1962 THUNDERBIRD GAUGES WINDOWS
The original AM radio remains in the dash and this car is equipped with power windows that are all fully operational. We believe that the 89,262 miles shown on the odometer are authentic, but we have no way to be certain, but the car’s condition certainly suggests that it’s been sparingly used over the decades. All the gauges appear to be functional, including the clock, which ticks away reliably, and the secondary controls for the heat, wipers, lights, and ignition are surrounded by a ribbed trim panel that is in very good shape and not pitted as many of them seem to be. The gauges look like expensive clocks, the steering wheel is a wonderful combination of black plastic (no cracks!) and bright chrome spokes with a delicate ¾ horn ring, and the shifter is a piece of minimalist art that also controls the Swing-Away steering column.
There’s no faux wood here, just clean early ‘60s design that’s all black, brushed stainless steel, and chrome. Bucket seats and a console were standard and the silver piping around the seat cushions adds a little contrast that works best in a black interior.
1962 THUNDERBIRD GAUGES CODE
The car also carries a correct code 56 black vinyl interior, which is how it came from the factory. This is a great deal of car for the money. The traditional Thunderbird emblems on the nose and tail, the script on the front fenders, and the jet-like taillights all look crisp and bright, more evidence of a comprehensive restoration and excellent base stock. Styling details between the models differs in small ways, and many enthusiasts find that they prefer the clean flanks of the ’62, which is adorned with just three fluted tags on the quarters but nothing else. The chrome bumpers are in fantastic condition and the highly ornate grille (which is made up of hundreds of individual pieces, not a simple stamping) is excellent. It cleverly integrates the door handles, making for an unusually clean design. We also like the Bullet Birds because of that long strip of chrome that stretches from the point of the nose to the rear bumper, defining the entire car and making it look a city block long. There’s just no way this was ever a rusty car. And again, if you’re worried about a lifetime spent in Ohio, look at the fit of the doors, the ripple-free quarter panels, and the tight fit of the fender skirts. However, when it’s right, nothing looks better and this gorgeous car looks like a million bucks from any angle. Buying a black car is both very easy and challenging-easy because black paint shows every flaw and it’s impossible to hide bad bodywork, and challenging because keeping it looking its best requires commitment. Few cars wear it better than a third-gen Thunderbird, whose long, sweeping lines are almost reminiscent of a jet and it’s obvious where it gets the “Bullet Bird” nickname. Today it sports a fantastic coat of code A Raven Black paint, which is indeed its original color. It’s incredibly solid and clean throughout.
1962 THUNDERBIRD GAUGES DRIVER
Interestingly enough, it was discovered in a classified ad while the owner was in Florida looking for a collector car and after a quick phone call, he discovered that it was just a few miles from his home-back in Cleveland! The car was originally delivered to the Cleveland DSO, so that’s obviously where it spent most of its life, but one glance underneath and you’ll know it was never a daily driver and has not seen snow or winter weather. Hailing from long-term ownership, it’s a car that’s been freshened as needed but never fully disassembled, so it has a tight, all-of-a-piece feel and given the overall condition, it has always been a fair-weather toy. This handsome black-on-black 1962 Ford Thunderbird has a great story behind it. If you want one hobby car that does everything well, then you should seriously consider this beautiful black 1962 Thunderbird. Perhaps that’s why the Bullet Birds are seeing larger gains in value than any other generation of Thunderbird, including the early 2-seaters. Offering a back seat and big car comfort, they’re arguably sleeker and leaner than the first of the four-seaters and not as anonymous as later versions. However, if you want style, performance, and even a bit of practicality in your Thunderbird, then the 1961-1963 “Bullet Birds” are probably the best possible choice.
From the 2-seaters in the mid-1950s to the latest modern take on that classic design, they are all collectable. The Ford Thunderbird is one of the most enduringly popular hobby cars of all time. There’s a lot of Thunderbird to move, but the burly 390 seems to ignore most of its mass, making this convertible feel lively and energetic on the road.
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