1962 Ford Thunderbird

"M-Code" Convertible

"Very Rare" "M-Code" 390 3-2bbl 340hp Engine.

Cruise-O-Matic Transmission

2T85M156489

Clear

Gasoline

NOTE:THIS IS NOT JUST ANOTHER 1962 THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE! IT IS STUNNINGLY GORGEOUS AND IT HAS THE “EXTREMELY RARE” OPTIONAL “M-CODE” ENGINE!!! A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF 1962 AND 1963 FORD THUNDERBIRDS WERE PRODUCED WITH THE “M-CODE” OPTION, THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE 390 SIX-BARREL SPORTS V-8 ENGINE! EACH “M-CODE” CAR IS IDENTIFIED BY AN “M” IN ITS VIN (SEE VIN TAG PHOTO). THE “M-CODE” WAS INTRODUCED IN JANUARY 1962, AND IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPORTS ROADSTER. THE “M-CODE” OPTION WAS AVAILABLE FOR ONLY ABOUT 1 YEAR AND WAS DROPPED IN JANUARY 1963. PRESUMABLY FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES, THE “M-CODE” ENGINE WAS CONSERVATIVELY RATED AT 340 BHP WITH A 10.5:1 COMPRESSION RATIO. IT CAME WITH DUAL EXHAUST, THREE TWO-BARREL HOLLEY CARBURETORS ON A CAST ALUMINUM INTAKE MANIFOLD, WITH CYLINDER HEADS FROM THE FORD 406 CU. IN. ENGINE, HIGHER RATE VALVE SPRINGS, A SPECIALLY GROUND CAMSHAFT UNIQUE TO THIS T-BIRD ENGINE, AND A HIGH PRESSURE OIL PUMP. ACCORDING TO ‘THUNDERBIRD’ BY RAY MILLER, THE “M-CODE” ENGINE ACTUALLY PUT OUT 400 BHP, MAKING IT THE HIGHEST RATED T-BIRD BUILT! ACCORDING TO ONE SOURCE, THERE WERE ONLY 157 “M” CODE 1962 CONVERTIBLES PRODUCED, AND ONLY 41 ARE BELIEVED TO STILL EXIST!!! THAT MAKES THIS IS AN EXTREMELY RARE THUNDERBIRD WITH EXCEPTIONAL INVESTMENT POTENTIAL!!! THE 1961-1963 THUNDERBIRDS WERE THE THIRD GENERATION OF T-BIRDS, AND ARE CONSIDERED BY MANY TO BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF ALL THUNDERBIRDS! THE DAZZLING JET-AGE STYLING WITH THE ROCKET ENGINE INSPIRED TAIL LIGHTS IS STILL BREATHTAKING TODAY! THIS CAR IS A CODE 85 WITH ALL THE SPORTS ROADSTER OPTIONS. SOME SPORTS ROADSTERS WERE DEALER CREATED BACK IN DAY. THIS T-BIRD APPEARS TO HAVE COME FROM THE FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH THE “M-CODE” ENGINE, CRUISE-O-MATIC TRANSMISSION, FIVE WIRE WHEELS, SWING-AWAY STEERING WHEEL, WINDSHIELD WASHER, POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, POWER WINDOWS, AND POWER SEATS. THIS THUNDERBIRD IS CURRENTLY DRIVEN AND ENJOYED AND IS IN EXCELLENT RUNNING CONDITION. THIS IS A VERY "RARE" T-BIRD! THIS AMAZING 85,190 MILE 1962 T-BIRD IS A VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND LOVINGLY CARED FOR PRIME THUNDERBIRD, AND IS READY FOR ITS NEW OWNER TO DRIVE, SHOW AND ENJOY! EQUIPMENT INCLUDES: Radio Heater Power Seats Power Brakes 5 Wire Wheels Luggage Rack Back-up Lights Power Steering Power Windows Windshield Washer Engine Dress-up Kit Passenger Grab Bar Sports Roadster Tonneau Wide White Side Wall Tires Swing-Away Steering Wheel Cruise-O-Matic Transmission 390 Cu In 3/2-bbl 340HP “M-Code” V-8 Engine EXTERIOR THIS AMAZING THUNDERBIRD IS A REAL BEAUTY IN ITS ACAPULCO BLUE METALLIC PAINT, ABUNDANT CHROME, SPORTS ROADSTER TONNEAU, WIDE WHITE WALL TIRES AND WIRE WHEELS. THIS IS SUCH A PRETTY CAR!!! THIS T-BIRD IS FITTED WITH A BLACK SOFT TOP, BACK-UP LIGHTS, LUGGAGE RACK, AND COKER CLASSIC TIRES. THE PAINT SHOWS VERY WELL AND HAS A GREAT SHINE. THIS IS A STUNNING EXAMPLE OF A BEAUTIFUL 1962 THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE! INTERIOR WHEN YOU SIT DOWN INSIDE THIS THUNDERBIRD, IT’S ALMOST LIKE BEING IN A TIME CAPSULE FROM 1962. THIS T-BIRD HAS ITS ORIGINAL RADIO AND HEATER! THE INTERIOR APPEARS TO BE IN WELL PRESERVED ORIGINAL CONDITION, INCLUDING THE LEATHER UPHOLSTERY, DASH PAD, INSTRUMENTS, PAINTED SURFACES, METAL TRIM, ETC! ENGINE COMPARTMENT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS IN AMAZING MOSTLY ORIGINAL CONDITION AND STILL APPEARS NEAR NEW. IT IS FITTED WITH THE ENGINE DRESS UP KIT. TRUNK LIKE THE REST OF THIS 1962 T-BIRD, THE TRUNK IS IN VERY GOOD ORIGINAL CONDITION! THE FIFTH WIRE WHEEL IS THERE! MECHANICALS THIS 1962 THUNDERBIRD IS POWERED BY ITS ORIGINAL “M-CODE” 390 CU. IN. 340 HP V-8 ENGINE WITH 3/2-BBL HOLLEY CARBURETORS, CRUISE-O-MATIC TRANSMISSION, AND 3.00:1 RATIO DIFFERENTIAL. EVERYTHING MECHANICAL, INCLUDING THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES OPERATE AS THEY SHOULD. VIN CODES: Vin# 2T85M156489 2=1962 T=Assy Plant 85=Convertible M=390 Cu In 3-2V 340 HP Engine 