Ford Thunderbird Cabriolet Dritte Generation '62

Walkaround video: Click here

• Belgian MOT valid until 2025, few remarks


• The interior is in almost mint condition


• With a functional Swing-Away steering wheel


• Spoked wheels







In 1955, the Ford Thunderbird, also known as the T-Bird, made its debut on the market. This vehicle, regarded as a quintessential American cruiser, drew inspiration from sporty European cars such as the Mercedes 300 SL and the Jaguar XK120. Its original purpose was to surpass the Chevrolet Corvette before it had the chance to claim the top spot. The Thunderbird's design was widely praised for its sleek and almost cinematic appearance, coupled with a powerful and typically American V8 engine that effortlessly produced an impressive 193 horsepower - and more - a noteworthy feat for its time. The Thunderbird enjoyed a long production run of five decades, spanning eleven generations until the last one rolled off the assembly line in 2005.




Although the Thunderbird took inspiration from European sports cars, it also represented a significant dose of American nostalgia. A ride in this vehicle evokes a sense of being transported back to the sixties of America, where drive-in movie theatres underneath a romantic starry sky, carefree cruising on wide roads, and an anything-goes feeling. The Thunderbird encapsulates the carefree spirit of the time, which is an era in American history that is widely romanticized and celebrated.




Ford Bullet Bird




The Ford Bullet Bird - which lives up to its name in terms of appearance - was built for two years from 1961 to 1963. This third in a series of eleven generations of Thunderbirds brought a completely new look. After the somewhat disappointing second generation, Ford anticipated the needs of their regular customers, resulting in the Bullet Bird.




The Bullet Bird was almost discontinuously different compared to its previous generation. The second generation was not adored by most Americans, and the Eisenhower recession led to a decrease of consumer confidence. Ford had to intervene to prevent losing market share to Chevrolet and its Corvette. The Bullet Bird provided relief, and the economy stabilized. This new Thunderbird brought three powerdifferent - though all three very powerful - 6390 cc V8 engines, which produced 300 or more horsepower and was controlled by a Cruise-O-Matic automatic three-speed automatic transmission.




The design is easily recognisable by the shiny chrome metal strip that curves from the front of the hood to the rear lights. The taillights and the rear end look like a military jet fighter. In profile, the body has the shape of a bullet, which is where it gets its name.




Ford was innovative in several ways, and the Bullet Bird benefited from this with the inclusion of a so-called Swing-Away steering wheel. A steering wheel that can be slid to the right when the car is in Park, to give the driver all the space and comfort when getting out.




Driving this car is addictive, it ignites a nostalgic Elvis Presley feeling that no other car is capable of. Also, it is an affordable classic car that will retain of increase its value, which makes it a good investment overall.




Technical information:




Body work





• Length (cm): 522 (206 inch)


• Width (cm): 188 (74 inch)


• Height (cm): 133 (52 inch)


• Wheelbase (cm): 287 (13 inch)


• Weight (kg): 1690 (3726 lbs)





Mechanics





• Engine: 6384 cc V8 front-engine


• Valve gear: 16, OHV


• Fuel system: 1 Holly 4-barrel carburettor


• Gear box: 3-speed automatic ‘Cruise-O-Matic’


• Transmission: RWD


• Left-steered


• power: 300 hp (224 kW) at 4600 t/m


• torque: 579 Nm at 2800 t/m


• Top speed: 208 km/h (129 mph)