1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Huntsville, Alabama — or “Rocket City,” as we know it — is home to NASA rocket-propulsion research and development. Nothing quite encapsulates the launch and excitement of the region as this out-of-world collection of cars including movie cars and tributes, desirable classics, and a rocket truck itself. 3… 2… 1… These cars are ready for blastoff, and all will be launched to new homes and garages as all lots are presented with NO RESERVE. 

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“The 1962 Thunderbird … unique in all the world!” Ford's pioneering personal luxury car was now in its third generation, and the new ’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 included 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 was 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 with three two-barrel carburetors, boosting output to 340 hp.  

This white-over-red leather 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster — one of only 1,427 built for ’62 — has a Z-Code 390 V8 along with power steering, brakes, and top, and cutting-edge fiberglass tonneau cover. The car does not run, however, and should be considered a project car, as it will require work to return it to its former glory. 

Highlights 

• Offered from the Rocket City Collection 

• One of 1,427 Thunderbird Sports Roadsters built for 1962 

• Finished white paint over red leather interior 

• Powered by a 390 cu-in V8 engine rated from the factory at 300 hp 

• Three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (2Y89Z145360) decodes as: 

  • 2 – 1962 model year 

  • Y – Wixom, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • 89 – Two-door Sports Roadster 

  • Z – 390 cu-in four-barrel V8 

  • 145360 – Sequential production number  

Features 

• Sports Roadster (Model 89)  

• 120 mph 

• AM radio 

• Power steering, brakes, and top 

• Chrome driver’s rearview mirror 

• Tinted windshield 

• Padded dash 

• 120 mph speedometer 

• Kelsey Hayes Chrome wire wheels with spinners 

• Ford 8.50-14 wide whitewall tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Car does not run 

• Multiple paint imperfections 

• Bulge in driver’s side front tire 

• Mohair window channel liner is detached on driver's window 

• Driver’s door is missing lock knob 

• Steering wheel is cracked, and chrome is pitted 

• Driver’s seat is torn 

• Center console is worn 

• Radio does not work 

• Clock does not work 

Included 

• Fiberglass Tonneau cover 

• Thunderbird floor mats 

• Some paperwork 

• Photo negatives and photos of the car in 1986 

 Ownership History

This 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster project car joined The Rocket City Collection in January 2025.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Ramsey Potts   Phone: 912.508.4096   email: rpotts@hagerty.com