1962 Ford Thunderbird Sport Roadster Convertible

Ford introduced a dramatic new 'bullet' theme Thunderbird in 1961, replacing the past 'Squarebirds' from 1958 to 1960. The new Thunderbird came with a unique disappearing top for the convertible body styles that folded itself into the luggage compartment at the touch of a button. Known as the Sport Roadster, it had seating for two, padded slipstream headrests, and a set of four chrome wire wheels which necessitated the deletion of the rear fender shields. Unique chrome badges were placed on each front fender and there was a grab-bar located in front of the passenger.

The 1961 Thunderbirds came with an enlarged big-block V8 with a 390 CID displacement and rated at 300 horsepower. This remained the standard engine for 1962, however, a new and more powerful 'M-Code' version was optionally available with a trio of two-barrel carburetors rated conservatively at 340 hp. 1,427 customers selected the Sport Roadster package (a $650 option) with 120 of those selecting the 'M-Code 390 V8 option (a $242 option).

This particular example is one of the 120 'M-Code' tri-power Roadsters. It was assembled at Ford's Wixon assembly plant around the beginning of March 1962 and then shipped to Bitler Ford in Bordentown, New Jersey. The early history is not known, but by 1969 it was acquired by Ken Peterson of Jamestown New York and would remain in his care until 1994 when it was purchased by the current owner.

This T-Bird is finished in its original color of Rangoon Red with plush black pleated vinyl bucket seats. It is equipped with power brakes and standard (standard equipment on the T-Bird), along with power windows and power-operated driver's seat, tinted glass, push-button AM radio and a heavy-duty battery. Thunderbirds fitted with the M-code tri-power V8 engine were not able to be fitted with air conditioning in 1962.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2020