1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster

Description

“The 1962 Thunderbird… unique in all the world!” proclaimed the Ford Motor Company. Its pioneering personal luxury car was now in the second year of the T-Bird’s third generation, and the new for ’62 Sports Roadster model included an innovative fiberglass tonneau cover, which transformed the four-seat convertible into a sleek two-seater by covering the rear seats. Other specific features include Sports Roadster emblems on the front fenders and a special grab bar on the dashboard. Most Sports Roadsters were finished in Rangoon Red with Black vinyl or optional leather upholstery. 

Under the hood, the Sports Roadster came equipped with a powerful Z-Code 390 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 300 horsepower. Ford also offered the rare M-Code option, which included a high-performance version of the 390 engine with three two-barrel carburetors, boosting output to 340 horsepower. 

According to the Vintage Thunderbird Club, the 558 Sports Roadsters built before November 1961 share model and body codes with standard convertibles and therefore make them difficult to authenticate. This early (3 October 1961 build date) Sports Roadster, costing an impressive $5963.90 new, is believed genuine based on the window sticker, original dealer invoice, and unique factory equipment, including the four original vibration dampening corner counterweights. 

Highlights 

• Early production example of the first year Sports Roadster 

• The Z-Code 390 cu-in V8 was overhauled and upgraded to three two-barrel carburetors under previous ownership (original intake manifold, carburetor, and air cleaner are included) 

• Original Sports Roadster tonneau cover, emblems, and grab bar 

• 14 inch Kelsey Hayes wire wheels standard on Sports Roadster models 

• The chassis number (2Y85Z109321) decodes as: 

  • 2 – 1962 model 

  • Y – Wixom, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • 85 – Convertible 

  • Z – 390 cu-in V8 

  • 109321 – Unit number 

• The Data Plate decodes as: 

  • Body: 76A – Convertible 

  • Color: J – Rangoon Red paint 

  • Trim: 56 – Black vinyl upholstery 

  • Date: 03K – October 3 build date 

  • Axle: 1 – Standard differential with 3.00:1 gearing 

  • Transmission: 4 – Three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission 

• Options on this 1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster include: 

  • Convertible - Sports Roadster – $5,439.00 

  • Rangoon Red – no charge 

  • 800 X 14 WSW Tires – $42.10 

  • Power Lift Windows – $106.20 

  • Power Seat Driver – $92.10 

  • Push Button Radio – $112.80 

  • Tinted Glass – $43.00 

  • Windshield Washers – $13.70 

  • Safety Belts – $16.80 

  • Outside Mirror – $5.10 

  • Heavy Duty Battery – $7.60 

Features 

• Recent service includes: 

  • Spark plugs and ignition wires 

  • Engine professionally tuned 

• 215/75 American Classic tires 

• Power-assisted steering and brakes 

• Black power convertible top 

• MagicAire Heater/Defroster 

• Swing-Away Steering Wheel 

• Media blasted to bare metal and professionally repainted several years ago

• Best of Show at a local Ford Dealer show shortly after repainting (trophy is available).

• The seller states the Thunderbird has been stored in an air-conditioned garage for 18 years

Known Imperfections 

• Dash pad is cracked (replacement NOS dash pad is included) 

Included 

• Spare tire and wire wheel 

• Original intake manifold, carburetor, and air cleaner 

• NOS dash pad 

• Thunderbird floor mats 

• Window sticker 

• Dealer invoice 

• Four original corner counterweights 

 Ownership History 

The original window sticker and dealer invoice shows this 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sport Roadster was delivered new to Tom Zweifel Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The early Sport Roadster was restored under previous ownership, and the consignor acquired it in 2005.

Additional Notes 

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida.  Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida.  For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.