Ford Thunderbird 3rd Gen
Built from 1961 to 1963, as a coupe or convertible with an automatic gearbox.
- 30-day volume
- $17k↓ 74% on the prior 30 days
- 30-day new listings
- 151↑ 113% on the prior 30 days
- For sale now
- 221
Get notified about new Ford Thunderbird 3rd Gen listings
Seen across 8 sites in the last 30 days.
Ford Thunderbird 3rd Gen prices
| Name | Median sale | Middle 50% | Sold, 12 mo | For sale now | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic convertible | $30,525 | $24k–$43k | 30 | 87 | |
| Automatic coupe | $12,250 | $7.7k–$17k | 16 | 122 |
Recent auction sales in North America. Faded rows have fewer sales.
Ford Thunderbird 3rd Gen listings221 for sale now
The third-generation Thunderbird, produced from 1961 to 1963, is famously known as the 'Bullet Bird' thanks to its sleek, projectile-like styling. It continued Ford's push into the personal luxury car market, offering a plush ride, V8 power, and high-tech features for the era. The most notable innovation was the 'Swing-Away' steering wheel, which pivoted to the side to allow for easier entry and exit.
Collectors appreciate the Bullet Bird for its dramatic design and its status as a comfortable, stylish cruiser. Convertibles are consistently more valuable than hardtops, but the most sought-after models are the Sports Roadster and the 'M-Code' variants. The Sports Roadster package, available in 1962 and 1963, added a fiberglass tonneau cover for a two-seat look and Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels. The rare M-Code engine option provided a 340-hp 390 V8 with three Holley two-barrel carburetors.
Buying Tips
- Check for rust in the cowl area, lower fenders, trunk floor, and around the rear window on hardtops. Poor drainage design makes these spots prone to corrosion.
- Test the 'Swing-Away' steering wheel. The vacuum-operated mechanism can be complex and expensive to repair if it's not functioning correctly.
- On convertibles, operate the top through a full cycle. The complex hydraulic and electrical system is a known weak point and can signal costly repairs if it's slow or jerky.
- Verify the operation of all power accessories like windows and seats. Diagnosing and fixing the 1960s-era wiring and switches can be a challenge.
- For premium Sports Roadster or M-Code models, confirm authenticity through VIN codes and documentation. Reproductions and tribute cars are common.
1,493 Ford Thunderbird 3rd Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 221 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings across 100+ marketplaces, auctions and forums, plus thousands of dealers. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Ford Thunderbird 3rd Gen cost?
Over the last 12 months, Ford Thunderbird 3rd Gen sold for a median of $24,475 across 48 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $11,750 and $39,150. There are 221 currently for sale.
How many Ford Thunderbird 3rd Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 221 Ford Thunderbird 3rd Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.