1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster, Rangoon Red, 300hp 390CI 4bbl.

Description

This a genuine "89Z" code '62 Thunderbird Sports Roadster equipped with a 300 horsepower V8 390 ci OHV - 4V Carb., one of only 1427 built, or less than 2% of Thunderbird production in 1962.

The car is complete with all the Sports Roadster goodies, including the Tonneau Cover, Kelsey-Hays Wire Wheels, the 300hp/390cid V8, 3-Speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission, and 3.00:1 Rear-end. Born on May 1, 1962 she was sold new in the Washington D.C. area. She is finished in her factory original colors, "J" code Rangoon Red, code "56" Black Vinyl Interior, and White Convertible Top. She is handsomely optioned as well, power steering, swing away steering wheel, power brakes, and power windows.

This car was restored in 1989, enjoying the life of a driven show car. Since 2005, this Thunderbird has been kept in a climate-controlled garage. During that time, the previous owner treated this Sports Roadster to a mechanical refresh, including but not limiting it to rebuilding the brake system with new brake lines, rear shoes, rear drums, as well as, rebuilding the front end and shocks. The current owner purchased it in 2011 where it has been a California resident ever since. She is a spectacular looking car and a wonderful drive.

This car has been professionally inspected by an independent 3rd party in several areas including vehicle mechanicals, paint, and body, this description is based on this non-biased inspection.

Exterior
The exterior is in overall very good condition, showing an even patina consistent with an older restoration on a vehicle that has been well maintained and cared for. The thing I like best about older restorations is that you can tell how good the paint and body work is. 20 years on, the paint is show strong. The entire car is solid and clean with no evidence of rust, rust repair, or previous collision damage. There are only a few light scratches consistent with normal wear, cleaning and detailing over the years. The inspector specifically noted light scratches on the front bumper, light scratches on rear quarter, trunk lid, and tonneau cover. He also cited very small chips rear the passenger rear tail light, on the upper trim on the left rear quarter, and two small chips under the upper trim on the left-hand door. The fit, finish, and panel alignment is all very good, citing only the hood gaps fitting tighter on the left side than the right.

Interior
The interior is in likewise very good condition, consistent with a finely restored car that has been well cared for and enjoyed for the past 20 years. He did note that the seats were slow to move but were adjustable. As for noted blemishes, the stitching on driver's seat cushion is uneven, the foam showing evidence of breaking down. He also noted a hairline crack on the dash, as well as a pair of stress cracks on either side of the radio. Each of the accessories, lighting, and gauges are fully operational.

Engine Bay
The engine starts are the first turn of the key, idles steady, and runs strong. The engine bay shows strong, with no evidence of seeps, weeps, or leaks. Wires and hoses are supple and pliable, as are belts and wire harnesses. The air cleaner and engine block remain in excellent cosmetic condition. You will be proud to lift the hood any Cars and Coffee you roll into.

Chassis
The undercarriage is exactly what you would expect from a car that was concours restored and then subsequently driven and enjoyed on a seasonal basis. All suspension points, lines, hoses, and seals were checked as part of the inspection. While no longer fit for "mirror duty", it is still clean, dry, and leak free. The vehicle is regularly maintained to ensure smooth and reliable operation.

The hardest thing to find when searching for a vintage Thunderbird Sports Roadster is one that is equal parts original, authentic, and road worthy. Nice enough to show and driven enough for "Go". This one does it all. Copies of the independent 3rd party inspection are available upon request.