156489=unit # DATA CODES: 76A E 82 10D 11 1 4 Body 76A=Convertible Color E=Acapulco Blue Met Paint Trim 82=Blue Leather Date 10D=April 10, 1962 DSO 11=Boston Axle 1=3.0:1 Axel Ratio Trans 4=Cruise-O-Matic Transmission THE 1962 THUNDERBIRD “M-CODE” The T-Bird roadster was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in 1954 in response to the Chevrolet Corvette. More than 5,000 names were considered for the new Ford project in 1954. A young Ford car stylist, Alden "Gib" Giberson, won a $95 suit and an extra pair of pants from Saks Fifth Avenue for suggesting the name ‘Thunderbird’. The Ford Thunderbird quickly became an American automotive icon. 1961 was the beginning of the third generation, commonly referred to as 'Projectile or Bullet Birds'. The Thunderbird was completely redesigned with sleek styling that many believe resembles a bullet. In the rear of the vehicle the taillights and fins gave the impression of a jet or rocket-ship. The chassis was carried over from the prior year with minor improvements to produce a smoother ride. Performance continued to be strong with the 390 cubic-inch V8 producing 300 horsepower being the only available engine. The interior dashboard was curved and the steering wheel was the first vehicle to feature the 'Swing Away' design. It was invited to participate as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500. John F. Kennedy rode in a Thunderbird during his Presidential inaugural parade. Even Elvis Presley purchased a 1961 Thunderbird. A very small number of 1962 and 1963 Ford Thunderbirds comprised the sporty M-Code series, having the high-performance 390 six-barrel, Sports V-8 engine. Each M-Code series car is recognized by an “M” in its vehicle identification number. The M-Code was introduced in January, 1962, and is associated with the Sports Roadster. The M-Code series was dropped in January, 1963. The M-Code engine, presumably for insurance purposes, was conservatively reported to have 340 bhp with a 10.5.1 compression, dual exhaust, and a trio of Holley two-barrel carburetors on a cast aluminum intake. This engine was offered by using the cylinder heads from Ford’s 406 cu. in. engine (405 bhp) with higher-rate valve springs, a specially ground camshaft unique to the T-Bird engine, and a high pressure oil pump. M-Code production was limited to the 1962 and 1963 model years. The first Birds documented to be equipped with the M-Code engine were built in January, 1962. Production of the M-Code series ceased in mid-January, 1963. According to William Wonder, who wrote Thunderbird Restoration Guide 1958-1966, © 1997, only a combined total of 275 M-Code series cars are known to have been built in that 12 month period. Actual production numbers were not kept separately by Ford and it is not known how many of these original M-Codes continue to exist. In fact, William Wonder has written that most of the M-Codes had their unique three-deuce setups removed almost as quickly as they were produced. Many auto enthusiasts consider the 1961-1963 to be the best looking Thunderbirds ever made! Its timeless design is recognized worldwide. WHEN YOU DRIVE THIS 1962 THUNDERBIRD, OTHER MOTORISTS WILL BE IN AWE OF THIS ICONIC EARLY 1960’S AMERICAN JET-AGE STYLING. YOU’LL BE ON THE RECEIVING END OF MANY SMILES, THUMBS-UP AND COMMENTS FROM ITS ADMIRERS! REMEMBER THAT THIS IS A VERY RARE “M-CODE” THUNDERBIRD! THAT SHOULD MAKE THIS T-BIRD AN EXCELLENT INVESTMENT! DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE THIS FABULOUS ICONIC “EXTREMELY RARE” 1962 “M-CODE” THUNDERBIRD THAT WILL GIVE YOU YEARS OF DRIVING ENJOYMENT AND IMMENSE PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP. READY TO SHOW OR DRIVE See my (480) 100% Feedbacks and BID WITH CONFIDENCE! BID TO WIN! Vehicle Condition: THIS 1962 THUNDERBIRD IS STUNNINGLY GORGOUS. THE CAR RUNS AND DRIVES WONDERFULLY! This Thunderbird is 52 years old, so some signs of age are to be expected! While it is strikingly beautiful, it is not a “restored” vehicle. Let me first say that nearly everything appears to be in amazing unrestored original condition. However, there are some issues that need to be mentioned here. The passenger’s side rocker panel area is showing some minor signs of rust. It has broken through the paint in two small spots. The top sections of the interior door panels show cracking. This is especially true for the