great in the photos. Hope it goes to a good new home.
Really sharp T-Bird. Great colors. I hope the stylist who came up with the afterburner taillights with the small fins got a nice bonus. The interior styling is a highlight, including the dainty shift lever. The car looks terrific overall.
Ron captured the essence of the times with his Kennedy references. It was indeed a time of “hope and optimism.” I’d add, a time of American “can-do.”
Bob, I agree with every comment. This car just oozed style. Looking back it is hard to believe we lived in the Golden Age of America when we were just teens. Id sure like a bit of that today, but have given up hoping and now just endure until I age out..
I must leave a comment. I’ve owned many Bullet Birds from 61 to 63 and a few beyond. To witness in person from one who has owned and driven many of them, the comment about trouble with the “swing away steering wheel” I’ve never had a problem and Ford designers had it in every Bird, not as an option. It was necessary for an average to large person to enter and exit the cockpit. The car was heavy not a lightweight sports car, but they did handle quite well for a couple tons of steel. That seller’s buy it now is quite a fair price, I’ve seen them go for more than double. The 390 was a great trouble free engine and pulled these led sleds along, quite well, with Galaxies and Ford trucks, even in the two barrel versions. Ford later made the famous 427 and 428 engines out of the same block, just bigger bore and stroke. Good luck seller, if you have to hang on to this gem don’t feel bad, you’re dealing in a rare market and everybody loves them but not too many buyers. I’m currently hanging on to a 61 rag top myself for restoration and am keeping it no matter what.
Beautiful car,i’ll add my Kennedy story.My dad and i attended the 1962 Army/Navy game in Philadelphia .We saw him as he walked across the field at half time.He was gone the next year.A side note,Roger Staubach was the QB for Navy.
In that one day you got to see two men from different walks of life who will always hold a place in many hearts and minds of so many Americans.
nice
Love these birds and seems reasonably priced. Can’t tell a whole lot but seems to be in good shape. Too bad I’m not worthy of Facebook.
Reading the comments I think it is only fair that I own this car! Why because I graduated at the bottom of my high school class in 1961. I went to college and Vietnam and I am now a senior citizen and this car would be a great idea and what an honor for me to drive. I think I will go pitch this idea to my wife and see what she thinks.
It will make you feel good every time you see her in your garage or take it for a spin and this will make your wife happy.
Swing-away steering was optional in 1961, although the vast majority were equipped with it, there were quite a few without. Standard in Thunderbirds 1962 thru 1966 and never any problem. $18,900 is a heavy ask – it will not bring that for a hardtop.
Once AGAIN, my comment disappeared.
Bob_in_Tenn: If I remember correctly Joe Oros ramrodded this update (he was with the T-bird project from the beginning) quite a few sources say Hershey did the designing, but I’ve got documentation that say he was close to the project. Those very same sources also allude that was a contractor with his own design studio. Maybe someone else with closer ties can set me straight.
This is a very sharp looking car but I believe a little overpriced, without air conditioning and have seen some 63 birds going a little cheaper and are just better than the 61 but I think at 15k this could be a worthwhile purchase for this future collectible the car looks correct and a great color combo