Ford’s original Thunderbird remains an automotive icon to this day, but it’s well known that sales for the model didn’t really take off until Ford redesigned it with seating for four and added a growing list of luxury and convenience items. The T-Bird would then begin to define the personal luxury genre, but, in the second year of its third generation, Ford introduced the Sports Roadster package, as if to rekindle lineage with the T-Bird’s sports car origins. The option added a fiberglass tonneau cover that gave the car the appearance of a two-seater when in place with the top down. The look was effective, yet the option was rarely selected, so fewer than 1,500 examples were made. This Thunderbird Sports Roadster was also optioned with the rare M-code 390 engine, rated for 340 hp with its three two-barrel carburetors; some sources show that only 120 M-code Sports Roadsters were produced. According to the seller and some provided documents, this is one of those rare examples, and the white paint and red interior really lend to the sports car vibe. Was Ford trying to lure potential Corvette buyers? This would have been a high-profile machine in its day, and it certainly won’t go unnoticed today. It’s a performance enthusiast’s take on the ’60s T-Bird.
DESCRIPTION
This 1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster is one of 120 equipped with the M-code 390 6V engine. It’s also a factory A/C car. According to the selling dealer, “The three two-barrel carburetors have just been completely rebuilt, dialed in to perfection, and the car runs like a champ.” He adds that he is “willing to do a restoration contract, to bring the Thunderbird to show quality, if the buyer would want that.”
FEATURES
A removable fiberglass tonneau cover characterized the Sports Roadster.
Without it, this Thunderbird is a four-place convertible.
Installed, the tonneau cover hides the rear seat, creating a two-seater convertible appearance.
Headrests for the driver and front passenger are integrated into the cover.
9 in the fourth position of the VIN identifies this car as a Sports Roadster.
Body code-76B on the door-mounted data plate also denotes this car as a Sports Roadster.
Code-M in the VIN reveals the extra-cost, 340-hp, 6V (three two-barrel carbs) 390-cu.in. OHV V8.
The seller states that the engine is original to the car.
“The car has a new oil pan gasket and oil change with filter,” the seller notes.
A code-4 column-shifted three-speed automatic transmission backs the high-performance engine.
Code-1 identifies the 3.00-geared conventional rear axle.
The seller believes the odometer reading is accurate.
No prior body damage has been reported.
The body, floorpans, frame, and more are solid, the seller notes.
He adds that he “hasn’t seen any rust issues.”
Its older code-M Corinthian White repaint has some scratches, but still looks good, he says.
“The top has a small nick on one side, but nothing major, and it still keeps the water out.”
“All hydraulic cylinders work for the convertible top,” he notes.
The hydraulic oil for the top has been flushed and the system bled.
The dome lights work.
Trim code-85 denotes red interior with leather seat inserts and bolsters.
A/C, tinted glass, power windows and seat, pushbutton AM radio, and seatbelts were ordered new.
The seller states he will ensure proper function of A/C and heat prior to delivery.
All gauges work, including the clock.
An AM/FM radio is currently installed.
Swing-Away wheel and steering column and the front passenger assist bar were standard.
So too, were power steering and power drum brakes.
Kelsey Hayes wire wheels were also fitted to Sports Roadsters.
These roll with wide-whitewall tires.
All lights work, including the tag light.
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