While the enlargement of the Thunderbird into a 4-passenger car proved excellent for sales, buyers continued to pester Ford for the return of a 2-passenger model. In response, for 1962, the third-generation “Bullet Bird” became available as a limited-production Sports Roadster. The “top-of-the-line” Ford featured a sleek fiberglass tonneau that fit over the rear seat, a passenger’s side grab handle on the dashboard, unique chrome badging, sporty Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels and no rear fender skirts.
According to a copy of the original Ford factory invoice on file, this rare “M-code” Thunderbird Sports Roadster was assembled at the Wixom plant and invoiced new to O’Donohue Ford Sales Inc. of Muncie, IN, on April 4, 1962. The car was finished as it appears today sporting a Raven Black exterior, equipped with the large 390-ci V8 engine fed through no less than three Holley 2-barrel carburetors, and optioned with push-button radio and outside mirror. The staggering cost was nearly $6,000, discounted some by promotional incentives.
Offered from 12-year ownership by a prominent Bay Area, California-based collector, the rare 1962 M-code Thunderbird Sports Roadster is presented today in beautifully restored condition, professionally repainted in as-delivered Raven Black. Casting numbers and date codes fall into the right sequence and suggest the car retains its original mechanical components. Under current ownership, the car has received a new radiator, exhaust system and fuel lines, as well as attention to the braking system and carburetors.
One of just 120 M-code Thunderbird Sports Roadsters produced sporting the powerful 340-horsepower V8 engine, this fine example offers effortless cruising aided by a host of luxurious amenities including a fully hydraulic, power-retractable convertible top. The “M-code” Thunderbird is offered with manuals and the aforementioned copy of the original Ford factory invoice and would be a great addition to any collection of mid-century American collector cars.
(Introductory description courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions.)
