1962 Ford Thunderbird Factory Sports Roadster "Spectacular car in #1 Condition"

1962 Ford Thunderbird Roadster Description

Heavily documented, Original window sticker, 2 build sheets, Ford Factory Gate release,photos of restoration and much, much more!
“Mecum auction, Friday January 11th, 2019"A 1962 Ford Roadster, White, red interior,black top sold for $71,500. (includes fees) In carefully examining this vehicle, in had several panels that had been poorly repainted and the color inside the door jambs was several shades different than the car. Also there were several dents in the rear tail light surround bezels. Also there was no factory paperwork to document the car.
The Roadster we are offering listed here is a fully documented Roadster with original factory build sheets, time stamped factory Gate release, original warranty book and much more. It has an ACTUAL mileage title.Also, the paint,interior, engine compartment, chrome, trim, trun, glass, top, are in # show condition. For our low buy it now price call (954) 873-6495.Additionally if you have a trade or trades please give us a call so we can discuss your car (s)

There is so much content in the way of photos, video and copy, you will probablyneed a computer, NOT a cell phone to see everything.
If you have a late model car or a vintage car you would like to offer in trade, pleasecontact us at (954) 873-6495.
Scroll down past all the copy to see all the super hi-definition photos and click on the link to seeground level video as well as drone footage.
Included are the 1962 owner's manual, copy of Florida title from 10-09-2000 showing 53,171 actual miles,a nice white binder book with all the documentation, articles on this car, photos of 1st owners, photosof the restoration, photos of the car taken by the owners of this car from 1999 in Stuart, Florida and aFord Factory Marketing photo in black & white
If you want to know a "buy it now" price, call us at (954) 873-6495...we will tell you that in the 1st 10 seconds.However, we will not respond to text messages or e-mails asking us for that info...we want to hear a real live voice.
Make a list of your questions....we will answer them all and do so honestly.If we don't know the answer, we will tell you so and find out the answers.
The following copy deals with verifying your buying what is being represented and the history as thedocumentation reflects from the daythis car was manufactured in Ford'sWixomplant and headed toEckMotors who had special ordered this car for the 1st owners, Mr. and Mrs.Lutter.
If this is of no interest to you, scroll down to the bold red letters dealing with this car's condition today!
Serial number: 2Y89Z158488
Serial number decoded: 2 Y 89 Z 158488 1962Wixomplant Factory Roadster 390cid V-8/300hp Chassis number

Factory original Trim Plate Decoded
Body 76B= Color Trim Date Mfg. DSO Axle TransmissionRoadster N=(sales name Diamond Blue) 52=Medium blue 19D=19th of April 53=Kansas City 1=3.00:1 4=Cruise-0-matic Factory code 921 called it Platinum Metallic DSO= Domestic 3 speed Automatic Note this special color only available Special Order on a special ordered roadster
Engine: Original 390cid V-8 rated at 300HP
Serial number: 2Y89Z 158488
Actual mileage on title states "Actual Mileage: CURRENT READING IS 66,569
The weather in South Florida this time of year is phenomenal. This Roadster may have another couple of hundredmore miles on it before it finds a new home. If you see this Bird cruising downAIAfromDelRayBeach to Boca Ratonhonk 3 times and I'll wave back.
Here is how to determine if a 1962 Thunderbird is a factory built car....rather than a replica or simply "a Fake or Imitation"
We would be remiss if we didn't mention William Wonder as much of the following information was derived from his book,on pages 93-106, The Thunderbird Restoration guide. Pages
The Thunderbird Roadster was another brainchild of the genius of LeeIacocca's. It was a 4 seater car that in acouple of minutes could transform into a car that looked like the "Batmobile". The FiberglassTonneaucould be puton the car in less than a minute after the convertible top was automatically stored in the trunk.
Other Roadster treatments were specialbadgingon the left and right front fenders, a padded "Grab Bar"affixed to the dash for use of the person in the passenger seat...it soon became known as the "Sissy Bar"A gorgeous set of authentic Kelsey/Hayes Chrome Wire Wheels with 48 spokes. A total of 5 wheels (spare)were mounted on top quality 800X14" White walls. Fender skirts could NOT be installed because the wire wheelsstuck out enough to prevent installing fender skirts. The spare appears to be the original Goodyear tire.
