Ford’s Thunderbird has a little bit of a repute as a sports activities automotive pretender, however this uncommon M-Code Thunderbird Roadster proves that some T-birds have been good for extra than simply wafting round city.
It may not deal with like a sports activities automotive but it surely actually has the muscle to go away a number of modern fanatics’ machines questioning their efficiency credentials.
The T-bird switched from a two-seat to a four-seat format after 1958, and was restyled once more in 1961 with a streamlined fuselage design. But for patrons who nonetheless had fond recollections of the 1955-56 two-seat originals Ford got here up with the Sports Roadster, whose defining characteristic was a cool fibreglass tonneau that fitted over the rear seat space and swept up behind the entrance seats, mimicking the look of latest racing automobiles just like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.
Related: Custom 1963 Ford Thunderbird Clearly Has Your Attention – But What About Your Money?
Almost 1,430 Bird patrons ticked the Sports Roadster possibility field in 1962, however solely 120 determined to again up that sports activities automotive picture with the M-Code V8, a particular Tri-Power model of Ford’s 390 cu-in (6.5-liter) V8 that breathed via three Holley carbs and made a stout 340 hp (345 PS). Of these 120 documented M-Code automobiles in-built ’62, solely 40 are thought to outlive.
Fresh from a ground-up restoration and a 2021 Best of Show award from the Vintage Thunderbird Club, this automotive is on the brink of cross the block at Mecum’s March sale. Painted in Raven Black and that includes a Pearl Beige inside, it rides on a good-looking set of Kelsey Hayes chrome wires and comes loaded with luxurious equipment. The checklist of normal gear contains energy assisted seats, energy home windows, air-con and a tilt-away steering column.
Mecum doesn’t present an public sale estimate however Hagerty’s valuation information suggests a concours situation Sports Roadster with the usual 300 hp (303 PS) is value $94,500, versus $65,000 for a daily 1962 T-bird convertible. But with the M-Code possibility this one is assured to go for a heap extra.
