In 1961, the Thunderbird went through yet another restyling with all-new body shell and various refinements. The interior featured a more streamlined and lower slung design, and the first ever Swing-Away steering column. Another new factory option, known as the Sport Roadster package, was soon available. It consisted of a large fiberglass tonneau piece that covered the entire back seat converting the car into a two-passenger roadster as well as several other styling and luxury upgrades, including a safety handle in the passenger compartment.

The identification numbers show that this is actually a Thunderbird Convertible that has had the Sports Roadster tonneau added and looks quite similar on this Corinthian White with red interior convertible. As with many Thunderbirds of the day, this convertible is well-optioned, as documented on the dealer sheet, with factory power steering and brakes, power lift windows, power driver’s seat, pushbutton radio, tinted glass, outside mirror, fender skirts, Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, and the very innovative Swing-Away steering wheel. Factory propulsion came from an optional Z-code Interceptor 390 cubic inch V-8 with an automatic transmission. Careful examination of each area reveals this to be a very well-maintained example that has been carefully detailed. Collector cars can vary in popularity with one being in vogue today and something else becoming the ‘flavor of the month’ next. Few, if any, have the sustained desirability like the Ford Thunderbird.