The Sports Roadster, introduced for the 1962, was Ford’s way of bringing back the spirit of the first Thunderbirds. Its most notable feature was a removable fiberglass tonneau cover fitted over the rear seats, providing a convincing two-seat look but, should the need arise, four-seat functionality. The model was further distinguished by Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and special badging. Priced at a formidable $5,563 for 1963, the Sports Roadster was never destined for high sales volumes—indeed, the car offered here is one of only 455 produced for 1963.
This car is further distinguished by its “M-Code” engine, making it one of just 37 Sports Roadster so equipped for 1963. This option gave the car’s already potent 390-cubic-inch FE V-8 engine a special intake topped by a trio of two-barrel carburetors, boosting output to 340 horsepower.
Story by RM Sotheby’s
