File:1963 Ford Thunderbird Converible (24253749088).jpg

The third generation Thunderbirds were built from 1961-63, nicknamed the 'Bullet Bird', styling inspiration from rocket ships, with a pointed nose, recessed headlamps, twin round taillights shaped like a jet engine. Available as a Hardtop (Standard or Landau) or Convertible (Standard or Sports Roadster), the Hardtop had softer roof lines than its 'Square Bird' predecessor, the Landau with vinyl roof and simulated S-bars on the rear pillars . On the convertible models, the trunk lid was still rear-hinged, which raised and lowered through hydraulic cylinders. With the top down and trunk lid lowered, there was no sight of the soft-top, the 'Sports Roadster' with fibreglass tonneau over the rear seats to give it that 2 seater look. The dashboard curved at both ends, blending into the door panels. The traditional glove-box was gone and a center-console glove-box took its place. The 1963 got restyled front fenders, doors, and a new grille helped give a cleaner. less cluttered look. Standard for 1963 was the swing away steering wheel, power steering, power brakes, back up lights and bucket seats