The 1st Factory Roadster left theWixomplant on September 13th, 1961. I have been told by several Ford Factoryemployees it was given to Elvis Presley at the urging of LeeIacocca. The first 465 Roadster's were all RangoonRed with black vinyl interior (4 were built with red leather & 1 with red vinyl.)
Ford changes the designation of factory Roadsters on February 2nd, 1962
All of these 1st 465 cars had 85 as the 2nd & 3 serial numbers which were same as the regular convertibles.To eliminate the confusion around invoicing & Data plates, the convertibles continued to be 85 designatedcars while all Factory Roadsters built at Ford were assigned 89 as the 2nd & 3 digits in the serial numbers.In addition the Roadsters received a different body code on the Trim plates and were now designated 76Bas a special body code which further authenticated the car to be a factory built Roadster
I was fortunate to meet LeeIacocca, Lee is 94 and still sharp as a tack, Author and Thunderbird expert William Wonder,and LoisEminger, a long time employee of Ford.Lois sadly passed away in 2008 and anyone who was fortunate to know hermisses her. Lois was known as "The Pink Thunderbird Lady" or "Mrs. Thunderbird."The knowledge I learned from these 3 wonderful people is indeed most valuable.
If you want to learn every thing there is to know about Thunderbirds built 1958-1966I recommend you buythe Thunderbird Restoration Guide by William Wonder...it's available at Amazon. Bill is a terrific guy and about10 years ago we purchased his rare 1963 fully restored Thunderbird coupe with theM, 340hp special engine
Total production of all Ford Thunderbirds for 1962
Hard tops: 69,554Convertibles: 7,030Factory Sport Roadsters: 1427
No one knows the precise numbers of 1962 Roadsters that have survived but most experts feel thenumber is somewhere between 20% to 25%which translates between 285 to 356 Factory built 1962 Ford Sport Roadsters still exist. How many in this condition?
Caution: Don't buy a fake...there are more counterfeit ones on the market for sale than the 1427 carsthe factory actual produced. Your welcome to call (954) 873-6495 and we will try and help you with oneyour considering to buy. Our advice is free.....we love all vintage cars and one of the guys withGarage Memories has been buying, selling, trading and collecting cars since 1960.
Car Collections: If you have at least 6-10....or more vintage cars or exotic sports cars and want to get the top market price,please write to us atluvdg@aol.comor call (954) 873-6495. The more cars the merrier. Two years ago we sold 68 Vintage cars ExclusivelyonEbayMotors in 43 days....every single car in the Jack Miller Collection who had an amazing car Museum in Jupiter,FloridaWe can also come to you and do the same. Check out the Hi-definition photos in every auction as well as theUltra high definition special drones we use to create a 2-3 minute video professional presentation.
We sold our 1st vintage car on E-bay on March 15th, 2000 and our proud of our reputation and Feedbackas well as our relationship with Ebaymotors.com
You will see why we "Never make a sale"...a sale is a one time event!
Instead we want to make you a "CUSTOMER" because a customer is forever.
What kind of paperwork & documentation will prove the authenticity of a real factory roadster?
1. The ORIGINAL Factory window sticker, not a cheap reproduction one
2. The factory ORIGINAL build sheets (each car had 2, both usually under the seats.
3. The ORIGINAL factory gate release, showing the date the car was shipped and to what dealer.
With this stunning Diamond Blue (Platinum) example we are offering onEbay, we haveall 3, including the books, manuals and photos of the restoration.
This special color was ONLY available on a "Factory BuiltRoadster" and required aDSOnumber. (District special order)Only 6 Roadster are believed to have been built in this color combination in 1962. We only know of the existence of one remaining....this car!If you know of another 1962 Roadster built in this color combination with this equipment please write to us atluvdg@aol.comor callus at (954) 873-6495.
Now....let me share my 1st hand knowledge of this car.
