Two-Owner Survivor: 1963 Ford Thunderbird
Classics with a known history typically garner attention when they hit the market. The 1963 Ford Thunderbird is already desirable, but this one lifts that to a higher level because it has only had two owners throughout its life. The first was its custodian from Day One until 2022, with the seller taking over at that point. They’ve had their fun with this beauty, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting a Ford that is ready for a third owner.
Ford’s Third Generation Thunderbird earned the tag “the Bullet Bird,” courtesy of its distinctive styling. It remained on sale from 1961 until 1963, with our feature car rolling off the line during the final production year. Its first owner remained its custodian until 2022, ordering the car in dazzling Chalfonte Blue and Corinthian White. It is worth noting that this isn’t the first time we have seen this T-Bird, because it was featured in this excellent article by our Ron Denny back in May 2023. However, a few details have emerged, casting the car in a different light. The previous listing indicated the paint was original, but the seller admits it received a repaint at some point. They also confirm the presence of a small section of Bondo in one area, without specifying its location. The car remains presentable for a driver-grade vehicle, and with the underside shots revealing clean floors, it appears this classic has no significant rust. The trim and glass look excellent, and it seems only fitting that a car of this type sits on wide whitewalls.
The 1963 Thunderbird was not a sports car, but with 300hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque available from its 390ci V8, its performance was very acceptable for a Personal Luxury Car. Buyers couldn’t select a manual transmission option, with this car featuring the standard three-speed automatic and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their claim that it has a genuine 31,000 miles on the clock, although the ownership history means that such evidence might exist. The car has been meticulously maintained, recently receiving a new battery, brakes, steering linkage, a carburetor rebuild, and other various items. It runs and drives perfectly, with the seller floating the concept that the new owner could fly in and drive it home.
Interiors often tell the true story of a classic’s life, with neglect and abuse almost impossible to hide. However, this Thunderbird carries the hallmarks of a car that has always been treated respectfully. There is minor wear in a few spots, but the overall state of the Turquoise cloth and vinyl is extremely impressive. The dash and console are spotless, and the bright trim appears in as-new condition. The factory radio has made way for a retro stereo with a trunk-mounted CD changer, but that appears to be the only aftermarket addition. The buyer doesn’t receive air conditioning, but will undoubtedly welcome the power windows and remote driver’s mirror.
The seller listed this 1963 Ford Thunderbird here on Craigslist in Greenville, South Carolina. Values are climbing steeply, and their price of $19,900 looks competitive for a car of this caliber. Its needs are minor, and most could be considered as little more than routine maintenance. The T-Bird has only been on the market for a day, and I believe it will find a new home fairly quickly. Are you tempted to make it ours?
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Comments
I’ll never understand why this wasn’t Car of the Year, and Rambler was. I still say ol’ Roy must have paid MT dearly for that award. This is another in a seemingly long list of cars I adored, but for some reason, never bought one. I had 2 kids, would have made a dandy family car, a car the kids would beg to drive, yet, never happened.They were certainly affordable for what you got, I suppose the Cutlass wagon served a better purpose. Besides, I shudder at the fact of my ex-wife driving such a magnificent car. She killed every car I had.
I realize the redundancy, but to put things in perspective, a rusty Road Runner for $22grand, a rusty Bronco for TWICE THAT, pardon my exclamation, but what the heck is wrong with people?
I echo your sentiments fully!! I desire it, but no place to put it and keep it in this condition. The ’61 – ’63 ‘birds were always dream cars to me, and this color combo…perfect!
Yes, why is it that nice Thunderbirds are so affordable? Is it because they offer luxury as well as power? Maybe because there are more accessories that can fail, adding to upkeep. There is a nice 55 Imperial for sale currently, one of my over-the-top favorites on Hemmings “make offer” site, for $17,000 or offer. It has a drive video. Another temptation, but where to keep it?
In re. “1963 Car of the Year”: Fabulous though it is, the 3rd generation T-Bird was introduced in 1961, not 1963.
