(Image/OnAllCylinders – Patrick Miller)įor 1961, Thunderbirds were offered in both a convertible and hardtop, but in 1962 a “Sport Roadster” package was offered that used a hard tonneau cover to conceal the rear seats of the convertible, mimicking the look of a two-seater-though it wasn’t a hot seller at the time. T-Birds could also be equipped with power windows, power seats, and air conditioning. The redesigned 1961 Thunderbird’s interior featured a handful of clever innovations-including a swingout steering wheel that lets you get into and out of the car more easily. The 390 was the only available engine from 1961-63, though starting in ’62 you could opt for a 390 equipped with a trio of Holley two-barrel carburetors that made closer to 340 hp.Ī three-speed automatic was the only transmission you could get. Since the one we spotted is a 1961 edition, under the hood likely resides Ford’s then-new 390ci FE big block engine good for around 300 horsepower. Note how the fender and bumper meet to form a point up front-a styling trait that earned these third-gen. Thunderbird was not only tapped as the Pace Car for the 1961 Indianapolis 500, it was also used in the inauguration parade for President John F. We know it’s a 1961, thanks to the horizontal side trim pieces on the rear flank, the shape of the taillights, and the horizontal grille treatment up front. So yeah, even though the Thunderbird nameplate itself was less than ten years old, it was already in its third generation-one the earned the nickname “Bullet Bird” thanks to its long pointed “beak” up front.

(Image/OnAllCylinders – Patrick Miller)ġ961 marked the first year of the T-Bird’s third generation that spanned from 1961-63. Here’s a good look at the quartet of horizontal flutes on the Thunderbird’s rear flanks and the unique taillight design that immediately tell us this is a 1961 model. We spotted this 1961 Ford Thunderbird convertible in the Summit Racing Retail Store near Akron, Ohio.

1961 t bird