Some paint and trim combinations make a classic stand out, and the first owner’s decision to order this 1963 Ford Thunderbird in Triple-Black shows that perfectly. It presents nicely as a high-end driver with no issues or apparent shortcomings. It has generated significant interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Spring Valley, California. Bidding has surpassed the reserve at $29,000, meaning that this Thunderbird is days away from finding a new home.
Introduced in 1961, Ford’s Third Generation Thunderbird quickly earned the nickname “Bullet Bird” for its sharp, sleek styling. It remained on sale until 1963, with our featured car rolling off the line that year. The seller says that the previous owner restored this beauty, including a repaint in its original Code A Black. Close inspection reveals a few minor stonechips, but the overall presentation remains very impressive. The paint has a wonderful depth of shine, and the panels are straight. The matching power top fits as tight as a drum, and there is no evidence of rust. The sparkling trim, including the new-for-1963 faux door louvers, keeps the car from looking austere, and the wire wheels are the perfect finishing touch to an exterior guaranteed to turn heads.
Every 1963 Thunderbird left the line with a 390ci V8 under the hood. This T-Bird features the Z-Code variant, producing 300hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes were standard, accentuating the relaxed driving experience owners expected from a luxury car. The ’63 T-Bird may have weighed almost 4,500 lbs, but the outright acceleration and overall performance were considered very respectable by the standards of the time. The seller says that the previous owner’s restoration included rebuilding the engine and transmission. This beauty runs and drives extremely well, ready to provide the winning bidder with many years of classic motoring pleasure.
The final piece of the Triple-Black puzzle is this Thunderbird’s interior. When combined with the lashings of bright trim, it looks stunning and extremely classy. There is no significant wear, and the only addition is the retro-style stereo. The aluminum on the doors has a couple of small dings, but that’s as bad as it gets. The remaining trim and upholstery look excellent, as do the carpet, dash, and console. The equipment is sparse by modern standards, but power windows, a swing-away wheel, and a remote driver’s exterior mirror are nice touches in an interior that should be extremely comfortable.
Bidding has been intense, which is hardly surprising. I mean, what isn’t to like about this 1963 Ford Thunderbird? It presents extremely well, and although it isn’t perfect, it definitely passes muster as an above-average driver-grade classic. Its V8 delivers respectable acceleration and open-road cruising, but this beauty shines on sunny days, top down, as occupants bask in the fresh air and sun Mother Nature provides. That prospect sounds almost irresistible, and the auction action suggests that people want their slice of that lifestyle. Do you?
This is one of my absolute favorite year T Birds. I agree with Adam, this one is in impressive condition. Hope it goes to a good new home.
Agree with you both, this is my favorite design of the Fabulous Thunderbirds! I was a year old when this one rolled off the line!
This looks gorgeous, both inside and out. Love the cockpit, how the console melts into the dash.
This would be great for cruising thru the countryroads if Maine or along the California Coast Highway.