Ford’s personal luxury car grew up in 1958, gaining two seats, more horsepower, and vastly more sales. The first 4-seat “square Birds” gave way to the “bullet Birds” which were streamlined and benefitted from technology developed for the Ford Skyliner hardtop convertibles. By 1963, the Thunderbird was almost as much Lincoln as Ford, offering top-of-the-line luxury and that miraculous convertible top that stows itself under the trunk lid at the touch of a button. With more power from a 390 cubic inch V8 and road manners that make them fantastic long-distance cruisers, these cars are finally getting the recognition that they’ve deserved for years. In short, fans are discovering what new car buyers in 1963 already knew: four seats are often better than two.

This striking 1963 Thunderbird convertible enjoyed a frame-on restoration just a few years ago and presents in spectacular, ready-to-enjoy condition today. Loaded with options such as A/C, power windows, rare power locks, dual power seats, and an AM/FM radio, it’s both fun to drive and a no-compromises cruiser that you can drive every day. Originally Black with a black leather interior, it was changed to lovely Medium Blue Metallic during the restoration and looks absolutely gorgeous. The respray was incredibly thorough—we can find no trace of the original black anywhere on the car, even in the door jambs and trunk area. Finish quality is quite good, with even gaps and lots of time invested in getting everything straight, and since it hails from the warm, dry south there are absolutely no rust issues underneath.

Of course, on a car like this, the critical issue is the jewelry, which includes all that wonderful chrome trim. The front bumper, including the outer ends which tend to collect road debris and rot from the inside out, is in very good original condition, showing off the fine-toothed grille within. All the Thunderbird logos have gorgeous inlays that are designed to simulate genuine turquoise, and from behind, it’s easy to see why they also call these the “rocket Birds.” Then there’s the bright strip of stainless that defines the top edges of the fenders, running across the doors to form the door handles, before cresting the modest tail fins. The ‘Thunderbird’ script on both quarter panels, the hash marks on the doors, and the stainless windshield surround are all virtually new. The overall presentation on this car is extremely impressive.

According to the door tag, this car’s black bucket seat interior is correct, and it features a great deal of new components. The seat covers front and rear are new and exact reproductions of the originals, complete with Thunderbird insignias on the seat backs and new polished stainless seat back supports. Black carpets with a heel pad for the driver look fresh, and the dash pad doesn’t suffer any cracks or UV damage from years in the sun. Sleek, round gauges are pure 1960s cool, with clear markings and bright pointers, all surrounded by an anodized aluminum trim panel that extends into the center console. All the power options work, including the windows and the A/C, which has been recently serviced and upgraded to R134a refrigerant. It also offers Ford’s neat “swing away” steering column, which pivots towards the center of the car when you gently tug on the shifter handle. Perhaps the only demerit inside this car (or on the entire car for that matter) is the trim panel on the center console, which appears to be original and shows light pitting that’s typical. Is it too nice to replace or the only part that isn’t up to snuff? I’ll leave that for the lucky new owner to decide.

Ford spent a fortune developing the retractable hardtop in the late 1950s, and with the “Retractables” lasting only three years, they had to amortize their costs somehow. As a result, the Thunderbird’s convertible top is a wonder of 1950s tech, stowing itself invisibly under the trunk lid in a feat of electro-hydraulic gymnastics that always attracts a crowd. The top itself is black vinyl, as original and remains in excellent shape with no tears or critical wrinkles, although you’ll probably discover, as the current owner has, that this car is best enjoyed alfresco. The trunk is fully lined with correct materials and shows no rust in the pans or quarter panels, further testament to clean southern living.

There’s also plenty of horsepower on tap with a Z-code 390 cubic inch V8 under the hood. Topped by a 4-barrel Holley, it makes a nice, round 300 horsepower and plenty of torque to make the ragtop ‘Bird feel effortless in everything it does. The engine bay is dominated by the big, gold air cleaner and the A/C compressor and it looks quite authentic. Obviously the engine was out during the repaint, since there’s Medium Blue paint everywhere it should be, and the engine has been finished with correct Thunderbird Gold engine enamel. It starts instantly, idles smoothly, and has a very healthy V8 rumble from the exhaust system, which includes a new transverse muffler. The undercarriage is original and shows what you get living in a warm, dry climate, as there’s no structural rust or evidence of issues anywhere. It was undercoated years ago, but the rockers, frame supports, and floors are sharply rendered and don’t have that worn look that rusty cars in the north always get. The brakes were rebuilt, the suspension is supple and rides like a hovercraft, and with 3.00 gears out back, it cruises at highway speeds with barely a whisper. Genuine wire wheels and 215/75/14 whitewall radials look fantastic on the dramatic body, the perfect finishing touch for a gorgeous convertible.

Go ahead and look around, but you’ll probably find that 1963 Thunderbird convertibles are rather rare, especially with only 5900 or so being built. Perhaps you never even considered a 4-seat ‘Bird until you saw this one, but its combination of good looks, a fantastic interior, and a potent V8 have won you over. An absolutely fantastic vintage convertible with zero needs beyond a happy new owner. Call today!