Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster 1963: jet fighter on wheels (10 photos + 1 video)

The 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster is a special and unusual rarity in the world of classic cars.





It is unlikely that there will be at least one car that, for its history has traveled in more different categories than the Ford Thunderbird. He started life as a sports two-seater, then turned into a luxurious coupe with a sporty spirit, then into a large and heavy representative of the category that Americans call "personal luxury" before returning to their roots and dominating motorsport.



It would be an understatement to say that this is a Ford legend and one could write a long story about every generation. But let's talk about the third one. generation of classics, and just look at the attached photos, to conclude why many called it "four-wheeled jet fighter."





The third generation was produced from 1961 to 1963 and for this period sold 214,375 units. Designer Bill Boyer made no secret of the fact that the main source of inspiration for him were the aircraft of that period, and this is especially noticeable at the rear of the car. The category in which Thunderbird especially proved itself, was that Ford successfully combined luxury and affordability in this package.



As in the case of its predecessors, the audience liked the combination style, luxury and sporty look. Thunderbird was certainly not like that sporty like the Chevrolet Corvette, but not as slow as traditional Cadillac or Lincoln.



The Thunderbird was offered as a coupe and convertible, but Ford was subject to criticism for the addition of rear seats in 1958 and the decision to drop double cars. Although this decision was certainly positive due to commercial success (four-seat model sold six to eight times better than a two-seater), it was again met with criticism.



For this reason, the model range has been expanded with the so-called "sports roadster" in 1963. Actually it wasn't real roadster, but simply an insert made of reinforced plastic carbon fiber to hide the rear seats.



It could be easily removed and placed in the trunk when the need for rear seats, and the rest of the time created the visual impression is that it is a two-seater. The option was not popular, and only 455 customers chose it in the year of release.



Only one displacement V8 engine was available as an option. 6.4 liters. He developed 300 hp. and maximum torque of 580 Nm, while power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a three-stage automatic transmission.



Despite the mass of more than two tons, Thunderbird could accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 207 km/h. I note that this pleasure at that time cost 4,912 dollars or 47,789 in today's money terms.