Choosing to sell a classic car is never an easy decision, but this is especially true when the vehicle has been part of the same family for nearly six decades. That is the case with this 1963 Thunderbird. It presents beautifully and carries the hallmarks of a car that has been cherished and treated with respect for its entire life. It seems that there will be a buyer set to reap the benefits of this because it is a car that appears to need nothing. If you fancy finding yourself behind the wheel of this classic Ford, you will find it located in Los Angeles, California, and listed for sale here on eBay. The seller has set a BIN of $13,500, but they may be willing to consider offers.
I have previously discussed my preference for classic cars with long-term ownership histories, and there’s little doubt that this Thunderbird meets that criteria. Its overall presentation is impressive, with its Sandshell Beige paint shining nicely. There are no apparent flaws or issues in the paint that would require immediate attention, and the panels look exceptionally straight. Having spent its life in sunny California, its lack of rust is no surprise. The owner doesn’t mention any problems in his listing, and none are visible in the supplied photos. Ford introduced the Third Generation Thunderbird just as the market trend for enormous rear fins disappeared. This car retains vestigial fins, but they don’t look out of place. However, when you look at the front of these cars, you realize how they received their nickname of the “bullet birds.” They’re long, low, and sleek. That sharp nose shows a certain level of “space race” influence and allows the Thunderbird to cut through the air effortlessly. The exterior trim and chrome look excellent, while there are no issues with the tinted glass.
When you look at this Thunderbird’s interior, there is plenty of evidence to support Ford’s contention that the car was more of a personal luxury vehicle than a sports car. However, I tend to look at Thunderbirds from this era as Grand Tourers in the traditional sense. They feature wonderfully comfortable and supportive seats that cocoon the vehicle’s occupants. The interior is almost eerily quiet, and the miles roll effortlessly under the tires. The upholstery is sumptuous, and the interior is well appointed. In this case, the new owner will receive a large and practical console, power windows, an AM radio, and a swing-away wheel. I’m surprised that the family failed to order the car with air conditioning, but I guess we can’t have it all! Potential buyers shouldn’t need to spend a dime inside this Thunderbird. The upholstered surfaces appear perfect, with no wear or physical damage. The dash and pad are equally impressive, as is the carpet. If you took this classic to a Cars & Coffee, it should receive plenty of favorable comments.
The owner supplies no engine photos, but we know that this Thunderbird features a 390ci V8, three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. With 300hp available under the right foot, the T-Bird performed better than many expected in 1963. Pointed at ¼ mile, it should cover the distance in 16.4 seconds. That may not be as fast as Chevrolet’s Corvette, but it still stood up well against its logical opposition. Buick’s newly introduced Riviera would run neck and neck but required a larger and more powerful engine to do so. It seems that this Thunderbird has been appropriately maintained throughout its life. It has a genuine 76,000 miles on the clock, and given its ownership history, it may be possible to verify this claim. It runs and drives perfectly and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I like this 1963 Thunderbird and how much I would like to see it parked in my garage. However, that can’t happen for me at present, but maybe it can for you. The family has treated it with total respect throughout its life, and it deserves that treatment to continue well into the future. I know that we have plenty of Barn Finds readers who would be capable of doing that, but it’ll be interesting to see if one of you wants this Thunderbird enough to step up to the plate. If you do, I openly admit that I will envy you.
That’s a good looking T-Bird and it shows well in the photos. Kind of vanilla but that only adds to the appeal.
Hated to see the T Birds grow big and fat but Ford did get a lot out of their design staff on this one. Nice clean lines, big engines, nice cars.
From the pictures, this looks like a familiar scene. I’m guessing that this is in an underground parking lot that belongs to a seniors living facility – has that look to it. My friends mom was a long term resident at one of these, and each resident had 2 parking spaces underground – we would store our motorcycles in her extra spot every winter. The cars though, were eclectic and crazy, clearly held on to by folks for a looong time. A 68 Mustang, a mid 50s Cadillac, and other old machines hidden by a car cover with half an inch of dust on it. There is a lot of lovely old tin in these places, one hopes these cars find good owners that will make the sellers proud
cheers,
BT
I had a similar thought. I stored a (newish) collector car at my company office parking garage for a few years. Occasionally I would see other collector cars, but typically for short periods of time.
The perfect spinoff website, “Retirement Home Finds”
It just might work, Depends…..
Probably should have used a different word than “depends”, just sayin’!
Very clean ‘bird. I always thought this to be an elegant body style, with this year in particular being my favorite.
As a small child, I had a neighbor who had a twin to this car.
I like the classic looks of this era bird. My only issue is, and don’t hate me for it, it will still drive like a 1963 car.
If I had this, and it was worthy of the money to throw in, I would tastefully retromod it.
I would change out the front end to a more modern steering and braking combo, and do the same to the rear end and leave the rest stock.
Funny how the author will call just about anything a survivor, but when one pops up he doesn’t use the term once lol. Looking at the pics provided I can’t see any resto work and this car looks to be extremely well cared for. How backwards is that?
¨Don´t change a hair for me¨, my Funny Valentine. The only thing I would do is add Air. Otherwise, this is pure perfection.
Add A/C? Why, it already has it. Don’t believe everything you read…
I see no AC vents, so how could it have AC? But being able to see under hood would confirm it does not/
I think Paul Drake would have loved this car.
where in los angeles is the 1963 t bird located to see
David Nelson
Feb 4, 2022 at 8:12am
I see no AC vents, so how could it have AC? But being able to see under hood would confirm it does not/
Go to photo #6 in the eBay ad…look beyond the steering wheel, plain as day. No vents, just one center vent with the AC unit.
Verbiage in the ad on this site says it does NOT have AC!!!
NO AC system employs only one vent! Read this ad, Phillip. Seller says it does NOT have AC!! Believe what you read – lol.
I have owned 2 birds and they had AC.
This car has the AC control/vent unit mounted in the dash. Did you see it in photo #6? Maybe it’s not hooked up or not working? Where does the eBay ad specifically say “NO AC”, as you wrote?
The SELLER did not say NO AC in the eBay ad, the author, Adam, of this rag said so. As I said, do not believe everything you read. Adam has not inspected this car and he probably knows no more than you about bullet birds.
What did you see in photo #6? It’s a horrible advertisement, only 10 dark photos and not much info but the AC is cleraly there.
Are you even bidding on this car and are concerned about having AC, or just trying to make a point based on shady intel?
Seems like you have to be the winner here, so have it. Tired of arguing with someone who cannot read.
What did you see in photo #6?
If you say AC unit, then you too can be a winner.
I’m not a T-bird aficionado but I understand that if it has a vent above the controls, it’s a factory A/C car and one can be seen in the photo. Regardless, this is one sweet T-bird that seems like a great asking price for its condition. I’m surprised it’s still listed, I would definitely consider this if I lived in L.A. These body-styles have grown on me over the years.
Hi Gentlemen
Love the T-Bird!
Would any of you Ford guys know the where abouts of a pair of 66 White Landau door cards? Contact Karl
(562) 256 5259
Phillip is correct. Early Thunderbirds that were equipped with optional factory A/C had vent(s), two combined, in the center of the dash only, just above the controls. The vents moved up and down and from side to side to direct the air flow around the cabin. The telltale A/C center-only vents are there if you carefully examine the photos. To get a better idea of how they looked, just search online for 1963 Thunderbird brochure and have a look.
This is a nice Thunderbird that has had minimal use and a California car to boot!