1962 Ford Thunderbird-So. Cal. orig.-Black Plate-Runs/ Drives Nice-Senior owned!

1962 Ford Thunderbird Additional Info:

For sale is my 83 year old father's toy. He purchased this semi-recently to tinker with and drive occasionally. Well, he has tinkered with it, but doesn't drive it. So, we have decided it should go to owner who will enjoy it, not let it just sit in a garage.
This is a So. California original 1962 Thunderbird, purchased new in Canoga Park, CA. in June of 1962 by a Ms. Victoria Bevan. Comes with original owner's manual with sale date info included. It appears to be in nice, clean, and mostly original condition and looks like it has had consistent care it's whole life.
This is not a restored car, rather an original that has been repaired and maintained as needed throughout it's life. It has it's original black Ca plates and is currently registered and insured. What I know about this car is:
Original color repaint about 20 years ago. Standing up well for it's age and looks good. There are some chips here and there and a little clear coat?? aging on some of the top surfaces. Nothing that de-tracks from it's overall appearance. Very straight body with a little paint touch up in the body seams between the rear window and trunk lid. A couple of small paint cracks on the left front fender, behind the tire. The exterior trim and emblems are very nice, considering they are original 1962, with only minor aging. The original chrome is very nice for 1962. The bumpers are really nice. Has the front factory bumper guard. Body fit is very good and all of the doors, trunk lid, hood, etc. open and close smooth and tight. The exterior lights and lenses are extremely nice and they are the originals! Overall, nice original exterior appearance with some age related defects here and there.
The interior is the optional factory 2 tone blue with the blue anodized fluted trim. I believe this to be a bit rare. The overall condition is...original. Please see the photos. Front seats are aging on the edges. My father decided duct tape was the temporary answer. Dash has a few cracks, but has a carpet custom made dash cover. Carpet is solid and original, but faded and some slight staining. Center console lid has age cracks. The headliner looks new and the chrome interior trim is excellent! The rear seat area is original and actually very nice and clean, with little noted aging or wear. As you can see, the previous owner had installed a non OEM radio by cutting the dash and adding front door speakers. The rear package tray has two small 4" speaker holes, but has a carpeted cover. The door panels are original and have some aging and minor cracking on the top edges. The driver's armrest on the door is damaged from age. All gauges work properly, as do the dash lighting. The factory AM radio sounds great! My father removed the "non-original" radio that was in the dash. At 83 he didn't feel he needed a CD player... Check out the photos of the interior... original, well maintained, but aging..55 years old..
Mechanically, what I know has been done by the previous owner (within the last 5 years) is as follows:
1. Valve job, complete- within the last 5 years2. Rebuilt trans-within the last 5 years3. Complete front suspension rebuild4. Rear spring bushings5. New shocks X46. New exhaust pipes from engine and new center mufflers- OEM resinators7. New fuel pump8. New battery9. Alternator conversion10.Rebuilt radiator11.Complete rebuilt brake system (all 4 wheels)12.New brake booster and master cylinder13.New engine and transmission mounts
The work my father completed recently:
1.Rebuilt carburator2.New points, condenser, cap, rotor3.New Motorcraft plug wires4.Recent oil and filter with Motorcraft Filter5.New air filter6.Full chassis lube7.Cooling system flush and new coolant8.New fuel sending unit and supply hoses9.New fuel filter10.Complete trunk kit from Larry's Thunderbird11.New dome light switches (2)12.New vacuum advance
The car runs and drives nice. I have put about 20 miles on it to verify it's mechanical condition. No oil burning or smoke out the exhaust. Temp. always runs a little below half. Great power and smooth acceleration. Tight suspension and steering. No appreciable leaks under the car. No strange driveline noises or clunks. Seems to be a nice, original driver. The driver's door has a small rattle inside sometimes. The weatherstripping is mostly OEM and standing up very nice for it's age. Wiper system works properly. All lights on car work properly. Car seems reliable and predictable.
The previous owner, and my father have always garaged the car. As you can see, this is a well preserved original, not a restored car. One respray years ago. Nothing hidden. What you see is what you get. If you are looking for an original SO. Cal car that really has only been maintained and repaired as necessary over the years, than this is it. A fine old preserved Thunderbird that presents itself well on the road and always gets compliments. There are age related issues and flaws, but overall just a nice original and clean driver that is reliable, predictable, and smooth. If you are looking for a Sunday cruiser or a tinkering project, like my father.. then pick up where he left off. Fix the little things while still being able to drive and enjoy the car. You will be amazed at the response you get when your out and about town with it...
**Note** Tires have great tread with very limited use, but have age related cracking on the tread and are a little "square". Around town is fine, but for distance, I would replace them.. They are probably 15 years old at best.
Please ask ANY and ALL questions before bidding. Please keep in mind this is a mostly original 55 year old car and not reliable like a Toyota. It does have it's share of cosmetic and mechanical flaws, associated with originality and age. I tried to describe it honestly and with detail, but I can't see everything. Opinion vary on old cars, so bid accordingly. Sold "as-is". If you require any specific photos, please let me know.
Thank you..