By 1962, the days of the original two-seater T-Bird were long gone. Fans of the 1955-1957 Thunderbirds were quite irked, but Ford was very happy with a decision that sent sales of the bird soaring from just over 21,000 units in 1957 to 37,893 for the first year of the four-seat Thunderbird in 1958. Sales just kept on climbing for what had become a powerful personal luxury car. The models known as the 'Bullet Birds' were introduced on November 10, 1960, just two days after John F. Kennedy narrowly won the presidential election. The front end was sleek and the sides gradually tapered to a rounded rear quarter panel. They were striking and modern and the shape suggested the turbine of a jet engine. Totally new cars, the 1961 Thunderbirds were longer, lower and wider than those they replaced. Riding on a 113-inch wheelbase, the new bird stretched 205 inches from bumper to bumper. Front suspension was independent, while the rear featured a solid rear axle. Brakes were power-assisted drums front and rear. Steering was also power assisted. Engine choices were limited to a 352cid or a 430cid engine. There were three transmission choices: three speed- manual, three-speed manual with overdrive and the automatic, which was the only game in town if the big engine was specified. Three was also the number of choices for the body: hardtop, hardtop with sunroof and convertible. Despite production and quality issues, in its first year, sales of the new T-Bird topped 73,000. Little was changed for 1962. Trim varied to keep the car fresh, but there was no point in messing with a successful formula. There were still just two engine selections for the domestic market, but this time they focused on the number of carburetors topping a 390cid V-8. The base version used a single four-barrel, while the optional engine used a trio of two-barrels. Body choices included hardtop, landau, convertible and sports roadster. This Z-code 390/300 hp 'Bullet Bird' is presented for sale from a prominent North East collection, where it has resided for the last few years. It was acquired in the condition it is offered at a Florida auction in 2006 at which point it was described as having been the subject of a 'meticulous restoration.' Inspection today bears this out, as the car presents exceptionally well. It also benefits from being fully loaded with options including Kelsey Hayes Wire wheels, swing-away steering wheel, power windows and a factory search light. With the addition of the popular stylized 'sports roadster' fiberglass panel that makes the convertible a two seater, the car is deserving of close inspection.
By 1962, the days of the original two-seater T-Bird were long gone. Fans of the 1955-1957 Thunderbirds were quite irked, but Ford was very happy with a decision that sent sales of the bird soaring from just over 21,000 units in 1957 to 37,893 for the first year of the four-seat Thunderbird in 1958. Sales just kept on climbing for what had become a powerful personal luxury car. The models known as the 'Bullet Birds' were introduced on November 10, 1960, just two days after John F. Kennedy narrowly won the presidential election. The front end was sleek and the sides gradually tapered to a rounded rear quarter panel. They were striking and modern and the shape suggested the turbine of a jet engine. Totally new cars, the 1961 Thunderbirds were longer, lower and wider than those they replaced. Riding on a 113-inch wheelbase, the new bird stretched 205 inches from bumper to bumper. Front suspension was independent, while the rear featured a solid rear axle. Brakes were power-assisted drums front and rear. Steering was also power assisted. Engine choices were limited to a 352cid or a 430cid engine. There were three transmission choices: three speed- manual, three-speed manual with overdrive and the automatic, which was the only game in town if the big engine was specified. Three was also the number of choices for the body: hardtop, hardtop with sunroof and convertible. Despite production and quality issues, in its first year, sales of the new T-Bird topped 73,000. Little was changed for 1962. Trim varied to keep the car fresh, but there was no point in messing with a successful formula. There were still just two engine selections for the domestic market, but this time they focused on the number of carburetors topping a 390cid V-8. The base version used a single four-barrel, while the optional engine used a trio of two-barrels. Body choices included hardtop, landau, convertible and sports roadster. This Z-code 390/300 hp 'Bullet Bird' is presented for sale from a prominent North East collection, where it has resided for the last few years. It was acquired in the condition it is offered at a Florida auction in 2006 at which point it was described as having been the subject of a 'meticulous restoration.' Inspection today bears this out, as the car presents exceptionally well. It also benefits from being fully loaded with options including Kelsey Hayes Wire wheels, swing-away steering wheel, power windows and a factory search light. With the addition of the popular stylized 'sports roadster' fiberglass panel that makes the convertible a two seater, the car is deserving of close inspection.
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.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