The Factory Gate release and accounting document has a time stamp indicating 2Y89Z 158488 was invoiced out April 17thin the AM and has a time stamp indicating it was shipped April 19th, 1962 to TheEckMotor Company in Haven, Kansas.The Trim Tag was the last thing put on these cars, thus the DATE of 19D= April 19th.
The original proud owners were Mr. & Mrs.Lutter. We have a lovely photo in the auction of theLuttersgetting ready for a trip to St. Louis, Missourias well as their beautiful Thunderbird in their large backyard showing off how the convertible top retracts into the trunk.
Included is the 1962 Ford Thunderbird window sticker...it's slightly yellowed from age and it shows anMSRPof $5760.40 which includes$118.50 for transportation and $5.00 for Gas & Antifreeze....man...those were the days...yes I remember paying 18.9 cents a gallon for hi-test.
TheLutter's loved this Bird...they sold it on April 1st,, 1968 to Helen & FredAlonzainHutchinsen, Kansas who financed this car withAVCOFinancial Services. The back of the title indicates the lien was paid in full on the 5th of September, 1975 and wassigned offby FredAlonzoon the 10th of November, 1975.
A newspaper article (no date) states that a RonTusseytook 1st Place in post war sports cars through the 1960's in the Easter Classic.The story appeared in theGlobe-Democrat.
Another newspaper story appeared on September 27th, 1988 with a MikeKrullofMattoonin the Journal Gazette in which Mike is shownreceiving an award as "State Champion " in his class.
Other photos show this car at the Thunderbird Nationals and a large table loaded with trophies.
There are several more very sharp & clear photos of this car inside of a garage devoted solely to this car.
We have many photos showing this car in various stages of a total restoration. We do not know who did theincredible restoration on this car or exactly when it was done. When you see and drive this car....you will think itreceived this restoration within the past year.
There are photos of the engine & transmission out of the car....and the car in various stages of restoration.I can tell by the way this car starts, idles, accelerates, shifts and stops that it was done to perfection.The cost to do a rotisserie restoration on this car today, if no body work is required, exceeds $100,000 and will take between 1-2 years.
Sometime in 1999 this Thunderbird ended up in Stuart, Florida. We have many clear photos taken by it'sowners in and around their home. You can see Palm trees in many of the photos and a Florida personalizedlicense plate that reads 62TBIRD. The photos are time stamped 9 '99.We have a newspaper article dated Sunday, May 18th, 2003.A large color photo of this car with it's owner, Kathy Evens is shown at a Howard Johnson's Inn in HainesCity, Florida & Kathy is waiting for her husband, Michael.
We have a very important document which further proves this is an ACTUAL MILEAGE car. We have a colorcopy of the Florida title on this car issued on October 8th, 2000.It states on that date this car had verified mileage of 53, 171 miles and states on the title as ACTUAL.
I am very pleased that this car has not be parked in a garage or warehouse since making it's way to South Florida.It has been drivenapprox. 13,400 miles over the past 19 years for an average of 700 miles a year.
This is a car that you can drive several hundred miles to anAACAjudging meet or other top car show.Wipe the car down and your ready to take home the 1st Place award. Spend a day...or a week and enjoy the ride back home.
The Florida title reads as follows as the registered owner:U-A G Michael Even living Trust1457N.E. Ocean Blvd, Unit 13Stuart, FL., 34996
1stlienholder:NONE
CURRENT CONDITION
We checked everything on this car and found two things that do not work...the clock & AM radio.

Regarding the original AM radio...there isn't much to listen to on the AM band today.
In driving this car around Palm Beach County, I simply bring along a portable speaker calledUltimate Ears and then stream my favorite tunes on Pandora using my I phone.
When we say everything works....we mean everything! That includes cold air-conditioning, heater, defroster,every light, every lamp, every switch, Liter, wipers, turn signals, bright lights, regular lights, parking lights,back up lights, front and rear turn signals, courtesy interior lamp and dash lights that fade darker or brighterand can also turn on the interior courtesy lamp.
When was the last time you bought a car is 57 years old that everything worked and you were NOT disappointed?
