1962 Ford Thunderbird Sport Roadster

Description

Introduced as a limited-edition model within Ford’s third generation “Bullet Bird” Thunderbird lineup, the 1962 Sport Roadster was a bold and luxurious evolution of Ford’s personal luxury car concept. Designed to blend high style with performance, it targeted affluent buyers who wanted exclusivity and flair. 

The Thunderbird Sport Roadster evoked the spirit of European grand tourers and was distinguished by its sleek, aerodynamic lines and a unique fiberglass tonneau cover that transformed the rear seats into a two-seater appearance. The car featured Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, special badging, and a more aggressive stance than the standard Thunderbird convertible. Under the hood, the Sport Roadster received a powerful 390 cubic-inch V8 engine, producing 300 horsepower, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.  

Of the 78,011 Thunderbirds that Ford produced in 1962, only 1,427 were Sport Roadsters, and although aftermarket items are available to make a standard convertible appear to be a Sport Roadster, this one has both a verified VIN and original documentation from Ford. It was also named Best of Show at the 2023 Buffalo Thunderbird Car Show. 

As Curbside Classic noted in a retrospective: “Ford did what many guessed could not be done — it gave the T-Bird convertible added sex appeal.” 

Highlights 

• One of 1,427 Ford Thunderbird Sport Roadsters built for 1962 

• Refinished in factory-correct Rangoon Red paint with power-retractable black soft top and black crinkle vinyl upholstery 

• Original Z-code 390 cu-in V8 engine has been replaced in 2011 with 390 cu-in V8 crate engine from Performance Unlimited 

• Additional upgrades: 

  • Mass-Flo electronic fuel injection 

  • Mallory distributor 

  • Edlebrock intake manifold and aluminum cylinder heads 

  • Performance cam 

  • 195-degree thermostat 

  • Billet serpentine belt drive kit 

  • Aluminum radiator 

  • Electric fan 

  • AutoGage 8,000 rpm tachometer 

• Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission 

• Sport Roadster edition included: 

  • Fiberglass tonneau cover over the rear seats to give the car a two-seat roadster appearance 

  • Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels 

  • Passenger grab bar 

  • Unique “Roadster” emblems on the front fenders 

• The data decodes as: 

  • Body: 76B – Thunderbird Sport Roadster 

  • Color: J – Rangoon Red 

  • Trim: 56 – Black crinkle vinyl 

  • Date: 14F – Built 14 June 1962 

  • DSO: 31 – Cincinnati (Ohio) District Sales Office 

  • Axle: 1– 3.00:1 rear axle ratio 

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

• The chassis number (2Y89Z169808) decodes as: 

  • 2 – 1962 model year 

  • Y – Wixom, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • 89 – 2-door convertible 

  • Z – 390 cu-in V8 2BBL 

  • 169808 – Sequential production number   

Features 

• Swing-away steering column 

• Power steering and brakes 

• JVC AM/FM/CD stereo system with WMA, MP3, and AUX (replaced factory radio) with box speakers on the floor behind each front seat 

• 120 mph speedometer  

• Coker Classic P215/75R14 wide whitewall tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint bubbles on fiberglass tonneau cover 

• Small hole in rear window of soft top 

• Wear/bubbling on whitewalls 

• Small tear on driver's side armrest  

• Cracks in center of the dash top 

• Pitting on the steering column 

• Clock does not function 

• Two small holes in rear passenger seat 

• Rust on the underside  

Included 

• Spare tire and jack 

• Rubber Thunderbird floor mats 

• Original documentation of car purchase/order 

• Maintenance records and information 

• Engine and stereo information 

• 2023 Buffalo Thunderbird Car Show award (water damaged) 

Ownership History 

This 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sport Roadster was sold new by Holtzmuller Motor Co. in Eaton, Ohio. The car’s New York state owner bought it in August 2022, and the car has been driven only 300 miles since. It is being sold because the owner has health issues. The Thunderbird has a transferrable registration.