The one-off T-Bird was transformed into an Italian-inspired coupe under the direction of Ford in the 1960’s
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If the Lincoln Mark X concept didn’t float your boat, perhaps you’ll fall in love with the Ford Thunderbird Italien.
Set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s early next month, the show car started life as a 1962 Thunderbird convertible. However, it was transformed into an Italian-inspired coupe by Dearborn Steel Tubing, under the direction of Ford.
As part of the makeover, the car was given a flowing fiberglass roof as well as a “Ferrari-inspired egg-crate grille that partially concealed the turn signals.” That’s just the tip of the iceberg as the model was also outfitted with front fenders and doors from a 1963 Thunderbird.
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Elsewhere, the car has modified rear fenders and approximately 80 pieces of custom trim. The auction house says these include the eye-catching side vents as well as the chrome-plated flourishes on the hood.
The upgrades continue inside as virtually every surface is covered by leather or metal. The cabin also sports black accents as well as exquisite attention to detail.
Since the car was designed to show that “Ford was paying attention to the burgeoning ‘kustom kulture’ that celebrated … colorful creativity,” it took part in the Custom Car Caravan as well as the Cavalcade of Custom Cars at the 1964–1965 World’s Fair. RM Sotheby’s says it was also shown at major dealers and featured in numerous magazines including the June 1963 issue of Speed and Custom.
More: LBJ’s 1964 Imperial Crown Presidential Limo Going Up For Auction
Following its time in the spotlight, the car was slated to be crushed. Thankfully, that didn’t happen as the Thunderbird was “divested back” to Dearborn Steel Tubing. It was then sold to actor Dale Robertson, before trading hands numerous times over the decades.
The Italien was eventually purchased by Tom Maruska in 2005, who restored it to like-new condition. It was sold a few years later, in 2008, and was recently “freshened” by its current owner.
If you’d like to add your name to the owners list, prepare to shell out an estimated $400,000 – $600,000 (£317,420 – £476,130 / €371,140 – €556,710).
