Completely new for the 1961 model year, the third generation of Thunderbirds, or the “Bullet Birds,” were the flagship model for Ford Motor Company. Production shared facilities at Ford’s Wixom assembly plant along with the all-new 1961 Lincoln Continental. These were the iconic cars of choice for the new first family and became synonymous with the era of America’s Camelot.

For the 1962 model year, Ford Motor Company produced a very small number of 1962 and ’63 Ford Thunderbirds that were factory equipped with the ‘M-Code’ engine option. The ‘M-Code’ engine, for insurance purposes, was conservatively reported to have 340 bhp with a 10.5:1 compression ratio, dual exhaust, and a trio of Holley two-barrel carburetors operated with a progressive, mechanical throttle linkage on a specific cast-aluminum intake. Also, by using the cylinder heads from Ford’s 406 cu. in. high-pressure oil pump, some later reports thought the horsepower ratings were actually closer to or just over 400 bhp. The other features that were found standard on all ‘M-Code’ cars were a Chrome engine dress-up kit, consisting of “Thunderbird” raised lettering on chrome valve covers with chromed retaining bolts, oil breather cap, fuel log, dipstick loop handle, power steering reservoir cover and filler cap, brake master cylinder reservoir cap, radiator overflow tank, and radiator cap. Lastly, the finned cast-aluminum oval air-cleaner assembly with Thunderbird ornamentation adorns the top of the engine. Each ‘M-Code’ series car is identified by an M in the fifth digit of the vehicle’s chassis number.

If a customer had gone to their local Ford dealership to order a new Thunderbird in 1962, they would have been presented with the following options and prices to choose from:

Serial number 2Y85M146747 was ordered with every option possible through the Los Angeles, California, District Office (DSO 71). The final MSRP for the car was $6,297.50—a handsome amount in 1962 dollars. According to the build sheet found under the rear seat during restoration and the gate pass obtained from Marti Auto Works, the car began production on 23 February 1962 and was completed on 27 February. Once completed, the car was invoiced and shipped from Wixom Assembly to Ford Motor Company’s then Los Angeles Assembly Plant in Pico Rivera, California. The paperwork obtained indicated this car was an internal order for usage by Ford, presumably in the California or western US markets. According to Vintage Thunderbird Club International, it is one of only 17 ‘M-Code’ convertibles built for 1962.

Fifty years later, the car was rediscovered in a Hemmings Motor News ad, located in Colorado roughly a decade ago. It had been advertised for its tri-carb setup or for parts. Thankfully, the end buyer was enlightened by some quick research, discovering it was a rare ‘M-Code’ and worth saving. The decision was made to purchase the car and all the parts and commence a full restoration. The car was all there, but very tired. Luckily, it appeared that the car spent most of its life in western states, as corrosion was minimal. The process took several years to complete. Great care was taken to preserve as much of the car as possible, especially the components that make it a true ‘M-Code’. This includes the three sequentially serial-numbered carburetors. A liberty was taken during this process, changing the interior color from the original Pearl Beige leather to a much rarer and stunning metallic Turquoise leather and trim.

The current owner purchased the car with a few remaining tasks to complete restoration. During this time, four OEM 48-spoke Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels were fitted to accentuate the beauty and curb appeal of this iconic car. Recently, the car was accepted, shown, and judged at the prestigious 2020 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. Now complete again, this “Bullet Bird” has the beauty and performance to woo another generation of car lovers with its elegance and rarity.