1961 Ford Thunderbird custom wagon review

OK, first things first. While this machine looks like what Ford would have done if "T-Bird" and "Woody" had come together, there was never a factory Ford Thunderbird station wagon. The woody treatment remained the domain of Ford's full-size passenger cars, and never extended down into their 'sports' models like the Mustang, and 'personal luxury' lines, as represented by the Thunderbird. That hasn't stopped enthusiasts from trying to create what Ford didn't, though, with mixed results. While there have been a number of attempts at a Mustang wagon conversion, T-Bird wagons are very few and far between. However, this creation shows that the wagon treatment can be done - and done well. When Drew, the current owner, spotted this machine in the USA a few years back, he couldn't resist. "Because of its uniqueness, it caught my attention," he said. Digging into its known history, Drew discovered that this 1961 model Thunderbird was a California car from new, and a previous owner, possibly the original owner, was a professional cabinetmaker. At some point in the 1970s, a tree fell on the roof of the T-Bird, crushing it, but leaving the rest of the body largely untouched.

The owner, being an old school and highly skilled craftsman, did what Drew described as "taking the ultimate revenge on the tree, spending countless hours resurrecting the car into what's shown here." The cabinetmaker's skill is demonstrated by the near seamless blending of timber with the factory Ford sheet metal. The roofline follows the original factory lines, and the vinyl top blends well with the black body. Timber ribs bind the vinyl covering to the frame, while also creating a roof rack effect. The single piece sideglass is another nice touch that complements the unspoiled profile of the body. The level of detail in areas like the tailgate, window framing and trimming is also impressive. The "woody" effect doesn't end on the outside, though, with the same craftsman also applying his skills to the interior. The dash, centre console, door trims, window cappings and headliner have all been treated to painstakingly-crafted timber trim. Even the sun visors are timber! Nestled between them is an overhead console (in timber of course!) which neatly hides a modern stereo/CD player.

The meticulous approach the past owner applied to the woody transformation is also reflected in the condition of the rest of the car. Before Drew purchased it, he checked it over thoroughly. With no visible rust, a spotless underside and immaculate interior, it made the decision to purchase this unique Thunderbird easy. The odometer showed only 62,000 miles and was believed to be original. The 390ci V8 is the stock engine for 1961 Thunderbirds, but an Edelbrock carb and intake manifold have been added. With woody cruising comfort in mind, it has power steering, power-assisted brakes, Cruise-O-Matic auto transmission and a swing-away steering wheel. Whitewall tyres and wire wheels are the finishing touch. Since bringing it to Australia, Drew says the custom T-Bird has never missed a beat, always firing up and purring along with no smoke, rattles or leaks. It has completed a trip from Brisbane to Newcastle, but has recently been spending too much time in the shed, not out on the road being enjoyed and admired, hence the decision to sell. Despite putting it on the market, Drew will be sorry to see this unique machine go. As Drew said "Although it's a custom automobile, this beauty still lives up to Ford's 1961 advertising slogan. It is 'Unmistakably Thunderbird', turning heads everywhere it goes."