Garage Memories and it's staff guarantees this is a NODISAPPOINTMENTvaluable appreciating collectible. We hopeshould you ever wish to sell this car....our number will be the first one you call...(954) 873-6495. Same number and sameE-mail address since 1999.
Ready for some positive pluses on this car?
1. The generator has been upgraded to a new modern alternator.
2. If your stuck in traffic and it's 90+ outside, there is a hidden toggle switch thatturns on a very efficient cooling fan.
3. The AC has been converted to the atmosphere friendly R34a.
4. The AC compressor is a new, modern & efficient one that will last for years to come.
5. The 4 tires on the car are Michelins and look and ride as new.
6. We believe the spare tire is the one that came with this car. (Goodyear)
7. This car has 5 gorgeous real Kelsey/Hayes 48 spoke factory wire wheels andnot the cheap Chinese reproduction ones which sell for $1200 a set.
8. TheTonneaucover is the real deal...not one of the cheap reproduction ones on the market.
9. If you so choose, you could fly into Ft. Lauderdale or Palm Beach Airport. We will pick you up andif you so inclined, you could drive you spectacular Ford Factory Roadster back home.
10. The prior owner really loved this car!!!!! It has a secret hidden "kill" switch and when used, this car will notstart. I tried to find it and gave up after one hour. I open the center console and found instructions as to where itis concealed. I'll bet you can't find it either so open the center console and save yourself the trouble of trying to find it.If you can find it on your own....you a better man...or woman than anyone at Garage Memories....LOL.
If you prefer,we have been shipping our cars for more than 14 years with Mary Olson of Crossroads Transport.She can arrange everything when it comes to shipping your "new baby" back home in an Enclosedcarrier that isfullyinsured, licensed and bonded and save you money in the process. She has shipped morethan 1500 cars for us and 1000's of cars more for several of my car pals who also have their own car museums.
HOW DOES THIS CAR DRIVE?
This car comes with two sets of keys.
Slide the ignition key in, depress the gas pedal 1/2 to the floor and this will activate the chokemechanism.Turn the key one notch to the right and you will see two red lights glow...one will read oil (oil pressure sensor) the othergen(generator)
Turn the key one more notch to the right, gently give it a little more gas, and the Thunderbird 390cidV-8 ratedat 300hp will spring to life. After 3-4 minutes, the idle will come down and this car idles so smooth & quiet it mightseem to not be running...but it is.
Select reverse or forward and this car shifts so smoothly it's hard to detect a gear change, It's a silky smooth 3/speed Cruise-O-maticautomatic with a final drive ration of 3.00-1. What does that mean? This car will run all day at 70-75mph andyour only turningapprox. 2500RPMSat 75mph.
The gorgeous blue convertible top, once unlatched at the front header bar, will flawlessly retract inside the trunk in 40-45 secondsand possibly a little quicker if you give it a little gas while idling. Always retract the top or put up the top with the engine runningas it takes steady & strong voltage to operate the top...another reason why the alternator makes so much sense.
We have owned more than 50 Roadsters from 1962 & 1963 but none that looked and drove like this car.In our Museum we have both a 1962 and a 1963 "M" factory roadster.(triplecarbsrated at 340hp) They look as goodas this car but do not drive nearly as well. (sorry, neither are for sale)
I have driven this car at various speeds both in the City and own the Florida Turnpike at 75mph. I felt no vibrations, the car tracksArrow straight and this car drives better than any other car I have driven from this era. I could not find any play in the steeringwheel which is most unusual in any car 50+ years old.
The brakes work great with no pulling to the right or left.
The speedometer is accurate and the needle is steady (no jumping around)
I can tell you from past experience, the 1st two things that will stop working (after the clock stops)will be a power window or the switches that control the windows and the power seat. You will neverexperience the same problems with windows that easily roll up and down and bucket seats that easilywill slide forward or backward with a simple lever under each seat. If you want to replace theclock, you can buy a quartz electric replacement which looks identical to this one but willprobably outlast the car.($95)
How is the Chrome & the pot metal?
