1963 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Huntsville, Alabama — or “Rocket City,” as we know it — is home to NASA rocket-propulsion research and development. This special offering is once again a presentation of the unique, with American Muscle, British class, heavy post war iron, and race cars from multiple platforms all on offer. 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 1963 Ford Thunderbird marked the final year of the third generation “Bullet Bird,” a model known for its sleek, jet-inspired styling and luxury-oriented features. Introduced in 1961, it was a bold departure from the previous square-bodied models, embracing a more aerodynamic, futuristic design that resonated with the space-age optimism of the early ’60s. 

In 1963, Ford refined the Thunderbird’s styling with subtle updates, including a new grille pattern, revised trim, and a sculpted body line that ran along the sides. Under the hood, the standard 390 cubic-inch V8 delivered 300 horsepower and was paired with a Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission for smooth cruising. The ’63 T-bird also showcased advanced features like power steering, power brakes, bucket seats, and the signature swing-away steering wheel to ease the driver's entry and exit.  

The convertible version of Ford's "personal luxury car" was especially admired, and one of the most distinctive offerings was the Sports Roadster package, which transformed the convertible into a two-seater with a fiberglass tonneau cover and chrome wire wheels. Fewer than 500 actual Thunderbird Sports Roadsters were built, but aftermarket parts are available to make a standard convertible look like one.  

This 1963 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, which received a full restoration and some upgrades in 2005, is one of those cars. 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Rocket City Collection 

• 1963 Ford Thunderbird Convertible with Sports Roadster add-ons: Removable fiberglass tonneau cover and Kelsey Hayes wire wheels 

• Full restoration in 2005 by Harkema’s Thunderbird Restorations in Spring Valley, California 

• Finished in Rangoon Red paint over matching red vinyl interior 

• Powered by a 390 cu-in V8 engine with four-barrel carburetor rated at 300 hp and 427 lb-ft of torque 

• Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission 

• Electronic ignition 

• New 134A air conditioning 

• The data plate decodes as: 

  • Body: 76A – Thunderbird 2-door convertible 

  • Color: J – Rangoon Red 

  • Trim: 55 – Red Crinkly vinyl and Red Vachette grain insert vinyl 

  • Date: 28A – Built 28th day of January 1963 

  • DSO: 71 – Los Angeles District Sales Office 

  • Axle: 1 – 3.00:1 rear axle ratio 

  • Trans: 4 – Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic 

• The chassis number (3Y85Z137277) decodes as: 

  • 3 – 1963 model year 

  • Y – Wixom, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • 85 – 2-door convertible 

  • Z – 390 cu-in V8 4bbl 

  • 137277 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Power-operated convertible top 

• Rear fender skirts (removed but included) 

• Swing-away steering column 

• Power steering, brakes, windows, and seats 

• Pioneer AM/FM stereo with AUX and Diamond Auto Tech speakers 

• Coker Classic P215/75R14 wide whitewall tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips on fender skirts (which have been removed from the car) 

Included 

• Keys 

• Owner’s manual 

• Rear fender skirts 

Ownership History

This 1963 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, one of many collector cars that make up the ever-evolving Rocket City Collection, is offered from an established Alabama car enthusiast who enjoys the pursuit and trade of great cars in equal measure to the curation of the same. 

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