1961 Ford Thunderbird

Hard Top

390 ci, 300 HP 4 Barrel Carb

Automatic

1Y71Z123249

Clear

Gasoline

Up for auction is an "All Original" 1961 Ford Thunderbird with only 9,743 miles on it. Some people call this body style the "Bullet Bird" due to the shape of the front end. I purchased this T-Bird from my neighbor in December of 2009 after he passed, he was the original owner. This car was driven only in the summer time from when it was brand new up until 1966. From that point on it sat in a conditioned garage and was started regularly and taken around the block once a year up until around 1992. From 1992 until I purchased the car in 2009 it did not move from the garage. From the paper work I received with the car, it would appear that the owner purchased it as an investment. He obviously did not get to enjoy driving it much. The following mechanical items were replaced to make the car drive like new again: Gas Tank and Sending Unit, Bias Ply Firestone Wide Whitewall Tires, Shocks, Master Cylinder, Front Brake Hoses, Rear Axle Brake Hose, all 4 Wheel Cylinders, Brake Shoes at all 4 Wheels (Original shoes were like new but soaked with brake fluid since wheel cylinder rubber seals dried out), Complete new Dual Exhaust, Water Pump, Battery, Plug Wires, Fan, Belts, Air Filter, Carb Rebuilt, Radiator top and bottom hoses, Heater hoses, Radiator flushed and filled with new coolant, Transmission Filter Cleaned and new fluid installed, Engine Oil and Filter changed, Power Steering Fluid changed, Rear End lubricant changed, all brake lines flushed with new fluid and bled, Helper Springs installed on rear shocks. All original parts that were removed I kept and will be given to the winning bidder if wanted. Body Condition: The 100 % original paint is in amazing condition. Pictures don't do it justice. The original Corinthian White paint was actually a Baked on Enamel that Ford used in 1961. There is absolutely no cracking, crazing or shrinkage like you would find in an old laquer paint job used on other cars. This car rarely saw the sunlight so that obviously helped preserve the finish. There are a couple "Very tiny" dings, chips and scuff marks that were on the car and I decided not to touch them. I wanted to leave the car as original as possible. All of the Glass is like new, clear and chip free. The stainless trim is also like new and free of any dents or scratches. The Bumpers are still very nice and the chrome shines and is not pitted. Underneath the car is extremely clean also and it appears to have been factory undercoated as you can see in the photos. There is absolutely zero rust on this car as would be expected for a car that sat in a conditioned garage for 50 years. Interior: All original, like new show room condition. Not a single rip, stain or any signs of sun fade anywhere. The red is as bright as the day it was new. Non Smoker so no funny smells either! Pictures say it all. Engine Compartment: Very clean and original. The only item that the owner had repainted in the early 90's was the black fan shroud. Everything else is original as you can see in the photos. The engine starts easy and runs very smooth and does not burn any oil. You can't even tell that it is running while idling. The Transmission shifts smooth and firm as it should with only 9,700 miles on it. The car glides down the road and is very easy to drive and handles well. There are no seatbelts in the car since that was an "Option" back in 1961 that the owner did not select. I purchased a set of Red Seat Belts that will go with the car. I could not bring myself to Drill holes in the floor boards to install them. There is a small leak from the power steering pressure hose. I purchased a new hose but did not have a chance to install it. The hose will go with the car. I am selling this car because I do not have a place to store it properly and I do not want to put miles on it because it is so original. Like the saying goes, they are only original once. This car is way nicer than many cars I've seen in Museums. Also it won 3rd place in the Cleveland Piston Power Show at the IX center in 2010 and it was competing with "Fully Restored" cars from 1949 through 1962. Please email questions or call 216-536-4064 with any questions (Leave voice mail and I will get back to you if I don't answer). You are welcome to see the car in person and I recommend that you do if possible. Thanks for looking and good luck bidding. ChuckOn Oct-10-12 at 19:33:40 PDT, seller added the following information: I received several questions and would like to add the following: This car does not have the "Swing Away" steering column. This was an "Option" in 1961 that the original owner did not select. I have both sets of the original keys. The original owners manual and service manual go with the car. There is no AC in this car. I have been told that 1961 is the rarest of this body style due to the lower number originally built vs 62 and 63 models.On Oct-11-12 at 19:31:52 PDT, seller added the following information: I want to add that the clock sometimes stops and as soon as you adjust the time with the knob it starts working again. I was advised by a T-Bird expert watching this listing that this is a common problem and an easy fix. I was also advised that I was correct stating that the '61 is the rarest of the 3 years but not because of production numbers but because there aren't as many left for unknown reasons according to the people who keep track of how many survived or are registered. Ford made the most HT Birds in '62 followed by '61 then '63.