It's show quality and we are very, very fussy. I will look again and have my Son go over this entire carto see if we can find any problem areas and photograph them up close. He is more than 1/2 my ageand has much better vision.
What about the paint? Does it look as good in person as it does in the photos & video?
Yes it does.
We have found a few tiny chips that you can see as the top opens & closes.We will show them up close and I'll hold a pen next to them so you can get an idea of their size.I would NOT take this car anywhere near a paint and body shop.
This car is ready to show...and to win.The factory paint code is found in a web site calledwww.autocolorlibrary.com. With that formula numberany paint shop can make you up a small amount of touch up matching paint for the retail priceof $45 (approx. 1/2 of a pint) It's Ford factory name is Platinum but the retail brochure calls it Diamond Blue.
How does the interior look and feel?
SPECTACULAR!
I doubt if the back seat has every been sat in. You can turn this Roadster into a 4 seater in under a minute...However, most like the incredible look of the sporty 2 seater.Look at all the aluminum on the center console and on the dash...it's flawless...no visible scratches...none.Thegaugesandspeedometerand clock are crystal clear.
Gas gauge is accurate...and whether you fly in to pickup the beauty or if you decide to ship it to thefront door of your business or home....it will arrive with a full tank of 93 octane hi-test. Always runPremiumfuel in this car...it will perform fine on both leaded or unleaded.
Engine compartment, trunk and undercarriage
Study all the high resolution photos...it looks just as good in person.
We installed the factory correct Ford Battery called the "Power Punch"It iscustom made to order in Youngstown,Ohio. You will never have to add water as youdid back in 1962. The cost was $300.00 plus shipping.
Your probably tired by this time of reading everything?.......sorry but this is a VERY special car....one youwould typically see at one of the MAJOR TOP auctions and we although we feel it might set a record price....We really "Love the cars....more than the money and we prefer to know who ends up with a Garage Memory car.


We have 1,040Positive Feedbacks, most are for Vintage cars.
In actuality, we have sold over 3000 vintage cars since March of 2000!
Is buying a collectible car really a good investment?
ABSOLUTELY...but you MUST invest in the right car with the right provenance (history)

Since 1969 no investment has kept pace with the rise of the right collectible cars.NONE!
That includes:
Art...works of the mastersRare Coins and StampsRare booksGold or silverReal EstateStock MarketMutual FundsLife InsuranceFuturesToysFurnitureLettersRare photosBaseball or any other type of cardsI'm serious and I can prove it.....
There is only one investment you can't put in a bank,,,but you candrive it to your bank and we are going to do that tomorrow....I'll askmy Son take a photo outside our bank....they love seeing what newmotoring treasures we have discovered. (mechanical art)
Only 1 out of 3 buyers wants to use the Ebay process which is very safe but themajority of car collectors don't want anyone else to know what they paid for a car.
Click here to see the cars we have sold this year :
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TERMS & CONDITIONS:
The car is for sale locally in South Florida & in other media. We reserve the right to cancel this auction at any time before the end of the auction.
Call us at954-873-6495and we will be happy to discuss that with you.
The car will be made available for inspection by serious bidders throughout the auction. The car is garage kept in Boca Raton, FL.,Inspection must be done prior to the auction ending...NOT AFTER the auction is over.

Please e-mail us if you would like to see the car. If you prefer, we can arrange to have a qualified, independent, professional mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection for you (at your expense).
Shipping: If you need help shipping this car in the U.S. or anywhere else in this world, I will be happy to put you in direct contact with Mary Olson who has been our sole shipping person for not only us, but for several of my friends who own car museums. She is honest, reliable, dependable and gives great personal service. She has arranged shipping for myself and several of my friends of more than 3000 cars over the past 16 years.

We have sold cars fromAustraliatoAlaska...FromChinatoSaudi Arabia.....FromManhattanto
Moscow....and the hobby keeps growing & expanding all the time.Collector car insurance is dirt cheap... averages about $250-$400They usually require a garage and not more than 2500-3000miles a year put on the car.
I recommend you only buy a car like this if you have a garage to keep it in.We couldn't find anything not working correctly other than the clock & AM radio.

