1961 Thunderbird
In keeping with a three-year planning cycle, Thunderbird styling was again changed in 1961. This time, the now-established Ford Division flagship introduced the “projectile” look, a design featuring full-length body sculpturing and an even thinner roof than previous models.
Standard equipment included automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes, and a unique swing-away steering wheel – ordered by nearly 77 percent of all Thunderbird buyers – was optional.
The “projectile” styling continued through 1963, with the 1962 model offering more than 100 improvements and two exciting new models, a two-seater sports roadster and a vinyl-covered hardtop Landau coupe. Among the improvements:
- A swing-away steering wheel was made standard equipment.
- Lighting and instrument pointer visibility improvements added safety and convenience.
- Under-the-hood and body refinements provided better riding characteristics.
- All critical parts of the muffler were made of stainless steel for longer life.
- A new 30,000-mile disposable fuel filter incorporated 15 improvements, and oil change intervals were extended from 4,000 to 6,000 miles.
- A new factory-installed coolant need changing only once every two years or 6,000 miles, eliminating the need for regular fall and spring cooling system changes.
- A new, larger master brake cylinder reduced pedal effort, but increased braking power, and a new type brake lining – more durable and highly fade-resistant – was introduced.
- Some 45 pounds of sound-deadening materials were added under the Thunderbird’s hood and to the wheelhouse, dash, instrument panel, passenger and trunk floors, roof panels and rails and quarter panels.
1962 Sports Roadster
It’s practically impossible to pinpoint the origin of the 1962 sports roadster. It was just “there” when the model year lineup was announced. It was a grand experiment, and the cult of Thunderbird sports roadster collectors quickly grew as the years passed.
It was an unusual car with a molded fiberglass tonneau and padded headrests that transformed the four-seat convertible into a two-seater car.
Special features included wire wheels with chrome-plated spokes and rims, simulated knock-off hub caps and an assist bar for passenger comfort during cornering. Interestingly, the roadster had a special emblem – a gull-like bird, not a Thunderbird – superimposed over a red, white and blue crest that was mounted on the front fenders below the Thunderbird script.
The base roadster retail price was $5,439. Some fully equipped models sold for more than $7,000. After two years and a total production of 1,882, the sports roadster was discontinued.
1963 Thunderbird
Changes for 1963 were relatively mild. An AM radio and a remote driver’s side mirror became standard, while vacuum assisted door locks and an AM/FM radio were added as options. That year’s sale numbers were somewhat down, at 63,313 units. The Landau became the second most important model after the standard hardtop, at 12,193 sold. Landaus added simulated wood grain interior trim to go along with the landau top. In addition, a Limited Edition “Principality of Monaco” Landau model was introduced. This Maroon vinyl roof with Corinthian White exterior body with a white leather interior, dark red carpeting with rosewood dashboard applique instead of the stainless steel insert was personalized with a plaque displaying the owner’s name and the car’s limited production number, was limited to and sold only 2,000 units. Only 5,913 convertibles and 455 Sports Roadsters sold, indicating a decline in convertible popularity at the time.
Thunderbird Gallery
