1961 Ford Thunderbird Indy Pace Car

[THarrison351]

The third generation of the Ford Thunderbird was a very sleek car nicknamed the "Bullet Bird". Chosen to pace the golden anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, Danbury Mint has captured the car in perfect miniature. The official pace car, it's backup, and the 32 festival cars had unique Gold paint. The official pace car had Light Pearl Beige Leather interior, the backup had a black leather interior and the festival cars came with either black leather or black vinyl interiors. No special modifications were made to enhance the performance of the official pace car. The engine was the 390 Ford Edsel (FE) big block making 300 horsepower and 427 pound feet of torque. The only visible modification to the car were the brackets added to the front bumper for the flags. DM has included those brackets and flags to go in them. The convertible top completely disappears into the reverse opening trunklid, leaving a perfect smooth area for parade riders to sit on the deck. The car featured a swing-away steering wheel to help ease exit and entry into the driver's bucket seat. DM has captured that feature as well. There are also removable fender skirts in the rear. According to one website, only six of the real cars are known to exist and one burned up in a fire in 1999. I could find no evidence that the original official pace car still exists. It was given to the winner of the race, A.J. Foyt, who in turn gifted it to his mother. From there the cars whereabouts are unknown. As you can see I have two of these cars. I found one several months ago on eBay for a bargain basement price, but it had no top, box, or papers. So, I had been looking for a top in the meantime. All it needed was a really good cleaning and the windshield reattached. About a month ago a complete car with box, and papers came up for auction and I won it for less than I paid for the first one. Go figure! Anyways, all it needed was as usual a good polish. Here are the pictures.

Skirt removed

Steering wheel swung-away and passenger seat folded forward

Top down photos of first car with flags

Tomorrow's post Franklin Mint's 1989 Ferrari F40

[Gramps46]

The pace cars are really tempting.  I am surprised what a difference the lack of the skirts makes and not for the better IMO.  What material is the top made from?

[randyc]

Nice!  I have the regular white/beige version.  Great cars.   Seems like the prices on these have stabilized or even dropping.   Which would make sense, since I have one.   They always get cheaper after I buy them.  But they are great looking cars.  Nice scores.

[THarrison351]

12 hours ago, Gramps46 said:

What material is the top made from?

The top is plastic with fabric molded to it. I've seen some where the they have become stained. Fortunately, this one isn't.