1962 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop - Chestnut - Near Mint

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

This auction is for a 1962 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop Dealer Promotional Model Car. The manufacturer was AMT Corporation. It was produced in 1/25th scale and molded in non-warping Cycolac plastic. These were used by Ford Motor Company as sales aids or promotions being distributed primarily through the dealership network. Typically, they were presented as a free gift to those who were considering or had recently acquired a then new 1962 Thunderbird. They could also be purchased outright. This particular example remains in new condition and looks just about as it did when it left AMT some 51 years ago. The color is Chestnut iridescent - 1962 FoMoCo paint color code - V. In 1962, AMT began painting their promotional models in a water based paint. Often with the darker metallic colors, the end result was a rather dull finish that was in my opinion only satisfactory in appearance. The paint was also not very durable and was susceptible to damage from fingerprints, surface contaminants, improper cleaning, etc... Now having said that let me emphasize that the factory paint finish on this Chestnut '62 is exceptionally nice. It exhibits a high gloss that accentuates the beautiful deep burnt orange metallic color. The paint finish however is not flawless and several tiny defects can be found upon close examination. There is a tiny dust "pimple" in the paint on top of the roof (see photo) and a tiny scuff where the paint is missing on the right quarter panel just ahead of the front chevron. I also note some very minute spots in the paint on the horizontal surfaces where the color looks slightly lighter then the surrounding paint. It is most evident when viewing the promo looking directly down onto it. At most right angles these are not visible. I tried to photograph this, however they are faint, extremely tiny in size and difficult to see - I marked two of the most prominent ones I could verify with a RED ARROW in the final photograph below. The surface of the paint in these "spots" has no damage what so ever - it appears they are within the finish layer itself. There are a few of these on the deck lid, roof top and hood. Most people wouldn't likely even notice let alone mention them, but I'm a perfectionist and I want to fully describe any paint anomaly I can see, whether done at the factory or not. Any one of these afore mentioned paint defects would be concealed by the head of a pin and are quite insignificant to be sure! Overall, the factory paint on this T-Bird remains like new and exceptional in quality as you can see in my photographs. Unfortunately in describing every little defect, I make it sound far worse then it is. The original chrome - plated components remain close to new in appearance. The chrome is bright and highly reflective with very minimal wear if any at all. Inside, the swing away steering wheel functions as it should and both the delicate transmission gear selector and turn signal levers remain in place. Seat inserts are painted silver at the factory. Often the whitewalls on the tires (particularly on the '62 models) will discolor to a yellow or pinkish hue over time. All four of these whitewalls are bright white! The body, interior assembly, glass, chassis, wheels/tires, axles, and four assembly screws are all as new. This '62 Thunderbird Hardtop promo is remarkably well preserved and looks very close to new in every respect. It's obvious this promo has received exceptional care over the past 51 years and judging from the condition I doubt if it was handled much at all. On a scale of 1-10, this car is a 9. It remains simply an exceptionally nice, original example!Payment via PayPal only. The buyer shall be responsible for the $11.00 fully insured shipping fee. This promo will be packed with the utmost of care and sent via USPS Priority Mail. It will be shipped upon receipt of payment within one to two business days. Please ask any questions you may have prior to bidding. I devote a good deal of time and effort taking many detailed, close-up photos from every angle in bright outdoor light, so plea... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.