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CLEAN DRIVER BULLET BIRD, 390 V8, AUTO, PWR STEERING/BRAKES/TOP, TURN-KEY!!!

  • Location: Local pick-up only
  • Condition: Used
  • Make: Ford
  • Model: Thunderbird
  • Type: Convertible
  • Doors: 2
  • Year: 1963
  • Mileage: 85,725
  • VIN: 3Y85Z130289
  • Color: Other
  • Engine size: 390 V8
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Interior color: Black
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

1963 Ford Thunderbird Description

We have long admired the 1961-63 "Bullet Birds" for their styling and awesome road manners, and this 1963 Ford Thunderbird convertible delivers an awesome look with an unusual color combination, as well as fantastic road manners befitting a top-of-the-line ragtop.
Quite honestly, you'll feel like a movie star whenever you drive this car. People will wave, honk their horns, and come up just to talk to you about it. The Bullet Birds are like that. The 1963s stand out for their highly sculpted sides, including the ornaments on the doors, which give them a bit more interest than the smooth-sided 61-62 models. With handsome code V Chestnut paint, this one will also stand out in a set of red and white 'Birds in a good way, because this is a color that's very much back in fashion today. It's an older paint job that's been enjoyed properly, so it shines up nicely but there are signs of use throughout. However, that shouldn't get you down, because none of them are really visible unless you get close and you'll be having too much fun from behind the wheel to really sweat it. You will note that this one is not wearing its fender skirts, which is due to the Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, which don't clear the 'skirts. The good new, however, is that the '63s were also redesigned with a rear wheel opening that looks far more natural than the earlier cars and the no-skirts look gives the big car a rather sporting look.
The black interior is in good order, too, wearing correct seat covers with some age on them but no splits or tears and they're still quite comfortable for long highway cruises. The wraparound cockpit is beautifully designed, and important details like the anodized aluminum trim that sweeps down onto the center console is in excellent shape. The gauges are bright and crisp in their individual round pods and the liberal helpings of chrome used throughout makes it look upscale and sophisticated. Other features include power windows, a tilt-away steering column, and the original AM radio (which, sadly, doesn't work). Thunderbird-logo floor mats look right and the back seat has a nice two-seater look with the tonneau cover installed. And yes, the insanely complex top is fully operational and is in good condition overall.
The only engine you could get in your 1963 Thunderbird was a 390 cubic inch V8, but it's plenty for the low-slung ragtop. With 300 horsepower on tap and seemingly limitless torque, it moves the Thunderbird with the kind of ease that you'd expect. Not fast, but not slow, just perfect for a car that commands respect on the road. The engine bay is nicely detailed with a lot of authentic features, including the big air cleaner and chrome details that dress the place up a bit. It's quite clean and the big V8 presents nicely without any major issues. Power steering and brakes are mandatory on a car this size, and the Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission shifts cleanly (remember to use the green dot shifter position for best performance!). The underside is quite clean, showing the results of years of living in a warm climate. There's a newer dual exhaust system (dual exhaust was an option, believe it or not) and with 3.00 gears out back, this is a fantastic highway cruiser. Those aforementioned wire wheels give it the Sport Roadster look without the price tag and carry recent 14-inch wide whitewall radials.
We like this cars a lot. Of all the Thunderbirds, the Bullet Birds seem to be the only ones that are still appreciating, making this a car that you can enjoy by knowing it's a smart buy. Call today!