On September 13, 1961, the first Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster rolled off the assembly line at Ford’s Dearborn Assembly Plant in Dearborn, Michigan. The Sports Roadster was a limited-edition model that was only produced for the 1962 model year.Â
The Sports Roadster was based on the standard Thunderbird, but it had a number of unique features, including a removable hardtop, a folding convertible top, and a shorter wheelbase. It was also powered by a more powerful engine than the standard Thunderbird.Â
Only 558 Sports Roadsters were produced, making them one of the rarest and most sought-after Thunderbirds. They are prized by collectors for their unique design and performance.Â
The Sports Roadster was designed by a team of Ford designers led by Bill Boyer. The team wanted to create a car that was both stylish and sporty, and they succeeded in doing so. The Sports Roadster had a sleek, aerodynamic design that was unlike any other car on the road at the time.Â
The Sports Roadster was powered by a 390 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 289 horsepower. This was more power than the standard Thunderbird, and it gave the Sports Roadster a top speed of over 120 miles per hour.Â
The Sports Roadster was well-received by the public, and it helped to boost sales of the Thunderbird. In total, Ford sold over 73,000 Thunderbirds in 1961.Â
The Sports Roadster was a short-lived model, but it left a lasting legacy. It is considered to be one of the most iconic Thunderbirds ever produced, and it is a highly sought-after collectible.Â
In addition to its unique design and performance, the Sports Roadster is also notable for being the first Ford car to have a removable hardtop. This feature would become a popular option on many other Ford cars in the years to come.Â
The Sports Roadster was a significant car in the history of the Thunderbird. It helped to solidify the Thunderbird’s reputation as a stylish and sporty car, and it paved the way for the many other unique and desirable Thunderbird models that would follow.Â