passenger side. The back seam of the driver’s seat needs to be stitched. The right rear window is not going up and needs to be addressed. The power seats do work, but not very well. There is a scratch on the trunk lid that needs to be touched up. The stainless trim on the top of the fenders has a satin like appearance and should be polished. The sunvisors do their age. The trunk mat is all there, but it is cracked. The carpet needs to be cleaned. Even with these few issues, this Thunderbird is absolutely beautiful. It’s a beautiful color inside and out, it has the five wire wheels, the grab bar, Sports Roadster Tonneau, and the all important extremely RARE “M-Code” engine! It would not take much to bring this Thunderbird up to the next level! THESE “M-CODE” THUNDERBIRDS RARELY COME TO MARKET!!! Note that the odometer reading above is believed to reflect this T-Bird’s actual 85,190 original total miles. This Thunderbird will turns heads and gets thumbs up virtually everywhere it goes! Terms of Sale: BIDS ARE BINDING. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK THEM PRIOR TO BIDDING. A 25% DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED IN THE FORM OF CASHIERS CHECK OR WIRE TRANSFER WITHIN 72 HOURS OF THE CLOSE OF BIDDING. THE REMAINING BALANCE IS DUE IN THE FORM OF CASHIERS CHECK OR WIRE TRANSFER WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE CLOSE OF BIDDING. THE VEHICLE IS GARAGED IN WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA AND THE SELLER WILL GLADLY MAKE THE VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. SELLER IS WILLING TO ASSIST WINNING BIDDER IN MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DELIVERY. HOWEVER, ALL COSTS FOR TRANSPORT & DELIVERY ARE TO BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE SHIPPER BY THE WINNING BIDDER. I AM LISTING THIS 1962 FORD THUNDERBIRD FOR ITS OWNER! TITLE WILL BE TRANSFERRED DIRECTLY FROM THE OWNER TO THE WINNER OF THIS AUCTION. I AM EXPERIENCED IN VINTAGE CAR SALES AND WILL ASSIST WITH ALL ASPECTS OF THE SALE OF THIS VEHICLE TO ENSURE A SMOOTH AND TROUBLE FREE TRANSACTION. EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ACCURATELY DESCRIBE THIS VEHICLE AND DISCLOSE ANY KNOWN DEFECTS. AS WITH MOST PRIVATE PARTY SALES, THIS VEHICLE IS SOLD “AS-IS”. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER TO HAVE INSPECTED OR TO HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A THIRD PARTY, TO HAVE SATISFIED HIMSELF/HERSELF AS TO THE CONDITION AND VALUE, AND TO BID BASED SOLELY UPON THAT JUDGMENT. I ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY UNINTENTIONAL MISSTATEMENTS OR REPAIRS THAT MAY BE NEEDED. Seller reserves the right to end this auction early due to prior sale, and to reject bids from anyone with Zero or Negative feedback. If you do not have a good positive feedback rating, please contact me by telephone or the email listed below to discuss your intentions and ability to pay for the car if you are the winning bidder. THIS VEHICLE IS LOCATED IN WEST HILLS, CALIFORNIA. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VEHICLE, EMAIL OR CALL STEVE Stevekr2000@aol.com *(818) 340-4700* All questions will be gladly answered! PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS INVESTMENT GRADE VEHICLE CAN BE FINANCED THROUGH JJ BEST CLASSIC CAR FINANCE. YOU CAN OWN AND ENJOY YOUR DREAM CAR TODAY AND PAY IT OFF OVER TIME! VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT http://www.jjbest.com/ OR CONTACT LENNY FOUGERE AT (800) USA-1965 FOR MORE DETAILS.On Oct-03-14 at 13:45:45 PDT, seller added the following information: PLEASE NOTE: I MADE A TYPO ERROR IN THE VIN ABOVE. THE CORRECT VIN IS: 2Y85M156489 Y=Wixom, Michigan Assembly Plant On Oct-03-14 at 18:51:47 PDT, seller added the following information: ONE MORE TYPO ERROR.THE SOFT TOP IS BLUE, NOT BLACK.On Oct-11-14 at 12:19:00 PDT, seller added the following information: VERY IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION WHEN I LISTED THIS CAR, I WAS UNAWARE THAT THERE WAS THE DEALER INVOICE AND BUILD SHEET AVAILABLE (SEE PHOTOS)! THIS DOCUMENTATION CONFIRMS THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE “M” CODE OPTION AND TOTALLY CHANGES THE VALUE. SINCE THE BIDDING HAS ALREADY REACHED THE RESERVE, IT WILL BE SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER! YOU WILL NOT FIND ANOTHER ONE ANYTIME SOON!!!