1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster

A mechanically very sophisticated car. This body style was in mid run, and 1963 would be the last year for the style. Note the hash marks in the rear quarterpanels..next year they would be in the doors. Note the convertible top lowered into the trunk cavity. I'm sure luggage space was limited by this somewhat, but probably not as much as those cars where the steel top folded into the trunk When sitting in those seats, you felt surrounded by the instrument panel...a veritable cockpit.
The very large tailights completed the rocket/airplane feel!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• raconter1
• antique
• car
• show
• Thunderbird
• Sports
• Roadster
• 1962

[barmtrail]

Ford always had the best interiors. Hands down the best. I own a 68 GT mustang that i purchased for 200 dollars in 1984. The guy was going to sell it to the junk yard. I still have it. I just watched an andy griffith episode with a 62 T bird, in fact it looked just like this one. This is the best looking ford ever built in my opinion. Just a great looking car. What engine was available with this car in 62?

[raconter1]

@barmtrail That was my experience regarding the interiors. The car definitely had class, and was deluxe in every way. I believe the only engine offered was the 390 c.i. with 300 h.p. Thanks! :) Jack

[barmtrail]

@raconter1 Then i am sure the 390 available in 62 had more than 300 h.p.

My 68 390 is rated at 335, and that was just for insurance purposes to rate it so low.But the 62 ford 390 was the best 390 you could have. Much better than the 68.

The 62 had beeter flowing heads and better exhaust manifolds, bigger carb as well. I wonder if you could order the 390 with the dual quads in the 62 Tbird?

[raconter1]

@barmtrail I just looked up the specs on the 62..the heads were swapped from the 406 engine, installed a camshaft with higher lift &duration, and enlarged the exhaust system, and made a new manifold to accept the full sized car's triple two barrel carbs. This was the M series engine, 340 hp at 5000 rpm, 430 ft lb torque at 3200 rpm....less than 10% were tri-power. (From Thunderbird..50 Years). Evidently there were problems with the tripower setup..rough running..so most were 4 barrel. :) Jack

[barmtrail]

@raconter1 Thanks jack..Yes that sounds about right. The six pck carb set up was troublesome back in day, with the fords and the dodge. If you own one now you can have them tuned perfectly as long as you change the points. I remember a movie with Robert Conrad driving a T bird in palm springs. A couple times in the movie you can really see that T bird move out!..It really takes off fast. I wonder who owns that car now?

[raconter1]

@barmtrail It's interesting how the new technology of the day was not perfect..in fact had bugs. I think we're better off now....it's easier to test systems that are electronically controlled. But of course there can be glitches, as the problems at Toyota MAY illustrate. Thanks! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@monarch1957 Hey, Barry! Glad you had the experience of this great car first hand! Thanks! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@drewerz01 Hey, Mike! I remembered you mentioned this in the past, so I made it a point to film this one! Glad you liked it! Thanks! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@cheddyrod Hey, Chester! Thanks for the information on that option package! I know the tonneau cover is really a nice cue....and you certainly don't have to look at an unsightly folded convertible top...way ahead of their time with this technology at Ford! Thanks! :) Jack

[drewerz01]

Ah, my personal favorite of all T-birds, the third gen ('61-'63) they are just an absolutely stunning work of art aren't they, Jack, I love everything about these cars, especially that dash & interior ... Very beautiful car ! :)