3rd Generation

61-63 T-Bird Spotlight
The 61 T-Bird marked the end of the “square-bird” era. The 61 TBird
was all new. Instead of corners and angles, the car had
smooth curving lines. It was longer, lower, wider, and heavier than
any other previous addition. Originally, the 61 T-Bird was
engineered for front wheel drive, the cost considerations dropped
this feature.
Nicknamed the Bullet Bird, Banana Bird, and many others, it had
styling traits depicting a rocket with taillights resembling after
burners, and sides resembling a rocket. It was styled by Bill Boyer
who also styled the one year only 60 Ford. This was a design
either you liked or hated. I liked them both especially the lines of
a 60 Sunliner Convertible with the top down.
In November 1960, newly elected president John F. Kennedy asked
Ford Division General manager, Robert McNamara, to become his
secretary of defense. One of McNamara’s last projects at Ford was
to authorize production of fifty special 1961 Thunderbird
convertibles, all with identical interiors and exteriors, to be used in
President Kennedy’s inaugural parade and ball. These cars were
reportedly were all especially painted in code Y “Presidential
Mahogany”, a Lincoln color not listed in the 61 Ford sales
literature. These cars were accented with Code 54, Pearl Beige
vinyl interiors. I have never seen one of these in person, it would
be quite a find today.
The 61 T-Bird also paced the Indianapolis 500 with A.J. Foyt
winning and given the T-Bird Pace Car, which he gave to his
mother. A total of 34 were produced with special gold paint.
There was an 8479 designation on their data plate. A member from
the Indianapolis Club has a nice example. Many have been
discovered painted different colors and restored to original
condition.
The 61 t-Bird was sporty and futuristic. It also introduced the
swing-away steering wheel, which was optional at extra cost,
standard starting in 1962. This was also the last year for wide
white-wall tires. This year also marked a new engine for 1961, the
famous 390 Ford engine, basically a stroked 352. This engine was
produced from 1961 to 1976 and used in many Ford Motor
Company cars and trucks. The 430 Lincoln engine available in 59
and 60 T-Birds was no longer available. A well-tuned 390 could hit
60 in around 9 seconds and return gas mileage around 14-15 miles
per gallon. These times and figures are about the same as a 58-60
T-Bird despite a higher curb weight of 150 pounds.
The year 1962 brought new models such as the Landau and Sports
Roadster. The new Landau featured a black or white vinyl roof and
Landau irons on the side of its rear roof panels. This option costs
less than $100.00 and helped increase sales of 7,000 more hardtops
than 1961’s total hard top sales of 62, 535.
The Sports Roadster with a base price of $5,439.00 included a
tonneau cover, wire wheels, grab bar, and unique pieces of trim. It
was expensive, but exclusive. Only 1427 were produced in 1962,
only 120 had the coveted M- Code option 390. Speaking of the MCode
390, this was a 390 with three two-barrel carburetors sitting
backwards on a special aluminum manifold to clear the slopped
hoods of 62-63 T-Birds. It also included a special cam, distributor,
406 heads. It also included a cast aluminum air cleaner and
chrome dress up kit. This option listed at $376.00 at a cost to the
dealer of $242.00.
Aside from the occasional well-preserved original example
surfacing from time to time, not too many M-Code Thunderbirds
survived their first decade on the American Road. In order to keep
customers happy, Ford replaced many tri-power units with fourbarrel
carbs under warranty. It seems original owners did not like
the rough idle, back-fire and poor fuel economy. Not to mention
the constant adjustment, unbecoming of the lifestyle of
Thunderbirds market niche. As a result, less than 280 examples
were produced for all body styles during 1962-63, making them
rare indeed and making an accurate restoration difficult today.
By 1963, the Thunderbird had evolved into a fine road car, with a
more refined suspension, 150lbs. more insulation and added
personal luxury options. New for 63 was an alternator replacing
the generator as was used in previous Thunderbirds. Also,
hydraulic wipers were now used, which had no benefit besides
higher repair costs. The 63 has a distinct side body line and the
prettiest grill of the three years. New options included an AM/FM
transistor radio and vacuum power door locks. By the way, the 61
Thunderbird was the first car produced with an all transistor radio.
The Landau returned for 1963 with more luxury, thanks to a rich
looking walnut grain dash, door panels, console trim, and a wood
grain wheel which was unique to this model. Our club president,
Roger Noll, had one of these models with a distinctive dark blue
roof. It was a nice car.