The 1963 Ramblers were all new, completely redesigned with styling by Dick Teague, and many advanced features and construction innovations. Ol’ Roy did’t need to “buy” Motor Trend’s C.O.T.Y. award.
I think that the 1963 Classic/Ambassador was actually styled by Ed Anderson. Teague did the 1964 updates and the American based on the new platform.
The big news on those cars was the “Uniside” body engineering, very advanced for the time. Also curved window glass was a feature normally seen on luxury cars at the time. (Unfortunately for 1963 the drivetrain was not as advanced as the body, with the ancient torque-tube drive and 1950s engines carried over – the six being an OHV conversion of the 1941 Nash 600 flathead.)
I was wondering how long before you got tired of being mistaken for the Home Owners Association.
Owning both a 1963 Rambler Classic, and a 1961 Thunderbird, I believe the reason that the Rambler was chosen as Motor Trends car of the year was – 1) The Thunderbird was already a three year old model, ready to be phased out with the new 1964 model, and – 2) the Rambler was a completely new modern design and was a first year model. One should remember the economic times our country was going through, and small cars were now becoming popular, and the Rambler was much more advanced in things like unibody construction, cabin and trunk space, body configuration, and engine performance. I love my T-Bird, but by 1963 it was dated.
This is actually one of my favorite generations of T Birds. And this color adds a Wow factor. I can picture the original owner spotting it at a Ford dealership and saying,” I just gotta have one of those!!!”
I know Adam said theres a small amount of Bondo, but if the patch job and the paint were done right its not the end of the world. The interior is in fantastic condition too, especially if its actually original.
Dave
Just love those jet engine exhaust tail lights.One of my favorite cars to look at.
It reminds me of the rest of the Chrysler turbine car.
Any T-bird from ‘61 to ‘63 is a childhood dream for me but the ‘63 is my favorite! I have one of the promotional dealership’s model of the ‘63. This is a sweet car. Have fun whoever wins this classic!
Sweet T-Bird, but am I seeing things? One of the pictures appears to show a white exterior and the inner fenders and firewall are white. Shouldn’t the under hood components be blue also? Pretty car though. Not one of my favorite years of Thunderbird but definitely up there. Good luck to whoever buys it.
Looks like it was a white color and now changed to a faint blue or green. I wonder if the inside of the doors and trunk are white. This should affect the value significantly.
Trunk looks blue. Here’s the current two year owner’s comments:
The Thunderbird wears a high-driver quality repaint in original color with some blemishes and one hand-palm-size area of bondo, but body is 99.9% rust free! Roof is most likely still original paint.
I’ve loved TBirds since…. ever….. But just ain’t got the resources, time and $$ to make a East coast to West run…. Next time.
I always love this bird. The convertible with the hard cover is excellent looking vehicle. And I don’t know why it didn’t make car a year back in 63. Two things I would do .. the spoke wheels on this bird would look fantastic the factory ones. And install aftermarket air conditioning definitely so I can enjoy driving in the summer. That’s it… Just take care of it. Wash and wax drive to cruises. It would be fun to own. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
I love this year Bullit Bird, but I’d have to add a Vintage Air AC system if I got it. And that’s about $3500 added on top of its asking price.
One of the “coolest” features of these Bullet Birds is the beautifully designed chrome A/C unit sitting in the center of the dash. Even a modern ac unit would not satisfy me. Otherwise, a real sweet car.
Philip, since this came as a non factory AC car, you would be hard pressed to find a factory AC comsole replacement for this 63 Thunderbird
I always liked the way that the door handles were
part of the side trim.I had a 1965 English Ford Corsair that
had that same feature.
Arguably the prettiest Thunderbird of all. Only a sport back convertible would make it better.
My first project car I bought was a 1966 Thunderbird Landau with a 428 that I had rebuilt. Loved that car and had to hide it from my dad in a friend’s barn for a year. Loved that car, but these earlier 60s bullit birds were so nice.