Unique, more rare 1963 Thunderbird Landau, Principality of Monaco special edition. In excellent condition inside/outside,including factory air conditioning, power windows, tilt away steering wheel, creme leather seating etc. Numbered serial nameplate on console. Strong 390 engine and smooth shifting automatic. only 15 known to exist of original 2000!
NADA has average retail of $24,000...this car is BETTER than average and offered by private party at only $17,900. please read below for history of this vehicle.
"Principality of Monaco" 1963 Thunderbird
Special Edition Landau
#1505 of 2000
On February 7th 1963 Ford introduced a special Limited Edition Thunderbird Landau called the "Principality of Monaco". Only 2000 of these cars were produced, each individually numbered 1 through 2000. The cars came in Corinthian White and had a vinyl top in a maroon color called Rose Beige. This color combination was never offered on any other Thunderbird model. The interior was white leather with a white steering wheel and simulated rosewood trim.. On the dashboard of each car was a special gold-toned nameplate with the car's special serial number.
During 1962, the American movie going public had a fascination with Princess Grace of Monaco, formally the Academy Award winning movie star Grace Kelly. Ford had learned that Princess Grace was considering re-establishing her acting career, and preliminary feelers were extended to determine the royal couples willingness to participate in what would be a promotional opportunity for Ford..
On September 19th 1962, Ford representatives had a meeting at the Royal Court of Monaco and consulted with Princess Grace on a color scheme for the car.
Benson Ford presented car #1 to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace at a grand ceremony that was held at Grimaldi family palace on January 2nd 1963. Near the end of the trip to Monaco Ford representatives mailed 900,000 sales letters to prospective customers in the U. S.
The car, dubbed the "Princess Grace" model by Ford salesmen officially hit the showroom on February 22nd 1963. To further the promotion of the cars, #2 thru #19 were sent to Ford district offices and used as displays at auto shows around the U. S.
Upon the death of Princess Grace, car #1 was officially retired and placed in storage in Monaco's Royal Museum where it remains to this day. It has never been put on display out of respect for the beloved Princess and actress.
This model is considered three times more rare than the 1963 Thunderbird convertible.
Of the 1,981 cars that were made available to the American public, only 15 are known to still exist.
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