This Ford Thunderbird (1961-1963) got away, but there are more like it here.
1961 Ford Thunderbird Roadster Conversion
N
No Reserve
A
Alumni
Sold for $9,000 on 7/28/23
12Comments
12Comments 
This 1961 Ford Thunderbird left Ford’s Wixom, Michigan, as a hardtop and was later modified into a roadster. The car is finished in black over black and is powered by a 390ci V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes a removable roadster-style tonneau cover, chrome-finished 15″ Cragar wheels, power-assisted steering and brakes, and an aftermarket stereo. The seller acquired the car on BaT in June 2022 and relocated it from Virginia to Arizona. Subsequent work is said to have included a rebuild of the carburetor, the replacement of the front shocks and the door panels, the refinishing of the interior trim, and the installation of LED headlights, a front suspension rebuild kit, and a steering rebuild kit. This modified Thunderbird is now offered in Arizona with removed and spare parts, service records, and a clean Montana title in the name of the seller’s LLC.
Finished from the factory as a Corinthian White hardtop model, the car underwent a Sports Roadster-style conversion under previous ownership and was repainted in its current shade of black. The car is not equipped with a soft top or convertible mechanism, and a removable roadster-style tonneau cover is included in the sale and shown in the gallery below. LED headlights were fitted under current ownership. Additional exterior features include 1961-specific horizontal bars on the rear quarter panels, jet-inspired tail lights, and stainless-steel nose-to-tail beltline strips that integrate the door handles. The trunk lid is dented and close-up shots displaying the exterior condition are included in the photo gallery.
Chrome-finished 15″ Cragar wheels were fitted under current ownership and are mounted with 215/75 Goodyear Regatta 2 tires showing 2005 date codes. The car is equipped with power-assisted steering and brakes. The chassis is said to have been reinforced and the ball joints, springs, and dampers were replaced under previous ownership. Work under current ownership included the replacement of the front shocks and the installation of front suspension and steering rebuild kits.
The cabin was reupholstered in black under previous ownership and is accented by silver and turquoise trim that was refinished under current ownership. The door panels and window felts were also replaced. Interior amenities include an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, power windows, lap belts for the front occupants, and a full-length center console with a locking lid. An aftermarket stereo has been installed, and the removed factory AM radio is included in the sale. The air conditioning does not currently blow cold. A tear can be seen on the rear seat upholstery, and the rear window switch is loose and needs to be remounted. The seat cushions are in need of replacement, and replacements are included in the sale.
The instrument cluster houses a 120-mph speedometer, an analog clock, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 90k miles, approximately 100 of which have been added under current ownership. A swing-away tilt steering wheel is fitted, and the tilt mechanism needs adjustment.
The 390ci V8 sends power to the rear wheels through a Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. Maintenance under current ownership has included a rebuild of the Holley carburetor, an oil change, and the replacement of the battery, distributor cap and rotor, and the engine oil. The seller states that the car needs to be started with the transmission in the neutral position.
Additional photos are presented in the gallery below showing the suspension, chassis, and driveline. The dual-outlet exhaust system was replaced under previous ownership. and seepage can be seen coming from the differential housing.
The vehicle serial number reveals that the car is a 1961 Thunderbird hardtop built at the Wixom, Michigan, plant and powered by a 390ci V8 equipped with a four-barrel carburetor. The data plate shown above partially decodes as follows:
Body 63A – Thunderbird hardtop
Color M – Corinthian White exterior finish
Trim 57 – Turquoise interior trim
Date 16E – May 16 build date
Trans 4 – Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission
Axle 6 – 3.00:1 standard rear axle
Service records and removed and spare parts are included in the sale.
Video Gallery
Photo Gallery
Auction Result
| Winning Bid | USD $9,000 by StrollinThruChaos |
| Auction Ended | July 28, 2023 at 12:10PM PT |
| Bids | 11 |
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BaT Essentials
Seller: Cartrader128
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona 85254Listing Details
- Chassis: 1Y71Z153652
- 90k Miles Shown
- 390ci V8
- Three-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Repainted Black
- Black Vinyl Upholstery
- Chrome-Finished 15" Cragar Wheels
- Power Steering and Brakes
- Roadster-Style Tonneau Cover
- LED Headlights
- Swing-Away Steering Column
- Silver & Turquoise Interior Trim
- Aftermarket Stereo
- Removed & Spare Parts
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #114932
BaT History (2)
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