July 12, 2023 Update – The high bid did not meet the seller’s reserve price, so we’ve moved this vehicle to our “Rides Still Available Page.”  Click the blue button above or below to navigate to this ride’s bid page, where you can either select the green “Buy Now” button or place a realistic counteroffer in the “Bid” box.

GuysWithRides is excited to offer this driver-quality, Raven Black over Red Leather, 1961 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop in an online, reserve-style auction on behalf of the current caretaker.

Bidding opens Wednesday, May 28, 2023, and closes at 3:30 PM Eastern on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

This 1961 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop is part of the owner’s collection in Flemington, New Jersey, approximately one hour from Newark International Airport. The seller confidently says he would have no trouble letting someone fly in and drive this vintage TBird home.

(NOTE: Click on the picture to stop the slide show and expand the pictures. Scroll down to see all photographs)

The Deets

Current Bid: $3,600

The 1961 Ford Thunderbird hardtop was an iconic American car that combined stylish design, luxury features, and powerful performance. It was part of the third generation of Thunderbirds, produced from 1961 to 1963. Affectionately referred to as the “Bullet Birds” by Thunderbird enthusiasts, the third generation car replaced the original four-seat “Square Birds” produced from 1958 through 1960.

For 1961 Ford offered two Thunderbird versions: a two-door hardtop and a convertible.  The Thunderbird hardtop featured a sleek, elegant design that exuded class and sophistication. It had a long, low-slung profile with a distinctively wide, chrome-accented front grille. The headlights were placed in a slightly recessed position, adding to the car’s aerodynamic appearance. The overall shape was characterized by smooth, flowing lines and a curved roofline seamlessly integrated into the rear end. The Thunderbird logo adorned the front grille and rear fenders, emphasizing its brand identity.

As a hardtop model, the 1961 Thunderbird featured a fixed, non-removable steel roof. It extended smoothly from the windshield to the rear, creating a continuous and uninterrupted profile. The absence of a B-pillar allowed for a clean and seamless side profile when the windows were rolled down.

The interior of the 1961 Thunderbird hardtop was designed with a focus on luxury and comfort. It could accommodate four passengers in a 2+2 seating arrangement, with individual bucket seats up front and a bench seat in the rear. The seats were well-padded and upholstered in premium materials, providing a plush and comfortable ride. The dashboard featured a combination of analog and chrome-accented controls, including a centrally-mounted speedometer and a stylish steering wheel.

The Thunderbird was equipped with a range of features ahead of its time. It offered standard power windows, power steering, and power brakes, ensuring a convenient and effortless driving experience. The Thunderbird also boasted an AM radio with a telescopic antenna, allowing passengers to enjoy their favorite tunes on the road.

Under the hood, the 1961 Thunderbird packed a powerful punch. It was powered by a 390 cubic-inch (6.4L) V8 engine that produced 300 horsepower. This engine provided strong acceleration and impressive performance, allowing the Thunderbird to glide smoothly on the open road. It was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and effortless gear shifts.

Overall, the 1961 Ford Thunderbird hardtop was a stylish and luxurious vehicle with an eye-catching design, comfortable interior, and powerful performance. Its classic lines and attention to detail made it an icon of American automotive design, and it remains a sought-after collector’s car to this day.

The seller reports they purchased this 1961 Ford Thunderbird hardtop in May 2016.  He wanted a rust-free, driver-quality car he could feel comfortable driving he and his wife to various car shows. An avid collector and race car builder, the current caretaker no longer uses this Thunderbird as much as he used to and would like to make room in his garage for other projects.

Rudy personally inspected driver-quality Thunderbird and will post his report here before the start of the auction.

To help you make informed bids, we’re providing access to Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the Classic Car market, that provides an interactive graph of recent comparable sales for the past rolling 12 months. By clicking on the green dots, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you make an educated bid on the car we are featuring for auction here:

Exterior Gallery

(Click on a photograph to expand and navigate through the section)

Interior Gallery

(Click on a photograph to expand and navigate through the section)

Underhood And Undercarriage Gallery

(Click on a photograph to expand and navigate through the section)

Tires And Wheels Gallery

(Click on a photograph to expand and navigate through the section)

Documentation Gallery

(Click on a photograph to expand and navigate through the section)

If you have any questions about this driver-quality 1961 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop for sale, please comment below or call Rudy directly at 877-468-6497.  Thank you for looking, and happy bidding!