Thunderbirds today at Mecum

[Leroy]

Re: Thunderbirds today at Mecum

I don't think that 62 Tbird can be classified as a Roadster. Leroy

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[Sandman]

Re: Thunderbirds today at Mecum

Leroy, this is the Auction description of that 1962 Bird. I don't think they could advertise it as a Roadster if it wasn't.




Thunderbird buyers were treated to a special new option in 1962 with the introduction of the Sports Roadster package featuring a fiberglass tonneau cover that transformed the 4-seat convertible into a two-seater. As the rare version offered here demonstrates, the cover can remain in place even when the top is up, greatly simplifying the transformation between closed and open motoring.

Built on February 2, 1962, this is the 157th Roadster produced. Thanks to regular care and as-needed restoration, it presents and performs beautifully and is in excellent condition. It has received a single repaint on the all-original body and all new suspension, exhaust, brakes, wheels and tires and a new top. Red with Black interior and top, this highly sought-after vintage T-Bird is powered by Ford’s gutsy 390 V-8.

Highlights:

- A highly sought after 1962 Thunderbird
- Built February 2, 1962
- 157th Roadster built
- Copy of window sticker
- All original body panels
- One repaint
- New suspension
- New exhaust
- New brakes
- New tires and wheels
- New top
- Tune up
- New updates, repairs as needed
- This classic runs and drives excellent

[Leroy]

Re: Thunderbirds today at Mecum

That's a tough call, I think it would depend on if there were seats under the tonneau cover. I think if it was built as a 4 seater putting a tonneau over the back seats doesn't change the classification. Any experts out there? Leroy

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[snowbird]

Re: Thunderbirds today at Mecum

That's a tough call, I think it would depend on if there were seats under the tonneau cover. I think if it was built as a 4 seater putting a tonneau over the back seats doesn't change the classification. Any experts out there? Leroy

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All sport roadsters had a seat under the tonneau. If you wanted to take friends out, you lifted the tonneau and left it at home. Very early roadsters had counter weights in the trunk and under front fenders behind bumper. Also a grab bar on dash, passenger side. Very early roadsters are difficult to tell unless you have the original factory invoice (obtainable) as the body style on data plate showed as '85' instead of later '89' (2Y85Z1------). The cross flags should be on the front fenders under the "thunderbird' script as already mentioned. Two other areas under hood to match data plate.
MartinB.
btw. Did not see before, Roadsters never had skirts in back and this one does so, it indicates someone bought a nice convertible'.

[racko]

Re: Thunderbirds today at Mecum

that was a 57 bonny for 210k very rare about 600 made very nice. the other 57 bonny... red... went for 180

[Leroy]

Re: Thunderbirds today at Mecum

Thanks Snowbird, Then it's not a Roadster, a 4 seater can not be a Roadster. I believe the only car that can be classified as a Roadster that can seat 4 is a 2 seater with a Rumble seat. Leroy

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[00mustng]

Re: Thunderbirds today at Mecum

....Go to YouTube....Type in Russo-Steele and see what happened to that auction....in Phoenix.....

[birdfan]

Re: Thunderbirds today at Mecum

The 1962 & 1963 Sport Roadsters were basically regular convertibles that had a fiberglass tonneau cover over the rear seats, real wire wheels (no fender skirts because the wheel spinners would have hit them), a "grab" bar in the dash on the passenger side, and special emblems on the front fenders under the thunderbird script. The tonneau could stay in place with the roof up, but could be removed to carry passengers in the back seats.

It is true that since they had four seats they were not a roadster in the classic definition, but that is what the option was called.

The picture of the one shown does not appear to be a real roadster, as displayed. It does not have the emblem, it has wire hubcaps, not wheels, and as has been pointed out it has fender skirts. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for someone to put a tonneau on a convertible (reproduction tonneaus have been available for many years) and call it a roadster. Looking at the serial number/option number and build sheet if they have it would tell you, but also as previously said, it is possible that the first few might not have had special numbers (I am not positive they didn't).

Back in the '70s I once looked at one that didn't have the tonneau or the wire wheels (both were long gone), but it did have the grab bar and fender emblems (sure wish I had bought it at $1800).