Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
We are very proud to offer this spectacularly restored 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster! In true concours fashion, it was beautifully refinished in original factory code-correct Rangoon Red over Pearl Beige Metallic vinyl interior with white convertible top. It remains all numbers matching to this day with only 79 actual miles driven since completion! It comes fully documented with copies of the original invoice, factory build sheet, an original owner's manual, and a complete book highlighting the extreme attention to detail on every Ford part number, inspection stamp, sticker, and proper metal plating as per factory specification. According the original build sheet, it comes loaded with all options including M-code 390ci V8 3x2bbl high performance engine, Select-Aire air conditioning, Cruise-O-Matic transmission, tilt-away steering column, power lift windows, power driver seat, vacuum lift power locks, tinted window glass, thin stripe whitewall tires, Magicaire heater/defrost, push button AM radio, windshield washers, remote outside mirror, and heavy-duty battery!
This early built (October 1962) was delivered new from Hemphill Ford Center located in San Antonio, TX. No expense was spared and no detail overlooked during a comprehensive rotisserie restoration to factory and concours specifications by owner and Vintage Thunderbird Club International 1961-63 Technical Editor Jim Wulf, recognized as one of the country's foremost 1963 Thunderbird restorers. Absolutely correct factory finishes were used on all refinished OEM parts and many NOS parts were used throughout. Hundreds of hours of research were spent to insure that every aspect of the restoration was absolutely factory correct. In fact, much of that research is being incorporated into the new forthcoming edition of the V.T.C.I. 1961-63 Official Factory Specifications Manual, currently being assembled by renowned Thunderbird expert Alan Tast. As a result, this particular M Code Sports Roadster is the “Gold Standard” by which all other 1963 Thunderbirds will be judged in the future.
Flawless Rangoon Red paint was applied over a rust free body, and factory correct Pearl Beige Metallic vinyl upholstery was installed, as well as new original style loop carpet. All of the interior and exterior stainless steel trim was removed, professionally polished, and reinstalled. The interior ribbed aluminum trim was removed and restored to its original tinted finish. All interior and exterior chrome trim was removed, stripped, and re-chromed. The front and rear bumpers were triple chrome plated. All interior panels and the original dash (which is perfect) were refinished in the original correct factory finishes. The meticulously detailed trunk, with newly installed factory correct Burtex trunk kit, features restored original top and deck cylinders and a new top pump, as well as new hydraulic hoses.
The 390 cubic inch M Code engine was expertly rebuilt and starts instantly, and runs quiet, strong, and cool without issues. The three speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission has been completely rebuilt and shifts smoothly and crisply. The entire engine compartment has undergone a complete concours restoration and detailing, including correctly re-plated & refinished hardware, even new custom made, factory correct, wiring harness labels! All appropriate engine compartment parts including the radiator shroud, cowl braces, shock mounts, hood springs etc., were bead blasted and then powder coated in the correct semi-gloss black finish. The factory style aluminized 2” dual exhaust system produces that familiar and pleasing Ford big block V8 rumble. A real attention getter is the factory chrome dress-up kit, complete with polished aluminum oval air cleaner, available exclusively with the M Code engine package. In order to remain true to the "factory original" concept, the available factory invoice and factory ROT sheet have been strictly adhered to, with nothing added or deleted including the factory installed AM Radio unit.
There have been only four Thunderbirds in the distinguished 44 year history of the Vintage Thunderbird Club International Concours that have ever earned a perfect 300 point score. Two of them are 1963 M Code Sports Roadsters restored by Jim Wulf. This is one of those very special cars. In addition to a perfect 300 point score and Best of Show awards at both the 2012 and 2013 V.T.C.I. International Conventions, this truly exceptional Roadster earned perfect 400 point scores at the 2012 and 2013 AACA Grand National Meets. Now, having unconditionally proven itself without exception, this remarkable Thunderbird is ready to be proudly shown by its new owner on the Concours Show circuit or simply driven for the sheer pleasure of experiencing the legendary Thunderbird driving experience.
There is simply no finer example of this extremely rare and highly desirable car in the entire country, and it is unlikely that a car of this caliber will be sold anytime in the near future. If you are serious about owning the best-of-the-best, an iconic Thunderbird that is assured of performing to the highest level in any AACA, VTCI, or Concours event, then this is the car you must have. It has been looked over very carefully to ensure everything is working properly making it ready to enjoy immediately! Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to own such a rare piece of early Thunderbird history! Cars of this pedigree and documentation are sought the world over, and are quickly being purchased by international collectors. Please feel welcome to call with questions.
1963 Ford
Thunderbird Sports Roadster
Quick Specs
Highlights
- The absolute best existing Sports Roadster example in existence!
- Multiple award winner including two V.T.C.I International perfect 300/300 scores!
