One of the best ways to get started in classic car ownership is with a project that, though not finished, is quite far along. That’s the case with this 1961 Ford Thunderbird convertible on eBay in Hampton, Connecticut with a $15,199 Buy It Now.

The car “runs and drives,” comes in a spectacular combination of Garden Turquoise paint and matching turquoise leather interior, and while not perfect has had a slew of work done in recent years (after sitting since 1992). The odometer reads 75,133 miles, which may be why the big 6.4-liter V-8 engine has been left alone.

A partial list of what’s been done since 2022 includes a rebuilt transmission, new brakes (including lines), water pump, fuel pump and filter, new water pump and hoses, new carpeting, and new wheel cylinders.

So what’s left? The convertible top “needs further servicing to be fully sealed and functional.” No holes are visible in the top but it looks worn and no back window is visible. I bought a 1963 Dodge Dart convertible years ago in similar condition (out of a recent restoration, with some work left). For me, it was a rolling fix—straightening out the ignition key situation, adding a new top, new tires, and brakes. Oddly, the Slant Six Dart was the same color as the T-Bird.

This Thunderbird is tidy all around, with a nice interior—possibly original, possibly not. Experts should know. There aren’t many undercarriage shots, but what’s visible is clean. A hubcap is missing, but maybe it’s in the trunk with the fender skirts?

The ’61 was the first of the third-generation cars that were on the market until 1963. These space-age cars featured jet-exhaust taillights and a “Swing Away” steering wheel that could move 18 inches to the right and out of the way. These cars came loaded with power steering and brakes, back-up lights, bucket seats, and more. Air conditioning was optional, and the 390-cubic-inch V-8 was the only engine available. The MSRP for a bare-bones Thunderbird was $4,170—or $40,836 in 2022 dollars. In 1961, 73,051 were built.

Classic.com says that in 36 sold the average price for a 1961 Thunderbird is $23,829, though I’m seeing convertibles go for more—$30,000 to $40,000. The Sports Roadster, introduced in 1961, is the holy grail. While not one of those, the car on offer looks like a lucky find for somebody.