In terms of classic American luxury cars, the four-seat Thunderbirds from 1958-66 are a great value, at least in terms of purchase price. For some reason, they’ve never quite taken off, which means that you can get a nice car for comparatively little money. This 1963 Landau is an older restoration (it was probably done in the late 1980s) that scored a 291.5 out of 300 points in Vintage Thunderbird Club International judging. It still looks great, and it’s for sale as a Hemmings Auction in Delta, Colorado.
Ford’s door tags offer us a wealth of information. We’ll start with the VIN:
- 3: 1963 model year
- Y: Wixom, Michigan, assembly
- 87: Tudor Landau bodystyle
- Z: 300-horsepower 390 four-barrel engine
- 142626: Unit number
As for the top row:
- 63B: Once again, a Tudor Landau bodystyle
- S: Cascade Green Metallic paint
- 56: Black Crinkle Vinyl interior trim
- 15B: February 15, 1963, build date
- 45: Davenport, Iowa, District Sales Office
- 1: 3.00:1 open rear axle
- 4: Cruise-O-Matic transmission
The Thunderbird Landau made up just over 19 percent of Thunderbird production in 1963, and aside from the standard vinyl roof and fake Landau irons on the C-pillars, the interior was treated to “walnut-like paneling,” which looks a little warmer than the standard Thunderbird’s bright ribbed trim. This car, for being an upscale Landau, appears to be lightly optioned. It has manual windows, an AM radio, no air conditioning, and (from what I can tell) no power seat. As a guy who owns a heavily optioned ’63, I will diverge from the prevailing opinion and say that this is a good thing. An old luxury car with myriad power options can be complicated and finicky.
The lack of an air conditioning compressor also frees up a lot of space in the cramped engine compartment. Its condition makes it clear that it hasn’t seen many miles since being restored, but it has recently had its power steering gear box rebuilt, which is good, because these boxes can get touchy if they’re worn out. The seller says that the chrome dress-up package was factory installed, and from what I can gather in my research, the chrome cooling system expansion tank was a part of that package.
The undercarriage isn’t quite up to show standards these days, but it’s still very nice. Starting in 1961, Thunderbirds were undercoated at the Wixom plant, so there’s nothing abnormal about seeing it applied to this car. Additionally, single exhaust was standard equipment in 1963, so as much as you might like to hear the 390 breathe through a set of duals, most ’63s were quiet (dual exhaust did come with the 340-horsepower M-Code cars, but those were very rare).
This Bullet Bird is currently sitting on a high bid of $12,000, which rightfully hasn’t met the reserve; however, don’t be surprised if the selling price is more reasonable than you’d expect. These four-seat ‘Birds are bargains.
Beautiful Bird.
Beautiful automobile…those were the days!
Wow!!
For a restoration of over 30 years ago, it looks great.
I am not a fan of the Landau look but with this color combination it does not look half bad in my opinion
Needs fender skirts to complete the look.
To kid me these cars were very appealing. Adult me hasn’t changed his mind. Who cares what collectors think unless the interest is $?
There’s a blue northeast special; i.e. rusty, not far from me that I drive by often. I can’t recall if it’s a Landau.
What a sweetie .
When new I didn’t like the ‘bullet birds’ but as a 70 Y.O. Geezer I think this looks fantastic .
-Nate
My parents bought a new 1963 hardtop, Heritage Burgundy w/pearl beige interior. Loaded with options. The day I turned 16, early 1967, the T-Bird was given to me. Wonderful car and if I ever have to replace my current 1966 T-Bird convertible I will be shopping for a 1963 T-Bird.
My favorite of the four seat Birds. This is probably the last body style that looks good in pastel colors. This green is pretty nice, but I’d prefer a black top. The contoured rear lounge seat, is silly, but it just adds to the cool factor. I saw a very nicely recently restored Bullet Bird for sale locally, and the seller was asking 18 grand, which I thought was a pretty fair price. If someone snags this for close to 12k I’d say that they got a good deal.
It’s the 1964 with the unfortunate flat windows that had the cove rear seat.
The fake wood interior and steering wheel are a big plus. Lack of power windows a small demerit, and lack of AC in a car with no easy place to put it (other than one of those custom fitted jobs that must cost a whole lot) a huge demerit.
The green with those rocket-era rear lights reminds me of Thunderbird 2.
A total triumph of style over function – how can one not like it!