This 1963 Ford Thunderbird is one of approximately 5,913 convertibles made for the model year. The body was repainted white and the 390ci V8 was rebuilt prior to the current owner’s purchase in 2023, and a subsequent refurbishment included reupholstering the interior in black vinyl, rebuilding the four-barrel carburetor and distributor, servicing the drum brakes, replating the bumpers, headlight housings, and underhood components, and replacing the power-operated black soft top, weatherstripping, water pump, alternator, exhaust, and various interior and exterior trim. Additional equipment includes a Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a swing-away steering wheel, power windows, and a MagicAire heater/defroster.
The car left the factory finished in Corinthian White #2 (M) and was resprayed in 2022. Additional recent work included replacing the power-retractable black soft top, weatherstripping, horns, emblems, and trim as well as replating the chrome-finished bumpers and housings surrounding the quad headlights. The selling dealer notes that the lower-left quarter panel and a lower trunk panel were also replaced.
Chrome-plated 14″ wire wheels wear spinner-style caps and are mounted with 225/75 Cooper Trendsetter SE tires. The car came equipped from the factory with power steering, and work to the drum brakes in 2024 included servicing the drums and replacing the drum brake wheel cylinders, power brake booster, master cylinder, and lines.
The recently refreshed cabin features front bucket seats and a contoured rear bench upholstered in black vinyl with Thunderbird emblems in the backrests, which are accompanied by replacement door panels, door sills, power window switches, rearview mirror, and dashboard, center console, and door trim. Equipment includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an AM radio, and a MagicAire heater/defroster. The analog clock does not work.
The three-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a swing-away column and frames a 120-mph speedometer and a single combination gauge for fuel level and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer has rolled over and shows 1,400 miles, approximately 40 of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The 390ci V8 is said to have been rebuilt under previous ownership, and factory-rated output was 300 horsepower. Recent work included rebuilding the Autolite four-barrel carburetor and distributor, replating the hood hinges and latches, and replacing the water pump, alternator, and coolant hoses. The selling dealer notes an exhaust leak between the right manifold and head that goes away after warm-up.
Power is routed to the rear wheels via a Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. A replacement exhaust was installed during the recent build.
Decoding the reproduction door tag reveals the following information:
Body: 76A – Tudor Convertible
Color: M – Corinthian White #2 paint
Trim: 56 – Black vinyl upholstery
Date: 19M – 19th of December build date
DSO: 61 – Dallas, Texas, sales office
Axle: 1 – 3.00:1 or 3.56:1 conventional rear axle
Transmission: 4 – Three-speed Cruise-O-Matic
