Rev up your engines and take a nostalgic cruise back to 1962, where the Ford Thunderbird ruled the roads with its roaring 390 engine, pushing a powerful 300 horses. This slick ride was not just JFK’s chariot to his inauguration but also the official pace car of the Indy race. With Kelsey-Hayes spoke wheels and a cool tonneau cover, it flaunted a retro roadster vibe. For those craving more vroom, the rare “M” code version upped the ante to a whopping 340 hp with triple carburetors. A classic that’s truly a rare bird!
The only engine offered in the “T”- Bird for 1962 is the 390 which develops 300 hp (220 kW) and is bolted to the three speed automatic transmission. The car was used to pace the Indianapolis race in ’62 and a Thunderbird convertible also carried John F. Kennedy to his inauguration that year. The options include a package comprised of set of genuine spoke wheels designed by Kelsey-Hayes and a tonneau cover giving it a retro two seated roadster look – like the original Thunderbird. There was a special “M” code version of the 390 on the options sheet that would replace the basic with three-two barrel Holly carburetors, increasing the horsepower rating to 340 or 253.54 kW and, as an added bonus, air conditioning was included with the tri-power option. There were only 200 of the triple carb set up from the factory, making it a very rare version.
Our thanks to Gateway Classic Cars for the images displayed here
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