I truly believe there is NO such thing as a "PERFECT" old car or even a late model car that has been driven,WE ARE NOT making such a claim but it comes close to perfection.It is a low actual mileage car that is 57 years old that looks and drives like it rolled out of the Ford dealer showroom.We are urging you toPLEASEcome and inspect the car in person, drive it or to hire an expert inspector to do this for you.AGAIN....Please do not ask us to recommend anyone....we want you to select & hire your own inspector.This car is owned free and clear by Garage Memories..
As with all of our fine cars...we invite you and urge your personal inspection. If you see it....and drive it...you will buy it!
SHIPPING: Many of my friends and fellow collectors have shipped literally 1000's of cars over the past many years...all with a great gal named Mary Olson who owns Crossroads Transport...We will be happy to give you her e-mail & telephone & connect you up on a DIRECT basis with Maryand she can handle any shipping needs...this car should be shipped ENCLOSED!
OUT-OF-THE-USA SHIPPING: Over the past 50 yearswe have shipped cars to more than 40 countries...I can put you in contact with the right people who will give you great service at a fair price.
For financing...trywww.jjbest.comorwww.woodsidecredit.comIf you have a trade...please e-mail us atluvdg@aol.coma complete set of photos....details and a phone number.Also, we have contact with shippers throughout theU.S.and WORLDWIDE...We will be happy to assist you.
We will consider any nice vintage or antique car or late model Luxury car with a clean CARFAX & CARCHECK report.Please call us first and discuss this with us..and if we have an interest, we would then have you e-mail a complete set of photos and details.E-MAIL the photos of your trade or trades toluvdg@aol.comPlease write or call for more details....
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History Report - get a vehicle history report and protect yourself from hidden problemsShipping - get free shipping quotes and information on options to pick up the vehicleFinancing - learn about choicesBuyer Checklist - review steps to take to make a safe, successful purchase
AS IS - NO WARRANTYThis vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied.The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein,and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of anyincorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identificationpurposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyerto have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the conditionand value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonableeffort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.
There is no such thing as a "PERFECT" car...especially when dealing with vintage cars that are 25,35, 50 & 60 years old.However, this 1962 Thunderbird Roadster comes close...it's the best we have seen, owned or driven.I started collecting cars in 1960 and have never stopped.
Arranging for an independent third-party inspection is a great way to validate a seller's claims about a vehicle's condition.There are many companies and individuals who offer such a service. Of course your personal inspectionand scrutiny are suggested and most welcomed.
The seller has made a diligent effort to accurately describe this vehicle but does notexpressly or implicitly guarantee the accuracy of the above description.Bidders and prospective purchasers are urged and cautioned to conduct their own due diligence,including a physical inspection in person or through a qualified third party inspector or appraiser,before contemplating a purchase or making a bid on this vehicle.In fact, we would welcomeand encourage such an inspection,and will make every effort to make the above describedvehicle available at a time convenient to the perspective purchaser or their agentsWe charge NO fees of any type. NONE! We will provide you with a free and clear title which will read state actual mileage.
We will help arrange to have your vehicle picked up on a bonded, licensed and insured carrier.
There are ZERO dealer fees or other charges. You are responsible to pay all sales taxes in your home state.Some states like Montana have no sales taxes on vintage cars.I don't know about you but we dislike these fees....10% at most auctions and never a chance to drive thecar and the 1st time you hear it run it's being driven up on the auction block.You more or less forced to used the auto carriers associated with the auction and end up payingalmost double what you should to ship you car or cars back home.
Required payment is $1,000 through Paypalwithin 48 hoursand the balance in fullwithin 7 daysthereafter.Payment is by Bank wire transfer and we will give you the name, address and telephonenumber of our bank. This way you can have your bank call ours and check us out. We have beenthere more than 10 years and not one single complaint. Once the wire is received and thepaperwork signed and returned, your car will be immediately released for pickup and we will sendyou your title overnight, signature required by person receiving the overnight envelope. If you need moretime to pay the balance, please call us and we will work something out and give you additional time.