The 1963 Ford Thunderbird Italien was a one-of-a-kind concept vehicle that perfectly embodied Ford’s desire to blend American power with sophisticated European styling.
Starting life as a standard 1962 Thunderbird convertible, the car was dramatically transformed by Dearborn Steel Tubing (DST) to be featured in Ford's traveling “Custom Car Caravan.” The Italien’s most distinctive feature was its sleek fastback roofline and fiberglass bodywork, replacing the convertible top. It boasted a Ferrari-inspired front grille, unique trim, and a sumptuous interior featuring luxurious leather upholstery. Finished in an eye-catching Deep Candy Apple Red paint, this show car captivated audiences with its combination of American muscle (powered by a 390 cubic inch V8) and the elegant, fluid lines reminiscent of contemporary Italian design.
The Italien appeared at the 1964-1965 World’s Fair and was featured on the June 1963 cover of Speed and Custom magazine. Though never mass-produced, it left a lasting impression on Ford’s subsequent styling efforts and remains a highly sought-after piece of automotive history.
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