The Thunderbird was redesigned for 1961 with sleeker styling that gave the car a distinctively bullet-like appearance. A new engine, the 390 cu in V8, was the standard and only engine initially offered in the Thunderbird. The V8 produced 300 horsepower and was mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission. The new Thunderbird was immediately well received with 73,051 sold for 1961. The car was 1961's Indianapolis 500 pace car and was featured prominently in US President John F. Kennedy's inaugural parade, probably helped along by the appointment of Ford executive Robert McNamara as Secretary of Defense.This particular 1961 Thunderbird Convertible was just purchased from a family in California where it has benefited from an extensive restoration to bring it up to better then new standards. The beautiful paint is in excellent condition with no imperfections that we have seen. Also all the chrome has been refinished to show quality standards. The same goes for all the moldings bright work. The parchment convertible top looks great and all top functions work as they should. Inside the parchment interior is all new and in great condition. The seats look great along with the carpet, door panels, kick panels and dash. The swing away steering wheel works as it should and shows no cracking. All lights, blinkers, wipers and horn work as well as the gauges. Under the hood this vehicle boast the 390 CI engine attached to a 'Cruise-O-Matic " transmission that shifts seamlessly going down the road. The vehicle is equipped with power steering and power brakes. The engine has been upgraded with tons of chrome and new parts. No detail was left unturned under the hood of this bird. The vehicle has traveled 87,019 original miles as stated on the California title.Accompanying the sale of this exquisite vehicle are the spare tire, jack and tool that are in the freshly restored trunk. The VIN is 1Y73Z146457 and is being sold on a clean California title stating the mileage is actual.