1962 Ford Thunderbird Custom Roadster
Cars have long been used as the canvas for art. The most famous transformations were done by George Barris and Hollywood, but thousands of artisans have taken many cars to the level of show car only, meaning they are so special, so outlandish, so modified, that street driving becomes impossible or even somewhat illegal. Art cars, SEMA displays, prototypes and others are destined to a life on stage and in enclosed trailers being taken, rather than driven to shows. And we're glad they exist!
For consignment, one of the wildest rides we've had at Classic Auto Mall, and we've had a Flintstone car so you know that's saying something! A highly aesthetically modified 1962 Ford Thunderbirds that is still recognizable as a Thunderbird, but is a long, long way from its original configuration. It's won numerous Best of Show awards and that's no surprise. Let's get into it...
Exterior
The smooth lines and glass like finish of this car are striking. The high quality paint is deep and aptly named Antifreeze Green Metallic. And like antifreeze, it does have a glow to it. Every inch of the car has been customized in some way including the front where the busy grille of the original has been cleaned up and the hood edge straightened to form a brow over the headlights. But there's enough here to recognize its origins. Gone are the metal trim pieces riding the top of the fender next to the hood. Everything has been melded in a continuous flow of green and no emblems or trim remains. The formerly round side mirror has been replaced with a body matching angular piece, and the door handles have been shaved. More smoothness has been brought to the taillights which are flat, solid red circles that appear to have a bullet protruding. The car is bumperless, but a spare wheel housing craftily carved into the trunk adds some texture. The wild roof, probably the most dramatic feature of the car, is a flowing stretch of plexiglass supported by a handmade stainless steel frame. This bubble top, which hints of the 60's Batmobile, is removable per the consignor. The roof is open over the body-colored fairings. Rat rod style turbine hubcaps continue the drama and the rears are partially covered with a fender skirts. We note one paint bubble near a body line as the only imperfection.
Interior
Fixed, fin shaped windows top metal paneled doors that match the body color. A swooping ivory design in leatherette accents the door. The bucket seats are decked out in ivory leather with matching green alligator patterned leather. The steering wheel is an amazing crescent design unlike anything we've seen and at its center is a large chrome jewel. The gauge pod is a stand alone lance shaped sculpture with green snakeskin patterned backing and housing two Dolphin gauges, white faced and red needled. The metal dash spills a center console which waterfalls with a series of metal rods that bend and flow past the seats in the center. This is pure show, there are no buttons, switches, cup holders or anything else on the "console". It's simply a work of art. Low pile green carpet covers the floor where we find pedals that have unique metal plates with designs embossed within them.
Drivetrain
The block and valve covers are painted bright red and the engine bay is very clean. It's where we find a 390ci V8 topped by a 4-barrel carburetor and connected to a Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. Power is met in the rear where a Ford 9" exists with 3.00 gears. Power drum brakes are supplied front and rear.
Undercarriage
Essentially driver quality underneath with areas of surface rust, some oil on the rear diff, and some general road grimes. We note two areas of previous patching on the rear unibody. Dual exhaust leaves the engine independently then enters two MagnaFlow mufflers and dumps just before the rear axle under the car. Coil springs are found in the front independent suspension while leaf springs handle the load out back.
Drive-Ability
We eased this low car out of our garage and onto the test loop. We dare not enter the town of Morgantown because it might cause a crowd to form. We stayed on our flat terrain and tested all of the functions. It cruised nice and everything that's left on the car such as lights and turn signals work. Then we brought it back inside before word got around town.
Are you looking for a turnkey show car that will fill your den with trophies? Do you want something so unique that no one else has anything close? Then this is it. This is an absolute show stopper and a must have, especially if you happen to fancy those 60's Thunderbirds which even in stock configuration, are cool. This antifreeze colored T-bird is so hot, it takes cool to a new level!
2Y83Z156500
2-1962
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
83-Thunderbird 2 Door Hardtop
Z-390ci V8 4bbl 300hp
156500-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63A-Thunderbird Hardtop
COLOR M-Corinthian White
TRIM 57-Turquoise Vinyl
DATE 10D-April 10th
DSO 13-New York
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
