1962 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop

Description

By the mid-60s Southern California was engulfed in a car craze, captivating young men like Steven J. Karlock, who became enamored with the Shelby 427 Cobra. Steven's passion for high-quality cars began with a Cobra, extended to Corvettes, and grew to include many legendary marques. Together with his wife, Jackie, he restored and cherished these vehicles. They later moved to Hannibal, Missouri, where they opened Karlock's Museum of Pop Culture in a historic grain depot along the Mississippi River. The museum, showcasing top-tier motorcars and memorabilia, became a Midwest gem. Hagerty Marketplace is honored to present The Karlock’s Collection, offered entirely without reserve. 

The third-generation Ford Thunderbird, produced from 1961 to 1963, is celebrated for its transformative design, introduced under the creative direction of Bill Boyer. This model, often referred to as the "Bullet Bird" due to its distinct side profile with more influence from space age rocket design. A standout feature was the 390 cubic-inch FE-series V8 engine, which became the sole engine option in 1961, offering enhanced power over previous iterations. The Thunderbird’s prominence extended beyond the showroom: it served as the pace car for the 1961 Indianapolis 500, a testament to its performance capabilities, and was prominently featured in President John F. Kennedy's inaugural parade, likely influenced by the recent appointment of Ford executive Robert McNamara as Secretary of Defense.  

Emerging from the early hot-rodding scene, the custom cars of the 1960s and beyond brought the essence of hot rodding together crafting unique aesthetics in one off builds. Key figures such as Von Dutch with his pinstriping, Ed "Big Daddy" Roth with his imaginative car designs played pivotal roles, and the Barris Brothers (Sam and George Barris) contributed iconic creations like the Batmobile and Munster Koach. Using their creations as inspiration, countless owners across the country created their own. Originally built in California, this 1962 Ford Thunderbird hails from the epicenter of the phenomenon and serves as a wonderful representative of the concept.  

Highlights 

• Offered from The Karlock’s Collection 

• Created by Steve Stanford and Bob Barnes of Standford Design  

• Finished in two-tone raspberry metallic and white 

• Upholstered in two-tone black and raspberry 

• Powered by a 390 cu-in V8 factory rated at 340 horsepower 

• Three-speed "Cruise-O-Matic" automatic transmission 

• “Select-Air" air conditioning 

• Swing away steering wheel 

• Color keyed radiator top cover, valve covers, and air cleaner 

• Upgraded AM/FM/cassette radio with color-keyed knobs and additional speakers 

• The chassis number (2Y83Z170951) decodes as follows: 

  • 2 – 1962 Model year 

  • Y – Wixom, Michigan assembly plant 

  • 83 – Thunderbird two-door hardtop (with rear quarter window) 

  • Z – V8 390-4v (four-barrel carburetor) 

  • 170951 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Custom grille 

• Four-way power driver seat 

• Power steering 

• Dome light 

• Power brakes 

• Deluxe push button radio 

• Rear wheel skirts 

• Padded sun visors 

• Center console storage compartment 

• Pivoting vent windows 

• 15 inch steel wheels with full wheel covers 

• Leather wrapped steering wheel 

• Heater / defroster 

• Milestar Touring SLE white wall tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Please note that all lots in The Karlock’s Collection are offered after many years of static museum display, without operation or road use. The selling estate endeavored to advance all cars to running condition, however, as a result of the extended museum display, it is to be assumed that every lot will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely on open roads. All cars will have immediate needs associated with long-term static display and require sorting to perform best and safely. All lots are sold as is, where is. 

• The radiator is currently not holding coolant due to leaks caused by corrosion and will require replacement  

• Pitted trim work 

• Cracks on the dashboard and door panels 

• Rust on the underside of the hood, brake booster, trunk, and rear package shelf 

• Bubbling of the paint below the rear window 

• Scratch on the right rear quarter panel, hood and trunk 

• Touched up paint on the wheel skirts 

• Missing speaker cover on the dashboard 

Included 

• Magazines 

• Owner’s manuals 

• Shop Manual 

• Body/Interior assembly manual

• Artwork 

• Posters 

• Award for the 2016 Crusin Nationals in Santa Monica California 

• Spare parts 

• Paint 

• Car cover 

Ownership History 

This 1962 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop entered The Karlock’s Collection in late 2016.  

Additional Notes 

A private preview will be hosted by Hagerty Marketplace for registered bidders on Sunday August 18 and Monday the 19th.  You must call the representing Car Specialist, Ramsey Potts (912.508.4096), in advance to secure an appointment. 

Additionally, due to the cars being stored in a personal residence, following the close of the auction all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite beginning Tuesday, September 3rd through Tuesday, September 10. No cars can be retrieved prior to September 3 and any lots remaining after September 10 will be removed from the facility and placed in an adjacent lot. 

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. 

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