Bullet Bird Project: 1963 Ford Thunderbird
The third generation of the Ford Thunderbird was in production from 1961 to 1963. They seemed to run in three-year cycles (1955-57, 1958-60, 1961-63, 1964-66). Personal luxury cars were still evolving with competitors like Buick joining the field in 1963 with the Riviera. This era was nicknamed the “Bullet Birds” because of their futuristic styling. Less than 10% of the T-Birds built in 1963 were convertibles, so the seller’s car may be a bit rare today. Located in a garage in Warren, Michigan, this drop-top has been stored indoors for 30 years and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,800.
For whatever reason, the Bullet Birds didn’t sell quite as well as the “Square Birds” before them. Perhaps the styling was a little wild for some buyers’ tastes, though the 1960 Ford Galaxie 500 certainly had a futuristic appearance, too, given the stodgy appearance of some of the 1950s Fords.
The 1963 T-Bird was powered by a 390 cubic inch V8 which was rated at 340 hp, so they were fast, too. One of the interesting features of these Birds was the available “Swing-Away” steering column for easier driver entry and exit (later the more ordinary tilt steering would become commonplace).
The seller is light on details regarding this Ford. While it’s been inside and out of the elements for three decades, we don’t know if a single owner was involved over this period. We don’t know the mileage of this automobile, either, as the seller only uses a placeholder. Photos are scarce, too, so we don’t know what bodywork may be needed or how good the blue/green exterior paint is. The interior seems to have issues with the upholstery. We’re told some TLC is needed to make it drivable again, but that may be optimistic. But what a cool ride this could be with the right treatment!
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Comments
This is my favorite generation of T Birds. I always liked how the design, especially the grill and headlights ties in to the Lincolns of the same era, which are also my favorite generation Lincolns too. Its an interesting choice using Chrysler rims that were painted to match the same color as the car.
Im not sure I would have went that route, but hey, maybe they were just hanging around and they are the same bolt hole patern and they just said,”hey…. why not???”. Its just a shame people dont put a bit of effort into getting a car out in the daylight for better pictures. Maybe the brakes are locked up?
A company named Budde was making rims for both Mopar and Ford products at that time.
Don’t believe this is a convertible. The C pillar has the Landau bars like on the hard top, unless that hardtop is removable. Pretty nice condition but it doesn’t inspire. Like the later Style Birds better.
Agreed with you, it’s a landau, I not convertible. C00l car still.
The best thing about the Gen 3 and Gen 4 T-Birds was their interior. Nothing else was like them.
This is not likely a 340 hp version as the author mentions. The standard engine was the 390 rated at 300 hp. A very few were built with the “M” code 390 with 3×2 induction and rated at 340 hp. It is hard to tell from the engine picture but I would bet that it is the standard 300 hp version.
I remember getting rear ended by one of these T-Birds. I was driving a ’65 Pontiac Catalina and a kid ran out between parked cars. Naturally my car front slammed down and rear end rose up. T-Bird’s nose went down and slid under the catalina’s rear end. My rear tires were about 1″ to 2″ off the ground.
T-bird guy got mad, slammed his car in reverse and wrecked the hood of his car.
Oh, yes I did not hit the kid.
I always thought these were the prettiest of T-Birds.
I love these sleek cars. So different than the bloated 40s/50s cars. They fit right in the Mid Modern sections of Palm Springs. Very Ring-A-Ding-Ding
I have a history of these “Bullet Birds” and have owned many, and still have one under restoration at at the moment. The M code was very rare and all them carbs were always in need of attention. Pop the hood on one and it didn’t matter if it ran or not it just looked so cool who cares?
Looks like some driverside rear of rear tire rust in the quarter panel. BTW not a droptop. Thinking the price is to high for a hardtop. Peace!
First appears to be halfway decent but, you still have to consider that this thing is in Michigan. Rust never sleeps.