1 OF 2000 EVER MADE, RARE CODE 83 CAR, 390-4V V8, AUTO, COLD AC, PRICED TO MOVE

1963 Ford Thunderbird

You may be wondering what makes this 1963 Ford Thunderbird hardtop so special, deserving of the "special edition" and "Principality of Monaco" monikers. Well, in 1963, for reasons nobody really understands, Ford built 2000 special Thunderbirds to commemorate Princess Grace of Monaco, better known here in the States as Grace Kelly. Does it make it more valuable? Hard to say, but if you like cars with stories to tell, this one really nails it.Any "Bullet Bird" is a handsome car, and this special edition wearing standard-issue Corinthian White, which certainly seems appropriate on a car celebrating a princess. It's been repainted at some point, but it looks right with a creamy, soft shine that makes the Thunderbird look sophisticated. It does not appear that this car has ever been rusty, and the long, lean bodywork looks especially attractive with the 1963 model's unique hash marks on the doors. It's not perfect but nobody's going to complain when this car shows up at an event and you're going to feel like a movie star every time you go out because people can't resist waving and honking at this big white 'Bird. There's still plenty of chrome on the Bullet Birds, most notably the trim running from the point of the front fenders all the way back to the abbreviated fins, and we just love how the door handle is integrated into that line of chrome. A small hood scoop and jet-exhaust style taillights are Ford styling cues that they used for years, and a few subtle Thunderbird emblems use inlaid turquoise to salute the car's namesake.The interior appears to be original, so there's some wear and age that's appropriate to the car's mileage, but nothing serious that needs immediate attention. Most importantly, the data plate denotes 83 for trim, which was specific for this special edition vehicle. The subtle colors used inside are a splendid choice, giving the car movie star good looks with big car comfort. A long list of options includes ice cold A/C, power windows, power steering, power brakes, and the standard swing-away steering wheel that really does make it easy to get in and out. The original radio has been replaced by an AM/FM/CD/iPod unit that makes this a great road trip car. Beautiful gauges with clear lenses and bright orange pointers are very cool-looking and we love the anodized panel that sweeps from end to end. The Thunderbird has always been about high fashion, and this car still has it. The trunk is, of course, massive, and includes a correct mat set that's in great shape.The engine is the standard Z-code 390 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor. There's plenty of muscle on tap here, and this 'Bird really does move beautifully on the open road. It's been recently tuned and fitted with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, which is surely easier to keep in tune than the original Autolite. The engine bay looks quite correct with its gold air cleaner and valve covers, and please note how clean the inner fenders are and even that the hood hinges still have their original cad plating intact. This car has never seen winter weather, that's for sure! A Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic was the only choice in 1963 and it feeds a set of 3.00 gears out back, making it perfect for high-speed hauls. A new exhaust system with a bit of a rumble makes it fun to drive, and the all-original chassis is quite clean, if not detailed for show. Sparkling chrome wire wheels (not hubcaps!) are always the right choice on a Bullet Bird, and they're wrapped in appropriate whitewall radials (the original wheels and hubcaps are included with the car).A great-running 'Bird with an interesting story, great colors, and a ton of class, all for under $20 grand? Don't wait, call today!