1962 Ford Thunderbird Convertible 390 - private-seller survivor at $16,000

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: A private seller is asking $16,000 for this 1962 Thunderbird convertible (VIN 2Y85Z122954) in turquoise over black, with the Z-code 390 V8 and automatic. The seller calls it all original and in excellent condition and says everything works well except the convertible top, whose motor is still in the car but may need reconnecting or replacing.

The seller says the car spent about 20 years in storage, so treat it as a recommissioning job: fluids, fuel system, brakes, tires and hoses at a minimum. Even with that work and a top repair, the asking price sits well below the $24,750 to $40,000 that comparable convertibles brought this year.

The value check

The seller is asking $16,000. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $24,750–$40,000, so the middle of the market is about $32,375. That put this car 51% under.

Unmodified 1962-63 Thunderbird convertibles sold for $24,750 to $40,000 in the last six months (Mecum, BaT, GAA); one at $19,900 and a $46,000 standout bracket that range.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1962 T-Bird convertible, Mecum 2026-09-24, $29,700
• 1963 T-Bird convertible, BaT 2026-09-16, $30,000
• 1962 T-Bird convertible, GAA 2026-07-25, $40,000
• 1962 T-Bird convertible, GAA 2026-07-25, $27,000
• 1963 T-Bird convertible, BaT 2026-05-22, $24,750

What to check

• The 1961-63 convertible top is a complex electro-hydraulic system (pump, rams, trunk-lid and top relays, limit switches); diagnosing it can take time and parts are not cheap
• Check unibody rust in floors, trunk pan, lower rear quarters and rockers, and around the front torque boxes
• Original 4-wheel drum brakes and single master cylinder; plan a full brake inspection before driving
• About 20 years of storage: expect a full fuel, brake, cooling and tire refresh, and check for seized parts
• Cameron Parish has a long history of hurricane flooding; inspect closely for flood damage (silt, rust under carpets, corroded wiring)
• Private sale with no title status stated: confirm a clean title in the seller's name, inspect in person, and never wire funds before seeing the car

Making it drive like new

Keep the 390 FE and the look, and modernize the parts you touch most: front disc brakes with a dual master cylinder, electronic ignition, radial tires, fresh suspension bushings and shocks, and possibly an overdrive automatic swap for highway cruising. Sorting the top hydraulics and wiring with new relays and a modern fuse panel makes it a reliable open-air cruiser.