Now for some “real class”, in January of 1963, the special addition
Landau (only 2,000 made), premiered in the Principality of
Monaco. It included the following:
*special interior of gleaming white interior
*white vinyl door and trim panels, with rose beige carpet tastefully
applied to the lower portion
*white deluxe steering wheel
*interior accented by rose beige trim, carpet and kick panels
*Corinthian white exterior, unique rose-colored vinyl top
*spinner wheel covers
*rear fender skirts
*special plaque on console
All of this was included for just $200.00 more than the Landau.
Club member, Keith Landez, is lucky to have acquired one of these
models. His car has all the special features intact and in good
condition. Keith is a busy man and one of these days, he will start
restoration of this unique Thunderbird.
The sports roadster had a mere production of 455 with 37 equipped
with the M-Code option. When considering purchasing any Sports
Roadster, watch for clones, several current and past members have
seen many. Always do your research and take a friend when
looking or buying any collector car.
Another interesting Ford show car was the “Italien Thunder-Bird”,
this was a special show car that was completely restored.
Sales of Thunderbirds were down almost 15,000 from 1962, with
sales of 63,313. This was probably because GM offered new
competition, the restyled 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix, which had sales
of over 72,000 and is rarely seen today, and the Buick Riviera, the
first car that is equal in status to the Thunderbird, in my opinion.
Originally, I did not pay much attention to this series of
Thunderbird. I like the first two series and the Flare birds. I have
had discussions with club members and after examining these cars,
I had to have a Bullet Bird. So, I acquired a 61 T-Bird to my
collection. I also own a 58 Coupe and a 64 convertible.
I like the 61, because of its unique hood and grill. It also was the
last year for wide white walls. My car is also equipped with air,
power windows, fender skirts, radio, and the optional for this year,
swing away steering wheel. All mechanical, paint, and chrome
work is completed. The last phase is the interior replacing the
dash, and a new headliner. The seats have been re-upholstered.
Club members will see this car in the future. Our next article will
have Thunderbirds with a flare.
Happy Motoring!
Respectfully Submitted,
Larry Sneary
Bibliography:
Thunderbird Restoration Guide, William Wonder
T-Bird Forty Years of Thunder, John Gunnel
The Best of Old Cars Weekly, 1976, Vol. 4, Krause Publications

1961 Thunderbird Update
The H.V.A.C. Board hopes that everyone has had a happy holiday season. With the
New Year upon us and the exceptional weather, hopefully, you have had time to
initiate repairs or restoration on your collector car. During the nice weather, I
painted my 1961 T-Bird in its original Diamond Blue color and started assembling
the bumpers and mounting new chrome emblems. I have heard from other club
members, the ridge molding on top of the fenders, doors, and quarter panels was
difficult to remove. I had no choice, but to remove these moldings, because of
surface rust, that needed to be wire brushed, sanded, and etched to restore to new
condition. When removing the ridge molding on this series of T-Bird, save the
retaining clips, the car requires thirty, and they cost nearly $4.00 each. Upon
reassembly, I followed the schematics in the shop manual, and used a little, J.B.
Weld for attachment.
Recently, I removed the vent window frames for re-chroming, these items are not
being reproduced. With a complete engine rebuild and detail of the engine
compartment according to V.T.C.I. judging specifications, it will be time for the last
phase of the restoration, the interior, this will include:
*New seat covers and buns, this phase is already completed.
*As with all high line Ford products of the fifties through seventies, the
Thunderbirds of this era are complicated cars. The phase of removing and replacing
the cracked and dry dashboard cover is a task that I do not look forward to,
however, it is necessary as the dash pad I replaced in my fifty-eight Thunderbird.
*While having the dash pad out, I will replace the heater core, air-conditioning
evaporator core, vacuum lines, and test all servos for vacuum retention. Also, I
will replace all bulbs for the instruments. Do this once and be done, you don’t want
to take this dash pad out again.
*Fortunately, my interior door panels and armrest, and anodized trim is in good
condition and will be cleaned up, repainted, and buffed.
*I will then install a new carpet kit, and trunk board kit, along with new weather
strip. A new headliner will be installed with newly re-chromed windshield trim.
Always do interior and trunk restoration last, to avoid overspray and dirt on your
new upholstery.
*Installation of new white wall tires and fender skirts. It will be time for a shake
down cruise to fix any bugs that might show up. I will also have a front-end
alignment.
*Restoring any car takes plenty of time, hassle, and money. Is it worth it? Yes, I
enjoy the process, the high-fives, and the compliments. Plus, anyone can mortgage
their house to buy a new muscle car, however, how many like-new sixty-one
Thunderbirds do you see at every corner, at a fraction of the cost of a new car, that
one can work on?
Enclosed are pictures of my restoration in progress.
Happy Motoring!
Larry Sneary