One of the best ways to get started in classic car ownership is with a project that, though not finished, is quite far along. That’s the case with this 1961 Ford Thunderbird convertible on eBay in Hampton, Connecticut with a $15,199 Buy It Now.
The car “runs and drives,” comes in a spectacular combination of Garden Turquoise paint and matching turquoise leather interior, and while not perfect has had a slew of work done in recent years (after sitting since 1992). The odometer reads 75,133 miles, which may be why the big 6.4-liter V-8 engine has been left alone.
A partial list of what’s been done since 2022 includes a rebuilt transmission, new brakes (including lines), water pump, fuel pump and filter, new water pump and hoses, new carpeting, and new wheel cylinders.
So what’s left? The convertible top “needs further servicing to be fully sealed and functional.” No holes are visible in the top but it looks worn and no back window is visible. I bought a 1963 Dodge Dart convertible years ago in similar condition (out of a recent restoration, with some work left). For me, it was a rolling fix—straightening out the ignition key situation, adding a new top, new tires, and brakes. Oddly, the Slant Six Dart was the same color as the T-Bird.
This Thunderbird is tidy all around, with a nice interior—possibly original, possibly not. Experts should know. There aren’t many undercarriage shots, but what’s visible is clean. A hubcap is missing, but maybe it’s in the trunk with the fender skirts?
The ’61 was the first of the third-generation cars that were on the market until 1963. These space-age cars featured jet-exhaust taillights and a “Swing Away” steering wheel that could move 18 inches to the right and out of the way. These cars came loaded with power steering and brakes, back-up lights, bucket seats, and more. Air conditioning was optional, and the 390-cubic-inch V-8 was the only engine available. The MSRP for a bare-bones Thunderbird was $4,170—or $40,836 in 2022 dollars. In 1961, 73,051 were built.
Classic.com says that in 36 sold the average price for a 1961 Thunderbird is $23,829, though I’m seeing convertibles go for more—$30,000 to $40,000. The Sports Roadster, introduced in 1961, is the holy grail. While not one of those, the car on offer looks like a lucky find for somebody.
Small correction: The “Sports roadster” option on T-Birds started in `62, not `61. I believe it came out that spring. Just an FYI.
Isn’t this one of those convertible tops that folds into the trunk? Looks like hinges on the bottom of the trunk/boot lid. Pretty car. Like the color and interior. Not a sports car for sure.
I have owned, and still do, one of each year Bullet Birds. My first was a 61 drop top in 1969. My last and final one is a Roadster. Any rag top Bird is as close to a Roadster as can be, get a rear seat fiberglass boot and you can’t tell the difference. This one for sale is a rock sold investment at any price!
While the 1961 is the least desireable of the three year body style, this ’61 does present well. Missing factory A/C, which will knock the price down. You had better become an expert on the folding top, as they present problems. If you’re prepared to spend a lot of money on this resto, vs a fine finished example … proceed with caution.
I love Thunder Birds but this generation was among my least favorite. Years later, they’re growing on me. It’s a beautiful car and probably a good price but I would go with a turbo coupe or shop around for a good price on that last generation roadster. I almost got.one for around seven grand but it looked like it had a respray probably from an accident, and the chrome on all the switch gear was peeling loose. Odd.
Was 61 or 62 first year for swing away steering wheel?
I have always loved the ’62s. My parents were Ford people back in the day and were able to get me and my brother two of the dealer promo 1/24 scale T-birds. Mine was white, his was black and you could push the steering wheel to the side if you put your finger through the window.
The neighbors’ aunt bought a new red Sports Roadster in 1962 and she drove it with the top down, very sharp-looking car. Nice to see the ’61-’66 versions getting their due respect.
Wondering why two water pumps? Since write-up stated there are two new ones.