1962 FORD THUNDERBIRD SPORTS ROADSTER Registration No. Not UK Registered Chassis No. Not known Black with black interior and vinyl top Engine: M Series high performance, overhead valves, 390ci., 330bhp at 5,000rpm; Gearbox: C-6 automatic; Suspension: independent front with coil springs, rear semi-elliptic with springs; Brakes: four wheel drum. Left hand drive. When Thunderbird designer Frank Hershey set out to design a sports car with 'banker appeal', he unknowingly created a legendary automobile that was so popular in its first year, it outsold the Chevrolet Corvette four to one. When Hershey left Ford for General Motors in 1960, the Thunderbird had sold over 90,000 units in the same year. The car had not only survived, but become an overwhelming success in the eyes of the American public. In order to maintain the dignified image of a 'banker's car', the Thunderbird was stripped of much of its chrome. However, when the '58-'60 models were introduced, they added not only more chrome, but two extra seats as well. With its chief designer gone the Thunderbird began to feature styling changes from a variety of sources. George Walker took over at Ford. His first move was to put William Boyer onto the Thunderbird design project. Boyer added significant changes, incorporating sedan-like design qualities with racing and high performance engineering developments. He described his design as the 'projectile look', and the car was meant to give the onlooker the impression of the car flowing by. The 1962 Thunderbirds were overwhelmingly popular. They incorporated Boyer's styling innovations and subtle design touches, and remained distinctive from their competitors as a result. By far the most exclusive of the 1962 Thunderbirds was the Sport Roadster. Only 455 were produced in 1962 and the factory price of $5,500 excluded many potential buyers from even entertaining the thought of purchasing one. Underneath its scooped bonnet lay a massive 390ci. engine capable of achieving 330bhp at 5,000rpm. The Sport Roadster featured a fiberglass deck cover that actually covered the rear seats and reflected the look of the early Thunderbirds. This '62 Thunderbird was acquired by the present owners some twelve years ago, prior to which it had been restored. On recent inspection this restoration had aged, more through lack of use and storage rather than being regularly driven. At the time of cataloguing Christie's has not had the opportunity to start or run the car, nor to test the hood electrics etc., and so would suggest that all mechanical aspects we checked over and serviced prior to returning it to the road.
1962 FORD THUNDERBIRD SPORTS ROADSTER Registration No. Not UK Registered Chassis No. Not known Black with black interior and vinyl top Engine: M Series high performance, overhead valves, 390ci., 330bhp at 5,000rpm; Gearbox: C-6 automatic; Suspension: independent front with coil springs, rear semi-elliptic with springs; Brakes: four wheel drum. Left hand drive. When Thunderbird designer Frank Hershey set out to design a sports car with 'banker appeal', he unknowingly created a legendary automobile that was so popular in its first year, it outsold the Chevrolet Corvette four to one. When Hershey left Ford for General Motors in 1960, the Thunderbird had sold over 90,000 units in the same year. The car had not only survived, but become an overwhelming success in the eyes of the American public. In order to maintain the dignified image of a 'banker's car', the Thunderbird was stripped of much of its chrome. However, when the '58-'60 models were introduced, they added not only more chrome, but two extra seats as well. With its chief designer gone the Thunderbird began to feature styling changes from a variety of sources. George Walker took over at Ford. His first move was to put William Boyer onto the Thunderbird design project. Boyer added significant changes, incorporating sedan-like design qualities with racing and high performance engineering developments. He described his design as the 'projectile look', and the car was meant to give the onlooker the impression of the car flowing by. The 1962 Thunderbirds were overwhelmingly popular. They incorporated Boyer's styling innovations and subtle design touches, and remained distinctive from their competitors as a result. By far the most exclusive of the 1962 Thunderbirds was the Sport Roadster. Only 455 were produced in 1962 and the factory price of $5,500 excluded many potential buyers from even entertaining the thought of purchasing one. Underneath its scooped bonnet lay a massive 390ci. engine capable of achieving 330bhp at 5,000rpm. The Sport Roadster featured a fiberglass deck cover that actually covered the rear seats and reflected the look of the early Thunderbirds. This '62 Thunderbird was acquired by the present owners some twelve years ago, prior to which it had been restored. On recent inspection this restoration had aged, more through lack of use and storage rather than being regularly driven. At the time of cataloguing Christie's has not had the opportunity to start or run the car, nor to test the hood electrics etc., and so would suggest that all mechanical aspects we checked over and serviced prior to returning it to the road.
Testen Sie LotSearch und seine Premium-Features 7 Tage - ohne Kosten!
Lassen Sie sich automatisch über neue Objekte in kommenden Auktionen benachrichtigen.
Suchauftrag anlegen
.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
