1963 Ford Thunderbird design gave us the “bullet bird” with its rounded to a point front end to the twin turbine rear taillights, we were firmly into the jet age, beehive hairdos, fedora wearing, pipe smoking suburban dads, and the white picket fence surrounding the New England style house. From the day it was built, this car became a desirable collectable, and dripped with suburbia success.
For consignment we have 2 (click) 2 (click) 2 cars in one! A classic 1963 Thunderbird come faux gasser. I know you have to see it to believe it with its front mounted barrel tank, to the bolt on side pipes emanating from the front wheel wells, to the 8 stack on top of the hood and the rear spoiler we give you the jet age gasser, disguised as a 1963 bullet bird.
Exterior
The original design has been retained, in fact all the “gasser” add ons can easily be removed and you’ll be back to normal within a few hours. Exterior is Silver Blue metallic and has several areas of patching, some minor cracking of the paint especially on the seams, and some areas of underlying rust showing bubbling of the paint. Chrome bumpers and trimmings are original to the car and retain a mirror-like shine. Badging is all there and some drag strip advertising and the B/ G (B gasser class) stickers are on the front quarter. One has to love the turbine style rear taillights topped by a mild fin, and the fender skirts giving the car a low profile look. Mustang wheels are wrapped by BF Goodrich rubber all around. Don’t forget the rear spoiler to keep this rocket on the ground.
Interior
Dripping with mid century modern curved styling the interior shows some wear. Seats are covered and we do not know the condition underneath. This is true for the front buckets and the rear bench. An upgraded console covered in tan vinyl races from the rear bench and houses dual storage compartments and front cup holders. Just in front of the console is a floor shifter, now added replacing the tree automatic shifter. Save for the loss of the shift lever the column and wheel are original to this car. So is the dash with a background of wood appliqu a trio of round deep set gauges plenty of stylish 60’s knobs and pulls, and all underneath a large curved overhang. This dash is padded, and a peek underneath the carpeted covering reveals some cracks. In the middle of the dual curved overhangs is a new style radio and heater and airflow controls. Plenty more of wood appliqu panels the dash front and just below more curved padded vinyl for your knees and legs. Door panels in light tan vinyl are showing some wear, and also have a panel of wood appliqu. Cocoa brown carpet floods the floors and above is a light tan headliner which remains mostly tight. Cruise control has been added.
Drivetrain
A 390ci V8 with a 4-BBl carburetor setup, and a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission on back. The rear axle weighs in at 3.00:1. Engine bay is clean and sports some blue valve covers and new wiring and hoses, as well as a new dual master cylinder.
Undercarriage
Up on the lift we notice plenty of surface rust on all undercarriage parts. It however remains structurally sound, and some of the original undercoating has chipped away revealing surface rust. 4-wheel drum brakes are power assisted and have new lines. Some oil blowback is seen around the engine pan, and the passenger rear wheel shows an axle seal is leaking. Cherry bomb exhaust is on the back of the car.
Drive-Ability
A definite eye catcher, mostly in a good way, with its gasser add ons, this car fired right up, and had great acceleration. It puts out plenty of power and exhaust noise as my work mates said they heard me out on the test track. It was a fun driver, the braking requires some heavy foot, but steering was easy, and functions were functional.
A few dents and dings, and patina with the passage of time on the bullet bird from ’63, and then the gasser add ons which if you don’t care for can be easily removed. Could be a project car with a bit of work or could be left to show to the world. It drives great, has good power, and definitely attracts attention.
Price: Auction
More info: Listing has ended. Click to search on eBay for similar 1963 Ford Thunderbird (Affiliate link)
Seller's other items: classicautomall
Location: Morgantown, Pennsylvania, United States
