For model year 1962, Ford was attempting to recapture some of the roadster magic of the original two-seater Thunderbird. They didn’t shorten the ‘Bird, but instead offered a lift-off fiberglass tonneau cover over the back seats that gave the visual illusion of a two-seater. It was called the Sports Roadster Package and came with sparkling roadster-esque Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and special badging. It was the priciest ‘Bird in the ’62 lineup and only 1,427 were sold – about 2% of overall ’62 Thunderbird production. Here’s one that has a lot of originality going for it that looks like a good candidate for taking it to the next level. The seller says it needs some TLC and it currently calls Pewaukee, Wisconsin home. It’s listed for sale here on craigslist for $18,000 and we send another shout out to T.J. for spotting this rare ‘Bird.
The seller has a copy of the bill of sale showing it was sold to Kott and Smolar LTD in Wilmington, California in the fall of 1961. The Sports Roadster Package added $453.60 to the base Thunderbird Convertible’s price of $3,226.34. In the ad, the seller says the Bird was an Arizona car (it still wears Arizona license plates from 1973), has been theirs for 43 years and that it was “stored inside since 1981 with high hopes.” The seller claims the Sports Roadster is still wearing its original factory J Code Rangoon Red paint and that the body has no rust. The paint looks presentable and overall, the Sports Roadster looks solid and complete with the chrome, trim, special Sports Roadster badging, glass, and handsome Kelsey-Hayes Wire Wheels looking good, but in need of a cleaning. The black convertible top is also said to be original and looks okay but has a yellowed rear plastic window.
The Sports Roadster’s original black vinyl interior also needs a cleaning but looks very good overall. You can see the distinctive, fiberglass tonneau cover positioned across the backs seats to give the illusion of a two-seater (but could be lifted off to provide the practicality of a four-seater). You can also see what Ford called their slip-stream headrests which, according to their advertising, passengers needed given the promised performance of what they called 4000 pounds of fireworks (“What other car packs such zip and sparkle, such roman candle response in a sleek torpedo shape?”). Other options ordered on this Sports Roadster included a Tilt-Away Steering Wheel, power seats, power windows, Magic-Aire Heater, AM radio, tinted glass, and safety belts.
No explanation is given as to why the T-Bird’s original 390 engine was swapped out, but another 390-cubic-inch V8 is up front that generated 300 horsepower when new. The engine bay is dusty like the rest of the ‘Bird and 79,000 is listed as the mileage. It’s mated to a 3-speed Crusie-O-Matic automatic transmission. The seller doesn’t say how (or if) the engine runs or how long this rare ‘Bird has been dormant and gathering dust. So, what do you think of this ’62 Thunderbird Sports Roadster? I’ve always been a fan of the third-generation “Bullet Bird,” and have to agree with Ford’s advertising that read, “This is the only missile you can inspect without security clearance. With new slip-stream headrests and wire wheels, the Sports Roadster looks airborne even when parked!” Great early-60’s space race copywriting in my book!
Too bad the seller doesn’t include an image or two with the top down – that’s what makes this edition so special. Prolly an indication that the car is more than dormant?
I’ve mentioned on here before, either 2 or 26 times, that this is my favorite generation of T Birds. And the Sports Roadster is right on top of that. Fahrvergnugen hit the nail on the head, you NEED to see these with the top down. This beautiful Kelsey Hays (?) Wire rims totally add to an already beautiful design. If I were a young man in the early sixtys with some money to spend, I’d have such a hard time deciding between an early 60’s T Bird, or a Riviera. I’d probably just work overtime and buy both!! Lol. But anyways this really needs to be on the road again. Beautiful T Bird. And when you see one go down the road today it just stands out.
I’ll go along with you 26 more times that these ‘birds appeal to me the most. Not one square inch is convoluted or quirky. My Bali Blue ’50 Commodore takes up only space, so I have to pass on this seemingly fantastic find and bargain. I can see me in it now!
“happily takes up my only space”
Good original paint. No rust. All trim present. Sports Roadster model. Call me crazy, but I think this car is a smokin’ bargain at $18,000. It’s not a good investment, though. Any additional money you spend on it would probably be lost when you sold it.
I would add power steering if it doesn’t already have it. I can’t tell from the listing or photos.
All 61-63 birds had power steering and brakes as standard equipment
Beautiful Bird! Seems to be a real sports roadster. Worth $30,000 minimum. It is missing the hood turquoise bird emblem so maybe paint work? Still an absolute steal at $18,000 even with engine replacement.
not buying the o/e paint. lot of red overspray where there shouldn’t be.
I see some now in the door jamb. The red chassis front cross-member looks weird to me, but maybe that’s original. Are there other places with overspray that I didn’t catch?
Man if I didn’t have so many projects, bullet Birds included, I’d scarf this deal up. Being a genuine Roadster puts the value over the top and once restored you name your price and you’ll get it! A note to the seller: You’re making a mistake not keeping this one.
I have the exact car parked under cover at the back corner of driveway. The difference is that the 390 engine runs very well but there is rust and paint issues that need addressing. Also, the top is stuck down instead of up. It belongs to a friend who is cash poor, a mechanic with health issues. What are his options? Which is worse the top issue or the rust and paint? I think both require money that he doesn’t have. The funny thing is that he often shows optimism.
Sports roadster T-birds of this era are akin to all of the Chevelle/Malibu SS’s ever made. There are more of them in existence now than back when they were new and actually in production. Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmm
Yes, there are fiberglass kits to make a regular convertible into a Sports Roadster, covering the rear seat, but I don’t believe that the kit includes all. Some here may know the details. I am not sure if the kits include a grab handle on the dash, an insignia on the fiberglass. Of course, the VIN number is distinctive. That is the best to check if a buyer is aware. I did check the number on my friend’s car, and it is correct.
He told me a couple of weeks ago that he has a source for convertible top cylinders. These and the electric motors and the numerous relays and connections are enough to scare me from one of these. I would stick with a coupe.
Good to know. That T-bird is truly a beauty. If I were in the market for one it would be gone.
An airline pilot in my town had one just like this. He lived in an apartment across the street from my dentist and kept it parked in a carport. I would always see it when ever I had a dental appointment so twice a year for tooth cleanings and not counting the occasional detours I made to drive past it on my way home. I began to think about contacting the owner and offering to buy it but I was 14 years old with about $600 to my name. I already knew it was a rare roadster and beyond my limited economic ability. This went on for about 4 years and then one day on my way to another dental appointment I saw that it was sitting on concrete blocks and the wire wheels were gone. The next time I passed by the T-bird was gone and I never saw it again.
Exactly! This would be a great foundation for a future $50,000 bird. The tops are not difficult to repair. I bought a 63 bird convertible when I was 15 years old. Triple black factory air from California. Top was completely disconnected. Pre internet time and still had it working by myself in 2 months.
Oh baby, while you’re cleaning up under that hood drop in some vintage air and bring it right down here to Florida to ME!