Mr. Jackman's story about the paint color for his '63 is interesting. I remember the color of '62 Oldsmobile Holiday hardtop was called "Sierra Mist" and it was very similar to the "Champaign" color for the '63 Thunderbird. I've always been struck with awe, at the many different colors the car companies could come with. LOL, certainly more colors than a box of Crayola Crayons.
One thing I'm curious about too, is regarding the Thunderbird's color, does it seem to change in the light of day (i.e. sunlight or cloudy)? My Oldsmobile did. Seemed at times to be more "Gold", then sometimes sort of "Gray", and other times kind of "Green". It was a beautiful color!
My '62 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Holiday with the Sierra Mist color.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
@georgeschire You are always welcome George. I believe your wife might enjoy my wife's miniature dioramas. Plan to come down sometime during the winter months as a way to escape that white stuff.
@georgeschire Yes George it does seem to change color depending on the light source. The 61 Olds Starfire I restored was GMs version of Champaign but was quite a bit different. The GM version seemed to have a very slight touch of red in it while the Ford version appears to have a slight touch of yellow in it. My 63 Avanti was Avanti Gold and while close was definitely Gold. Funny thing about the color on the T-Bird was that it was an available color throughout the Ford line from Falcons to Lincolns.
Bob, your car is breathtaking, such a great color. A lot of the features you described on the Thunderbird were on my ‘65 Continental. I loved the hydraulic wipers!
@pete-rovero Pete, one of my biggest disappointments was DM not producing the 63 T-Birds. One of my biggest joys is the DM 1962 Sports Roadster which you in turn painted Costillian Gold ( Champaign in 1963). The model is a featured model in my collection and I will forever be grateful to you for selling it to me. Your painting skills are fantastic as are your assembly abilities.
Great video & interview Bob. I didn't know about those cumbersome wheels, or the disconnected power seats. I'm so glad you're happy with your re-production, re-chromed "Qs." Trust me, I know - not all re-pops are created equal! 😐
@georgeschire You are always welcome George. I believe your wife might enjoy my wife's miniature dioramas. Plan to come down sometime during the winter months as a way to escape that white stuff.
You make it very inviting to make it happen. And yes, my Lorraine would enjoy your wife's dioramas.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
@pete-rovero Pete, one of my biggest disappointments was DM not producing the 63 T-Birds. One of my biggest joys is the DM 1962 Sports Roadster which you in turn painted Costillian Gold ( Champaign in 1963). The model is a featured model in my collection and I will forever be grateful to you for selling it to me. Your painting skills are fantastic as are your assembly abilities.
Mr. Jackman you and I have a mutual respect and friend in Pete Rovero. He and I have talked on the phone several times and he's made and sold some Oldsmobile diecasts for me. He's a great guy!
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
Excellent video of perhaps my favorite car. I was age 12 when Dad took me car shopping in early 1963. At the Ford dealership showroom Dad thought he was there to look at a Galaxy 500 XL sport roof. But I spied a 1963 T-Bird hardtop, Heritage Burgundy w/pearl beige interior. It was fully optioned and it was young love at first sight. Mom had previously bought a new T-Bird convertible in 1960, and didn't think Dad was interested in another Bird convertible. I climbed into the 1963 Bird and would not get out. One couple approached the T-Bird and I called out it was sold. Well Dad did buy the T-Bird after an hour of negotiating while I remained in the Bird. In early 1967, on my 16th birthday I got my drivers license driving the 1963 and Dad gave me the T-Bird on the spot. It was my high school ride and first semester of college. I kept that car spotless at all times and OMG I loved it. However, I came home for Thanksgiving in 1969, Dad borrowed it and wrecked it. I had just a few days before returning to college out of state so I was given his 1966 T-Bird Town Landau, that I loved but not as much as the 1963. In 1966 Dad had again taken me car shopping thinking he wanted a Mustang. Of course I had other ideas and he bought the 1966 Bird. I now have a 1966 T-Bird convertible that I am very fond of but a 1963 T-Bird convertible will always be my ultimate dream car.
Absolutely gorgeous, Bob. Marvelous video too. That paint job is just so beautiful.
@abaucom Wow you are certainly a T-Bird family. Love the story.
What a gorgeous car and a wonderful video to highlight it. The '61 to '63 Thunderbirds were a great style and my favorite years. Love the Imperial too.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
Thank you for the kind words, Bob and George! I have a few more in the works that I haven't touched in the last two years. After working on the house during that time I'm ready to get back to finishing them.
late to the party, wanted to have time to enjoy the video, and enjoy I did! What an incredible and beautiful car, and what an achievement to have restored it to this condition. Love all your intricate knowledge Bob, When stick on rear view mirrors were first used and the $18.16 optional seat belts! Thanks Bob for sharing it and to Tony for the post.
