The 1963 Ford Thunderbird “Italien” concept car

In the past few hours, I have been looking for a unique Mitsubishi car with quality Mitsubishi oxygen sensor. But, it turns out to be quite a hard job finding even just one. Well, that proves that unique cars are indeed rare. Sometimes, I even feel that I run out of topics to discuss.
But then… let me share with you the unique 1963 Ford Thunderbird “Italien” concept car about to be sold at an auction with No Reserve. Barrett-Jackson recently proclaimed that the rare sale would be part of the company’s 37th Annual Collector Car Event, which will be held on January 2008.
Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, said, “It’s rare for such a classic concept to be offered at auction.”
“The ‘Italien’ features design cues that were virtually nonexistent in the United States during its time of production. This could be the most sought after and significant Thunderbird to ever cross the block at Barrett-Jackson,” he added.
Looking back in the vehicle’s history, the “Italien” was designed and built by Vince Gardner at the Dearborn Steel Tubing Company, an outsourcing contractor responsible for various non-assembly line Ford concepts, including the 1964 Ford Thunderbolt and Mercury Super Cyclone, according to an article at gizmag.com. The vehicle was showcased in Ford’s 1962-63 “Custom Car Caravan”, numerous Autoramas across the country and in the 1964 New York World Fair’s “Cavalcade of Custom Cars”.
Most Ford concept cars are likely destroyed after their world tours. Fortunately, the “Italien” survived and was rescued by actor Dale Robertson of TV’s “Tales of Wells Fargo,” “Wagon Train” and “JJ Starbuck.”
In January 2006, Tom Maruska purchased the concept car from a prominent Ford collector Don Chambers. By then, the vehicle was restored to its original specifications.
The coming event will the vehicle’s first documented public appearance, counting from the World’s Fair in 1964.
For me, the car looks more than just a collectible. So, I guess, collectors would love it much more than I do.

