27-Years-Owned 1963 Ford Thunderbird Coupe

Description

The 1963 Ford Thunderbird marked the final year of the third-generation “Bullet Bird” model known for its sleek, jet-inspired styling and availability as either a convertible or a coupe.

This 1963 Thunderbird left the factory finished in Acapulco Blue with a Corinthian White roof is said to have been overhauled in the 1990s. Standard ‘63 features include specific door accent trim, removable rear fender skirts, a tilt-away steering column, and center console with AM/FM radio and heater/defrost controls.

Power comes from a 390ci V8 engine fueled by a four-barrel carburetor, and this T-Bird was optioned with a three-speed automatic transmission. A high-torque mini starter and transistorized ignition have been installed, and the car has had various mechanical and suspension parts replaced over the seller's 27-year ownership of the Thunderbird hardtop.

This 1963 Ford Thunderbird Coupe is now offered paint-matched rear fender skirts, Thunderbird-specific literature, a binder of records, multiple keys, and New York registration in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Finished in Acapulco Blue with a Corinthian White hardtop

• Blue two-tone seating upholstery

• Removable rear fender skirts

• 1963-specific door accent trim

• Swing-away steering column

• Reportedly refurbished in 1998

Factory Equipment

• 390ci V8 engine

• Four-barrel carburetor

• Three-speed automatic transmission

• 14” steel wheels with hub caps

• Power-assisted drum brakes

• Power steering

• Chrome bumpers

• Left-side mirror

• Center console

• AM/FM radio

• Heater/defrost

• The door tag decodes the following information:

  • Body: 63A – Two-door hardtop

  • Color: EM –Acapulco Blue & Corinthian White

  • Trim: 52 – Light Blue vinyl upholstery

  • Date: 20K – October 20th build date

  • DSO: 26 – Washington, DC, ordering district

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

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

Modifications

• High torque mini starter

• Transistorized ignition system

• Seating surfaces reupholstered

• Eckler's single exhaust system

Servicing

The seller notes that various underhood items have been refinished and that the following parts are said to have been replaced under current ownership:

• Starter

• Motor mounts

• Steering rag joint

• Various hoses and wires

• Engine bay decals

• Speedometer gears

• Exhaust system

• Radiator

• Exhaust manifold gaskets

• Shocks

• Transmission tail shaft

• Windshield washer bag

• Power window motors

• Hood and trunk emblems

From the seller, “I have maintained the vehicle with regular tune ups and oil changes. I have also upgraded and repaired most things that would make the car a proper driver. With regard to maintenance, I’ve tried hard to replace older pieces with original NOS parts. When that wasn't possible, I used parts from specialty Thunderbird reproduction parts companies like T-Bird Sanctuary and Larry's Thunderbird.”

Known Imperfections

• Dashboard cracks

• Wetness visible on underbody components

• The seller notes the following imperfections:

  • “Driver’s side armrest needs to be recovered”

  • “Radio doesn’t work all the time”

  • “Clock doesn’t work”

  • “Needs wheel alignment

  • “Needs rear springs”

Ownership History

From the seller, “I purchased this beauty in 1999. The body had been restored 18 months before I purchased it (around early 1998). It has been garaged since that day. It only comes out in good weather - I baby it!”

Included Items

• Binder of documents

• Thunderbird shop manual

• Multiple keys

• Spare hub cap

• Fender skirts

Additional Information

This 1963 Ford Thunderbird Coupe is registered in a state that does not issue titles for vehicles of its age. It is offered with New York registration.