1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster

This 1963 Ford Thunderbird is one of approximately 450 Sports Roadsters made for the model year, and it underwent refurbishment work circa 2006. Refinished in white over black leather, the car is equipped with a fiberglass tonneau cover, wire wheels, and front fender badges. Power is provided by a 390ci V8 paired with a Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The car is further equipped with dual exhaust outlets, power steering, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, power windows, a swing-away steering column, an AM radio, and a MagicAire heater/defroster.

The power-operated black soft top has been fitted with a trunk-mounted digital control board, replacing the factory relay setup. A gas-spring setup to assist the convertible panel has also been installed and can be disabled via a switch to allow for manual operation. Other details include chrome-finished bumpers, front fender badges, a windshield washer, a left-side mirror, 1963-specific door accents, and a dual exhaust system with outlets below the rear bumper.

Chrome-finished 14″ wire wheels wear spinner-style caps and are mounted with Cooper Trendsetter SE tires. The car came equipped from the factory with power steering, and the brake booster for the drum brakes we replaced in 2024. The right tie-rod ends and the idler arm bushing were also replaced under current ownership.

The front bucket seats and rear bench are upholstered in black leather, and stainless-steel trim accents the console, instrument panel, door panels, and rear quarter trim panels. Equipment includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat, power windows, lap belts, an AM radio, a MagicAire heater/defroster, and a center console.

The three-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a swing-away column and frames a 120-mph speedometer and a combination gauge. The clock does not work. The five-digit odometer shows 9,500 miles, which is said to represent the miles added since the refurbishment. Approximately 650 miles have been added under current ownership.