1963 Ford Thunderbird

This 1963 Ford Thunderbird two-door hardtop restomod was custom-built by Starlite Rod and Kustom in Harbor City, California and is powered by a 390ci FE V8 paired with a rebuilt C6 3-speed automatic transmission. Enhancements begin with an AccuAir air suspension and 15-inch chrome Radir wheels on whitewall tires. Additional upgrades include a custom one-off grille, painted body accents with heavy metal flake, front disc brakes, and a RetroSound audio system. Finished in Kiwi Green Metallic over a Dark Retro Green vinyl interior, this reportedly award-winning Thunderbird is now offered with a clear title in the seller’s name.

The Thunderbird was first brought to market in 1955 as a two-door, two-seat convertible in the personal luxury car segment. The following years brought a series of equipment and trim changes. In 1961, the model’s third generation brought an entirely redesigned exterior. After receiving an overhaul by Starlite Rod and Kustom in Harbor City, California, this Thunderbird two-door hardtop from 1963 wears a custom shade of Kiwi Green Metallic with heavy metal flake and chrome bumpers. The grille is a hand-built one-off unit and the exterior trim and moldings have been replaced. Other exterior features include quad headlamps, a domed hood, shaved door handles, and an upgraded exhaust system.

Radir 15-inch chrome-finished wheels are wrapped in American Classic whitewall tires. The adjustable suspension uses an AccuAir setup with four links in the rear. Steering and braking are both power-assisted. Stopping power comes via discs up front and drums in the rear.

The cabin is fitted with Dark Retro Green vinyl bucket seating from Chuy’s Auto Interior in Carson, California. The dual-cowl dash, console, and door trim areas have been color-matched to align with the exterior. As part of the overhaul, the weatherstripping was replaced. Amenities include factory heat and air conditioning, power windows, a swing-away steering wheel, and a Retro Sound head unit connected to replacement 6x9 speakers, an amplifier, and a custom subwoofer enclosure in the fully-finished trunk.

Vehicle information is communicated through a 120-mph speedometer, an analog clock, and a combination gauge with readouts for the fuel level and coolant temperature. The 5-digit mechanical odometer reads 43K miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The 390ci FE V8 underwent recent mechanical work including the replacement of the belts, hoses, spark plugs, and wires. The radiator, overflow tank, and fuel tank were flushed and cooling is provided by a custom dual-fan assembly. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a rebuilt, console-shifted C6 3-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear end.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.