5k: EFI-Bird: 1962 Ford Thunderbird w/ 5.0 V8

The term RestoMod gets tossed around a lot, but in simple terms it is a classic car that has had some modern parts put into it in a combination of restoration and modification.  Today’s feature has had some modification but could use some restoration to properly qualify, but the price leaves a lot of your savings for paint/body.  Find this 1962 Ford Thunderbird with ’89 Mustang 5.0 V8 for sale in High Ridge, MO for $4,500 via craigslist.  Big thanks to tip from Scot, who also contacted the owner and got a few engine bay pics for us to share!

The 3rd generation “bullet nose” Thunderbird isn’t a rare collectable like its older 1st generation brother, but it does have a following and is an interesting car. Originally the T-bird would have been equipped with a big-block Ford 390 FE engine, but it has been discarded in favor of a lighter and more modern powerplant.

Under the huge hood is a fuel injected 5.0 liter V8 from a 1989 Ford Mustang that was good for 225 horsepower and 300 ft-lbs of torque.  It may seem like a downgrade from the stock 300 horsepower, but the 1962 spec was a SAE gross horsepower and the 1989 spec is SAE net, so the modern engine probably puts the same if not more ponies into the pavement.

The seller says that the clearcoat has some issues, so you’ll need to repaint this thing.  There may be a few other issues because this car was originally built by his wife’s uncle for the seller’s son and he inherited it in some fashion.

See a better Restomod? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com