Classic Auto Mall
6180 Morgantown Road
Morgantown, PA 19543
"1963 Ford Thunderbird Landau Hardtop
""When they came out, we thought the big Thunderbirds were laughable,"" says Bob Collier, a youthful 16 year old when the 1963 he now owns was born. And why not? Besides propelling middle aged fat cats to and fro in style, did the Thunderbird really do anything well? Was it quick? Did it handle? Even with its large by large size, could it really haul anything? The answer to all the above is a resounding ""not really,"" but in the end, the market proved that style and luxury were all that mattered. The Thunderbird proved an undeniable success, and remains one of Ford's most recognized nameplates.""� Motor Trend magazine, Feb. 2011�
For consignment, a 1963 Ford Thunderbird Landau hardtop showing 14,528 miles but the true miles are unknown. The '63 is noted for the bold landau top option, with landau bars that were glued to the side to represent old school carriage hinges. Other brands did it too and in later years, would drop the hinges, but the Thunderbird was a standout. The origin of ""Landau"" comes from the German city of Landeau, where luxury carriages were produced in the 1800's.�
Exterior
Two stage Raven Black paint is dramatically contrasted by the beige vinyl landau top and its ornamental faux hinge, picked up visually by the Coker white walls tires below riding on 14-inch wheels. More ornamentation is found on the doors where a triple ribbed design represents forward momentum on a bullet shaped car. Thunderbird is scripted in a metal nameplate on each rear quarter and on this car, accented with turquoise and gray sweeping pinstripe design and that pinstriping is also found on the rear decklid and in front of the hood scoop. Turquoise is a conscious choice as the Navajo inspired Thunderbird emblems contain a turquoise center, which is first noted on the nose above the thinly ribbed grille between dual headlights on each side. Out back, one of the great 60's tails begins with small fins, remnants of theatrical features of the 1950's, and round tail lights that look like the flaming afterburners on a space bound rocket ship and undoubtedly was the catalyst for many Thunderbird sales. Metalwork, paint, and the vinyl top are in presentable shape but with imperfections noted as numerous areas of bubbling in the paint, a few dings, some invasive rust, cracked and lifting body work, and some separation of molding on the fender skirt.�
Interior
Luxury abounds, beginning on the door panels which are alternating bands of beige vinyl, simulated woodgrain strips, stainless ribbons, along with vertical accent trim and dual lens courtesy lights. Armrests on both doors show wear and cracking.�The bucket seats are also beige vinyl, low backed and in decent shape, mirrored in condition and form by the rear 2+2 seats. The covered steering wheel wears a horn ring and frames the triple gauge cluster on the panel ahead, underscored by more woodgrain in line with the door's trim, and it boldly covers the entire mid panel taking in residential sized vents in the center and Thunderbird script over the glove box. The faux wood creates a warm atmosphere that spills onto the center console just behind the A/C panel, and runs smoothly to some window switches. Up top, under the covered dash pad, is the AM/FM radio, seemingly suspended by the flowing vinyl of the pad. Beige loop carpet covers the floor while a plaid mat with some usage adorns the large trunk which includes a covered spare.�
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a clean 390ci V8 rated at 300 horsepower shows its gold features including the air cleaner cover over the 4-barrel carburetor. A Cruise-O-Matic 3 speed automatic transmission sends power to the Ford 9"" in back with 3.00 gears. Power drum brakes are front and rear.�
Undercarriage
Clean driver quality underneath with some typical surface rust, some oil on a crossmember, and single drop of the red stuff on the transmission. The knuckles are clear and new ball joints are evident. Dual exhaust connects at an H-pipe before running in tandem to find stock style mufflers in back with exhaust tips. Front suspension is coil spring and rear is leaf spring.
Drive-Ability
This personal luxury car is a degree more luxurious with the beige palette contrasting with the medium wood on the inside. Our consignor states a new electronic fuel pump is on board and it does its job when we turn the key, igniting the 390 with a healthy start. Another great, low cruising car, this one tracks straight and stops well and with dual side mirrors and a big back window, visibility is excellent. We note just the radio and right rear power window not working, but all other functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Bullet birds and their kin are some of the up and coming collectibles in the market. Long overshadowed by the iconically classic Baby Birds of the 50's, the 60's era Thunderbirds represent some daring design both inside and out, and remain a bargain in the world of classics. But don't wait too long, these birds are taking off and will be soaring high as Hagerty reports a younger, hipper audience is discovering the coolness of them. Get with the in crowd and pick up a '63 today!
3Y87Z139171
3-1963
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
87-Thunderbird Landau
Z-390ci 4bbl 300hp V8
139171-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63B-Thunderbird Landau
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 54-Beige Vinyl
DATE 04B-February 4th
DSO 71-Los Angeles
AXLE 1-Ford 9"" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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Year: | 1963 |
Make: | Ford |
Model: | Thunderbird |
Mileage: | 14528 |
Exterior Color: | Raven Black |
Interior Color: | Beige |
Trim: | Landau Hardtop |
Body: | hardtop |
Stock: | 7420 |
Engine Size: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | 3 Speed Automatic |
Vin: | 3Y87Z139171 |
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Classic Auto Mall is a world class consignment house located in southeastern Pennsylvania with indoor showroom space for up to 1,000collectable and special interest vehicles offered for sale. We are conveniently located just west of Philadelphia. This one of a kind building is climate controlled and security monitored and is the ultimate destination for classic and specialty car lovers. The building is located right on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with terrific frontage and exposure. Additionally, this one of a kind building houses one of the finest barn findcollections in the world with over 400 vehicles on display. The facility and grounds have plenty of room for indoor and outdoor automotive related events, car shows, car club meets, ride and drives and more.
Classic Auto Mall by the Numbers:
This wonderful facility started life as a clothing outlet mall in 1985 and then evolved into a furniture outlet mall until it closed its doors in 2011. There is a 188 room Holiday Inn with a walk-thru entrance attached to the facility that has a full-service restaurant, lounge, meeting facilities and an indoor swimming pool. The hotel just underwent a $3,000,000 renovation.
With an abundance of car collectors, car clubs and racetracks located within a short distance, this fantastic facility is ideally situated.
Our consignment program has classic car lovers excited to have a facility like this to store and offer their prized possessions for sale. We market vehicles worldwide and get top dollar for your one special car or your entire collection!
Please contact us further to discuss your needs.
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