1962 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

Lot details
Registration No: LSL 956
Chassis No: 2Y85Z168262
Mot Expiry: April 2004

Although having the same 102in wheelbase as the Corvette, Ford's 1954 Detroit Auto Show introduced Thunderbird was engineered to be more comfortable and luxurious than the GM rival. Ford were proven correct in their hope that their car would appeal to a wider, more street orientated audience. With more Euro-styling, though with US car comforts and practical features retained, it was no wonder that the Ford really caught on with the punters. Indeed, it outsold the more expensive Corvette by a resounding 24 sales to one.
The Thunderbird owes its name to the God of Rain and Prosperity that was worshipped by America's South West Indians. Built with a sturdy steel bodyshell, equipped with wind-up/down windows, and either a fold-down convertible hood or a factory hard-top with distinctive three-quarter rear portholes, or both, all T-birds were powered by the bomb-proof Mercury V8, initially of 312cu in capacity.
According to the owner of this 1962-built Thunderbird, the black convertible with larger, even more potent 390cu in motor is in super condition, having refurbishment bills on file charting more than £5000 of expenditure. He tells us that the specification is the ultimate for a T-bird roadster, being fitted with black leather interior, air-con, Continental rear-mounted spare wheel/tyre kit to maximize the amount of luggage space, Kelsey wires and tonneau.
US Motor Trend mag summed up the T-bird's appeal: 'The clever wedding of sports car functionalism with American standards of comfort.'
Please Note: This vehicle is MOT'd until April 2004.