- Fitted with rare M-code 390ci V8 3x2 High Performance engine!
- Features nearly all available factory options!
- Truly a concours example finished by technical expert Jim Wulf!
Description
We are very proud to offer this spectacularly restored 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster! In true concours fashion, it was beautifully refinished in original factory code-correct Rangoon Red over Pearl Beige Metallic vinyl interior with white convertible top. It remains all numbers matching to this day with only 79 actual miles driven since completion! It comes fully documented with copies of the original invoice, factory build sheet, an original owner's manual, and a complete book highlighting the extreme attention to detail on every Ford part number, inspection stamp, sticker, and proper metal plating as per factory specification. According the original build sheet, it comes loaded with all options including M-code 390ci V8 3x2bbl high performance engine, Select-Aire air conditioning, Cruise-O-Matic transmission, tilt-away steering column, power lift windows, power driver seat, vacuum lift power locks, tinted window glass, thin stripe whitewall tires, Magicaire heater/defrost, push button AM radio, windshield washers, remote outside mirror, and heavy-duty battery!
This early built (October 1962) was delivered new from Hemphill Ford Center located in San Antonio, TX. No expense was spared and no detail overlooked during a comprehensive rotisserie restoration to factory and concours specifications by owner and Vintage Thunderbird Club International 1961-63 Technical Editor Jim Wulf, recognized as one of the country's foremost 1963 Thunderbird restorers. Absolutely correct factory finishes were used on all refinished OEM parts and many NOS parts were used throughout. Hundreds of hours of research were spent to insure that every aspect of the restoration was absolutely factory correct. In fact, much of that research is being incorporated into the new forthcoming edition of the V.T.C.I. 1961-63 Official Factory Specifications Manual, currently being assembled by renowned Thunderbird expert Alan Tast. As a result, this particular M Code Sports Roadster is the “Gold Standard” by which all other 1963 Thunderbirds will be judged in the future.
Flawless Rangoon Red paint was applied over a rust free body, and factory correct Pearl Beige Metallic vinyl upholstery was installed, as well as new original style loop carpet. All of the interior and exterior stainless steel trim was removed, professionally polished, and reinstalled. The interior ribbed aluminum trim was removed and restored to its original tinted finish. All interior and exterior chrome trim was removed, stripped, and re-chromed. The front and rear bumpers were triple chrome plated. All interior panels and the original dash (which is perfect) were refinished in the original correct factory finishes. The meticulously detailed trunk, with newly installed factory correct Burtex trunk kit, features restored original top and deck cylinders and a new top pump, as well as new hydraulic hoses.
The 390 cubic inch M Code engine was expertly rebuilt and starts instantly, and runs quiet, strong, and cool without issues. The three speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission has been completely rebuilt and shifts smoothly and crisply. The entire engine compartment has undergone a complete concours restoration and detailing, including correctly re-plated & refinished hardware, even new custom made, factory correct, wiring harness labels! All appropriate engine compartment parts including the radiator shroud, cowl braces, shock mounts, hood springs etc., were bead blasted and then powder coated in the correct semi-gloss black finish. The factory style aluminized 2” dual exhaust system produces that familiar and pleasing Ford big block V8 rumble. A real attention getter is the factory chrome dress-up kit, complete with polished aluminum oval air cleaner, available exclusively with the M Code engine package. In order to remain true to the "factory original" concept, the available factory invoice and factory ROT sheet have been strictly adhered to, with nothing added or deleted including the factory installed AM Radio unit.
There have been only four Thunderbirds in the distinguished 44 year history of the Vintage Thunderbird Club International Concours that have ever earned a perfect 300 point score. Two of them are 1963 M Code Sports Roadsters restored by Jim Wulf. This is one of those very special cars. In addition to a perfect 300 point score and Best of Show awards at both the 2012 and 2013 V.T.C.I. International Conventions, this truly exceptional Roadster earned perfect 400 point scores at the 2012 and 2013 AACA Grand National Meets. Now, having unconditionally proven itself without exception, this remarkable Thunderbird is ready to be proudly shown by its new owner on the Concours Show circuit or simply driven for the sheer pleasure of experiencing the legendary Thunderbird driving experience.
There is simply no finer example of this extremely rare and highly desirable car in the entire country, and it is unlikely that a car of this caliber will be sold anytime in the near future. If you are serious about owning the best-of-the-best, an iconic Thunderbird that is assured of performing to the highest level in any AACA, VTCI, or Concours event, then this is the car you must have. It has been looked over very carefully to ensure everything is working properly making it ready to enjoy immediately! Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to own such a rare piece of early Thunderbird history! Cars of this pedigree and documentation are sought the world over, and are quickly being purchased by international collectors. Please feel welcome to call with questions.
1963 Ford
Thunderbird Sports Roadster
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