New For 1961

[nowaxn5]

I have to agree with Dana. I wasn't around then but it certainly seems like it woulda been sporty in the earlier years. I feel like the '58 and newer cars would've been high style for sure. Not luxury but futuristic and chic.

[Bugsy]

I like their interiors as well and "almost" bought a couple over the years. I kind of like them and probably wouldn't turn the right one down at the right price. I have to agree with you though in that they really are an in between type car. I know some fellas on here sure have some slick ones!!!

[pwschuh]

My wife wants a T-Bird. She thinks she wants a 11th gen (2002 - 2005) but if we ever get one it will either be a 3rd or 4th gen. What I'd really like is a 61 with a 65 interior.

[flamingokid]

61-63s rule,although I also like the gen4 ,too.Almost bought a box bird about 10 years ago,but the guy suddenly thought it was worth more when I said I would take it.Car was so friggin' ugly ,it was kinda cool.Apparently,he's still trying to sell it.

[Jimmy B]

'61-'62 are a great looking bird but the square roof has always put me off. Ford should have built them like these....

1963 Thunderbird concept 'Italien'






'Bird-Liner




1962 Ford Thunderbird 'Starbird'

[Jive-Bomber]

You know Ford toyed with making a bubble top version when they were designing the '61 models... Would have been pretty hot in there, but nice lines!!

[Jive-Bomber]

Here's another prototype with a landau type B pillar and a sloping back window:

[57Custom300]

61-63 are my favorites. That 62 Starbird is sweet. Has anyone here ever built one? Certainly one of a kind.

[hotrod-steve]

Theres somthing about that name-THUNDERBIRD- reminds me of 77Sunset strip,California,convertibles, sunshine-love them all eccept the newer retro they brought out a few years ago. I think they really blew it there. I will never own one,but thats OK. Its better to admire from affar and not spoil the mistique.

[Jay71]

T-birds trip me out.

[autobilly]

Originally Posted by Jimmy B

That roofline is the "Fastback" Mustang of a few years later.

[tfeverfred]

There's a '61 rotting away in a mechaic's shop about 3 miles from me.

[ClearSpot]

That early sixties body T-bird has grown on me alot over the last few years.The car is loaded with detail.Would have loved to have worked in the studio's back then.
Notice in this view,the belt trim is the door handle! That's killer!!!

[oldthudman]

Nice Bird!.............

[seatex]

Oh, Man! Ryan, have you spoken to your Attorney about this? Sounds like a garage expansion and another road trip commin' on!

[T_Bird Guy]

I like the looks of the 1961-1963 bullet birds. But I am biased because I own one. I think some mild custom touches can really set these cars off. Here is mine.

[Chris F100]

I got my drivers license on my old man's 62. It was the first T-Bird in a town of 10,000 and it attracted people when it parked. My dates loved the car - but with that big console making out was not likely. Red leather interior....
I'm painting my 62 F100 in Castilian Gold - the color of the old mans car.

[CG]

61 Verts are my favorite Birds. The nose on the Tbirds and the Lincolns were the best in 61 IMO

[patrick66]

The '63 is the best among the pre-1967 T-Birds. It has the contour line from the front fender tip, all the way to where it swoops down in the middle of each door. Plus, the placement of the side trim is better thought-out. Those two features make the '63 stand out from the '61 and '62 'Birds, and make it a better-looking car.

My Dad had a '63 from 1974 through 1978. This was the first car I drove over 100 mph, the car I took my date Penny to the prom in (and saw the movie "Carrie" at the drive-in the night prior!); and the first car my Dad let me take on my first real road trip alone in, across the mountains to Denver from the Western Slope. It was white with the black textured top and red interior. That 390 really purred! Dad had a pair of Thrush Turbo mufflers under it that made the car sound so cool. Not loud, just right!

I'd love to find another in the same color combo, and it HAS to be a '63.

[general gow]

i like the 61-63s, but the early 'birds are still my favorites. it wasn't here when you came to visit, but we have a '55. my fave for sure. i've always wanted to get my hands on one without extensive family history so i could relieve it of the shortcomings that you so eloquently pointed out.

hot y-block, t-5, drop the front for a little rake, make it stealthy. similar to the one simard owns now.

anyway...