It seems obvious now, but up to that time, the state of the art was to mount engine, primary and gearbox as separate units within a complex set of heavy brackets that were prone to flex, loosen and get sloppy. But what a change! Unit Construction incorporated the engine, the primary drive, and the gearbox into one neat package. It was a major transition, with nearly every component replaced. Sorry this car has been sold.1963 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD GOES UNIT CONSTRUCTIONĪlong with the rest of the Triumph 650 line, the 1963 6T Thunderbird converted over to Triumph’s incredible new unit-construction powerplant, frame and cycle gear. This car is among the best third-generation T-birds we’ve encountered, and it is an ideal family-friendly classic to enjoy on the open road or for showing with the AACA or any number of specialist clubs. Legions of enthusiastic owners and strong parts support make it an excellent choice for a first classic, while this car’s superb quality means it would be at home in virtually any established collection. Equipment includes power steering and power brakes, ensuring this T-bird cruises effortlessly down this highway.įord’s 1963 Thunderbird is one of the most enjoyable and uniquely stylish American cars of the period.
It retains the original-style piston-type A/C compressor and features correct gold-painted air cleaner and matching Thunderbird valve covers. Details like proper Ford “tower” hose clamps, and factory-correct decals, labels, and markings point to a well-researched and meticulous restoration.
The outstanding attention to detail is most apparent under the hood, where the Z-Code 390 cubic inch V8 rests between the fenders. Instruments and switchgear are all in excellent order, and options include power seats, an AM/FM radio, power windows, factory air conditioning, and a power top. The swing-away steering column allows for easy ingress, and the thin-rimmed wheel provides that classically American fingertip control. This car is no exception, with two-tone blue upholstery, bucket seats, a broad center console, and fluted aluminum trim wrapping around the door panels, dash, and center stack. It also features a Sport Roadster-style removable fiberglass tonneau with built-in headrest fairings.Ī highlight of these early 60s Thunderbirds is the fabulous interior. The chrome exterior trim is all in excellent order, and it rides on attractive chrome Kelsey Hayes-style wire wheels. Supremely stylish in metallic light blue, this T-Bird displays excellent quality paintwork and straight, crisp panels. It is a superb example, boasting a highly detailed, ground-up restoration with a host of desirable options and accessories. This 1963 Thunderbird is a Vintage Thunderbird Club International Senior Award winner, presented in its correct original color scheme of Acapulco Blue over two-tone blue upholstery. Offered as a coupe or convertible, the Thunderbird continued to be a winner for Ford, and it spurred on competitors to join the personal luxury car market, but few enjoyed the same unbridled success of the Thunderbird. It was wonderfully stylish without appearing overly fussy. The sweeping, creased beltline made one continuous line from the tip of the front bumper to the end of the tail, terminating at big round taillights that mimicked the afterburners of a jet engine. The new design featured a cleaner profile, inset headlamps, and a distinct pointed nose treatment. The most significant change was, of course, the completely new and modern body styling. Ford wisely stuck with the formula for the third generation T-Bird, introduced in 1961. Any worries were cast aside in short order as the new four-passenger Thunderbird blew away previous sales records, selling 200,000 units in its first three years. When Ford introduced the so-called “square bird” in 1958, some skeptics wondered if the radically different four-seat Thunderbird would resonate in the same way with buyers as the more overtly sporty, two-seat original.
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