Description
Walkaround video: Click here
Technical inspection valid until 2025, only a few remarks
Interior in very clean condition
With 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, a true American cruiser, drew inspiration from European sports cars such as the Mercedes 300 SL and the Jaguar XK120. Its initial aim was to outclass the Chevrolet Corvette before it had the chance to take the lead. The Thunderbird’s design was widely praised for its elegant and almost cinematic appearance. Under the hood there is a powerful V8 engine, typically American, which effortlessly produced an impressive 193 horsepower or more, which was remarkable for the time. The Thunderbird had a long production run of five decades, spanning eleven generations until the last one rolled off the factory floor in 2005.
Although the Thunderbird drew inspiration from European sports cars, it also represented a significant dose of American nostalgia. A drive in this vehicle can evoke a nostalgic feeling of America’s golden 50s, with drive-in cinemas under starry romantic skies, carefree cruises along wide roads, and an atmosphere where anything is possible. The Thunderbird embodies the carefree spirit of that era, a largely romanticised and celebrated period in American history.
Ford Bullet Bird
The Ford Bullet Bird was built for two years, from 1961 to 1963. Its name is a derivative of its look, ‘Bullet’ signifying ‘*****’ in English. This third generation of the eleven generations of Thunderbirds brought a whole new look. After the somewhat disappointing second generation, Ford anticipated the needs of its customers, which gave birth to the Bullet Bird.
The Bullet Bird was almost entirely different from its predecessor. The second generation was not appreciated by most Americans and the Eisenhower recession caused a drop in consumer confidence. Ford had to intervene to avoid losing market share to Chevrolet and its Corvette. The Bullet Bird avoided this, and the economy stabilised. This new Thunderbird was available with three V8 engines of 6, 390 cc, with different power outputs, although all three were quite powerful, producing 300 horsepower or more. The car is controlled by a three-speed automatic transmission ‘Cruise-O-Matic’ (designed by Ford).
The design is easily recognisable thanks to the bright chrome strip that runs from the bonnet to the rear lights. The rear lights and the back of the car resemble a military fighter aircraft. In profile, the bodywork has the shape of a *****, hence its name is derived.
Ford was innovative in several ways. The Bullet Bird benefited from the inclusion of a Swing-Away steering wheel, which can be moved to the right when the car is in P mode, to give the driver all the space and comfort needed to exit.
Driving this car is truly addictive, it evokes a nostalgic Elvis Presley-feeling that no other car is able to provide. Moreover, it is an affordable classic that has held or increased its value, making it a good investment.
Technical information:
Bodywork:
Length (cm): 522
Width (cm): 188
Height (cm): 133
Wheelbase (cm): 287
Weight (kg): 1690
Mechanical:
Engine: 6384 cc V8 engine at the front
Valves: 16, OHV
Carburation: 1 Holly 4-barrel carburettor
Gearbox: three-speed automatic ‘Cruise-O-Matic’
Transmission: RWD
Left-hand drive
Maximum power: 300 hp (224 kW) at 4600 rpm
Maximum torque: 579 Nm at 2800 rpm
Top speed: 208 km/ h
Reference ch1803
Brand Ford
Model Thunderbird Convertible Third Generation '62
Type cabriolet
Year of construction 1962
KM 13542
Displacement 6384
Gearbox automatic
Drive left-hand drive
Chassis number 2Y85Z121803
Price € 34, 500
