1963 Ford Thunderbird |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1963 Ford Thunderbird

This auction has now closed - click 'Register Similar' below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Mileage~8,617 on clock
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine6.3-litre V8
LocationHillingdon, London

AUCTION CLOSED

1963 Ford Thunderbird

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

Step into the retro-era of the jet age - what a time.

Known as the 'Bullet Bird', the third generation of Ford's personal luxury car encompasses the optimists, confidence and class of the jet-age era. Admired by the rich and famous stars of the day, it soon became one of Ford's best-loved models, thanks to the Thunderbird's artistic futuristic streamlined lines and stylish interior. Powered by Ford's durable FE V8 engines, the 390 cu in (6.4-litres) engine, offers effortless power with a lap of luxury, making it the perfect cruising car.

Imported into the UK via California in 2011, it is fully registered for use in the UK and has seen almost £5,000 worth of spending over those 12 years, this covers some vital suspension, brake and engine work, as well as some structural attention. Being a Ford, it has the added bonus of ease of maintenance and a suitable parts network on top of the arresting styling, this Thunderbird is well and truly go!

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Russell on behalf of Dean the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I get loads of compliments when I drive it!

The car belongs to Dean, but his friend Russell is taking care of the car on his behalf, due to his expertise and knowledge of classic American cars. Russell accompanied Dean the day they picked up the car from the South Coast in 2018 and he guided the renovation and mechanical improvements.

The car is being sold due to a lack of use and Dean is considering a new project.

Dean

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Striking in its appearance, colour and presence, this is not a car for shrinking violets!

Wheels and Tyres

The Venezia Classic 787 tyres are in decent shape, with plenty of tread. Both front items were recent fittings.

The steel wheels are intact with minor signs of age.

Bodywork

The floorpan is structurally sound, with the front footwells having been replaced. The inner wings, suspension mounts and front bulkhead appears to be in good shape. There are signs of age noted on the boot floor.

The panel work is cohesive, with a decent flow and free of dents. Minor dabs of corrosion were noted just below both C pillars, on top of the doors and along the roof gutters. There is also a small cluster of bubbles coming through on the off-side lower rear wing near the rear spat and the odd spot coming through on some of the lower near-side sections of the car.

All doors open and close with ease, and all appear to show equal door-shut gaps.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Tucson Yellow paint has been evenly applied, with no significant flaws, other than a chip on the nearside rear wing where it meets the rear lamp cluster.

The finish is decent, with a healthy lustre and even colour match.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The copious amount of chrome work is in good order, with no significant damage or corrosion, just a little dullness in places.

The lights and lenses are in good shape and the exterior trim appears to be complete, with decent glass and minor signs of age noted on some of the rubber seals.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The cabin is in remarkably good shape, with near-perfect seats and lashings of chrome.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in very good condition, with no notable defects with the seat covers. The carpets are complete and dry, with minor wear in places but still acceptable considering their age.

The boot was a little damp, but there were no signs of water buildup.

Dashboard

There are minor cracks in the centre of the dashboard around the vents, likely to be historical heat cracks. The rest of the facia padding is good. The chrome finish shows light tarnishing in places but is otherwise original and retains a pleasing visual presence.

All of the dials are legible, with the switches said to be fully operational, although the heater is not currently connected.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel shows wear in line with the age of the car, with a small fracture noted at 10 o'clock but otherwise presentable. The 'Swing Away' steering wheel mechanism is fully operational.

The column change lever for the lavishly named Cruise-O Matic MX 3-speed automatic transmission is smooth.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

A truly smooth and effortless machine, it cruises impeccably.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine takes a couple of twists of the key to fire up, but once running it sounds smooth and idles with no undulations. No warning lights were flagged up on the dashboard. The car would probably benefit a good long run. The carburettor has been subject to a recent rebuild.

The engine presentation is positive with a little patina on some components. There is plenty of evidence that it has been well maintained, with the owner stating that the battery regulator has been replaced ensuring that the electrics are up to scratch. It has also seen a new electric fuel pump and saw a service just 200 miles ago.

No reports of issues were noted regarding the gearbox, as it is believed to have seen a rebuild around 10 years ago.

Suspension and Brakes

The car rode smoothly during our short drive, with no adverse knocks or thuds coming from the suspension, due to the benefits of retempered rear leaf springs and new shock absorbers.

The braking system was good, with no signs of vibrations or squeals observed, again having seen plenty of attention thanks to a complete brake overhaul with new hoses.

The Drive

The Thunderbird power delivery is effortless, and the unstressed engine is just one of the reasons why a ride in a classic Thunderbird is such an intoxicating experience. While the car was in motion, there was no excess smoke and the car appeared to be leak free on the day.

Cruising at low speeds, the engine ran sweetly with the charismatic burble of the V8 not missing a beat.

The new stainless steel exhaust helps with the soundtrack.

Electrics and Other

As part of its extensive mechanical overhaul, additional replacement parts include a replacement fuel sender unit and new exhaust manifold gaskets.

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History and Paperwork

The car has been subject to plenty of mechanical and structural attention, with over £2,000 recently spent.

Imported into the UK from California in 2011, it was also advertised as receiving a full transmission rebuild shortly after landing on these shores. While the car has been in Dean's company, it amassed £2,200 worth of invoices which includes brake work and two new front tyres. There is also photographic evidence of a replacement front section of the floor pan, as well as suspension and mechanical attention.

Prior to Dean's possession, there are also historical invoices totalling £2700, which covered engine work. The car has covered just over 3,000 miles since was imported, with just 500 of those in the last 5 years. The car is also ULEZ compliant and saw a service around 200 miles ago.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.