1962 Ford Thunderbird

The Ford Motor Company advanced its personal luxury models with the new-for-1961 Thunderbird. It followed the highly successful four-seater Thunderbird of 1958 to 1960 and had clean bodylines, a sharply-pointed front profile, well-balanced bullet-shaped proportions, and aptly nicknamed 'Bullet Bird.' A wider array of engine options were offered to customers who were seeking the comfort of the Thunderbird with the performance that challenges the fastest sports car of the era. By 1962, the high-performance 'M-Code' 390 cubic-inch V-8 engine was released, and with the help of a trio of Holley two-barrel carburetors, produced a stout 340 brake horsepower. Unlike the Sports Roadster option package that was available for the new Thunderbird either from the factory or as a dealer-installed package, the M-Code Thunderbird 390 engine was only available from the factory. The factory M-Code Thunderbird was a rare option with 138 examples being sold, 49 being the 63A M-Code hardtop. They came equipped with the 390 CID V-8 and tri-power Holley carburetion. The dress-up kit came with chrome, aluminum, and stainless details and backed by an automatic transmission. 120 buyers selected the $242.10 'M-Code' 390 V8 option, with 37 pairing it with the Sports Roadster body style in 1963.

The Thunderbird was first introduced in 1955, and no one could have predicted its popularity or its ability to outsell its rival, the Chevrolet Corvette by a wide margin. It was marketed as both sports and personal luxury car with comfortable seating, unique styling, and power from a V-8 engine. In 1958, it parted ways with its rival Corvette and became a four-seater. By 1960, it had grown in refinement, gaining large triple round taillights and a freshly restyled grille. Sales for the 1960 Thunderbird set a new record with 92,843 examples sold. The 1960 Thunderbird styling was popular and could have remained for another year or two, but Ford management decided to introduce a redesigned Thunderbird for 1961. The three years the 'bullet bird' were in production tuned out to be some of the best the Thunderbird had seen.

Ford Motor Company V.P. and Ford Division General Manager Lee Iacocca chose Ford designer Bud Kaufman to devise the two-seater roadster. He devised a racing-style removable fiberglass tonneau that concealed the Thunderbird convertible's rear seat and provided a headrest directly above the front seats. This was initially a dealer-installed item, and later became a regular production item near the close of 1961. Promising sales encouraged the development of a factory-available Sports Roadster variant of the Thunderbird. Released in 1962, the package included the tonneau cover, a passenger grab bar, and 48-spoke Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels with knock-off centers. It was an expensive option which resulted in only a small number being produced. Thunderbird Sports Roadster production numbered 1,427 units in 1962 (at a cost of $650 above the standard convertible), but it went down to just 455 produced in 1963.

The interior is similar to sitting in the cockpit of a jet fighter. There is a large center console that extends all the way to the rear seats. The futuristic steering wheel complements its jet-inspired design. The dashboard carries the 'Super Sonic' design theme with protruding instrument pods for the speedometer, fuel gauge and temperature gauge, and a clock. Available luxury amenities include the power brakes, power steering, and power windows, an AM radio, tinted glass, bucket seats, a center console, and the famous 'Swing-Away' steering wheel.

The Corvette remained true to its sports car roots, however, the Thunderbird went on to appeal to a wider audience and became one of America's best and most popular cars. Over 73,000 examples were sold in 1961 and that rose to 78,011 for 1962. Bodystyles included a convertible, hardtop coupe, landau hardtop coupe, and sports roadster convertible. The most popular body style was the hardtop coupe with 68,127 examples sold at a base price of $4,320. The Sports Roadster was the most expensive, having a base price of $5,440.

The 1962 Thunderbird was certainly part performance and part luxury automobile. It featured approximately 45 pounds of sound-deadening materials for a quiet-ride and the optional M-Code engine was highly potent. Zinc-coated steel resisted rust, and three coats of primer and two coats of 'never-wax' enamel paint added to the car's appeal and longevity.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020