Ford Thunderbird. 1961–3 (prod. 214,375). 2-door coupé, 2-door convertible, 2-door landau coupé, 2-door roadster. F/R, 390 in³ (V8 OHV). Much cleaner Thunderbird for 1961, with less ornamentation and more elegance, but styling failed to catch on as well as previous generation. Consequently, Ford saw a dip in sales for 1961. Lightly revised ’62s saw introduction of Landau hardtop, a vinyl-roofed coupé with simulated S chrome bars on the rear pillar. Sports Roadster also added 1962, based on convertible, but with fibreglass tonneau cover over the rear seats, giving the impression of a two-seater. Greater restyle for 1963, even more cleaned up, as T’bird faced competition from Buick Riviera (1963–5).

Manufacturing location: Wixom, Michigan, USA

Marque: Ford | Model: Ford Thunderbird | Predecessor: Ford Thunderbird (1958–60) | Successor: Ford Thunderbird (1964–6)

Off-site link

• Automotive Mileposts: 1961 Ford Thunderbird