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In 1961, Ford Motor Co. was chosen to create a Pace car for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 50th or Golden Anniversary. Ford chose its newly restyled 1961 Thunderbird and painted it a special gold color to represent the occasion.
The Danbury Mint has done a masterful job of replicating this particular model and although they produce a similar '62 T-Bird, the '61 has subtle but distinct differences of its own. Other than the 1961 Official Indy Pace Car graphics, done up in red and black, the DM has correctly changed this model to make it a 1961 car.
The grille pattern, taillight trim and hash marks on the rear fenders are all correct for 1961. Even the hood scoop grille has been changed. Minor, yes, but the DM didn't attempt to buffalo us and leave it be.
A wheel and hubcap combo is used, instead of K-H wires, and 3 1/2" wide whites are properly replicated. The 390 c.i. engine is wired and plumbed as expected. The chrome trim package on the '62 has been changed to a silver-grey color (Ford called it argent) on the air cleaner and valve covers. The trunk compartment mats and lining boards have the correct pattern for 1959-61 Ford cars. In a sparate plastic pack in the foam box, there are two flags that mount onto stanchions on the front bumper. ALSO, in that plastic pack, are a pair of REMOVEABLE fender skirts. That gives you the option of wanting to use them or not. They weren't included with the '62 T-Bird because they wouldn't fit due to the intrusion of the "knock-off" spinner on the wire wheel. The interior is done up in a very light beige with tan carpets. The "Thunderbird" name has been eliminated from the light beige mats. The fit and finish on my example is excellent, all trim pieces line up perfectly and door gaps are to scale. The Slide-A-Way steering, tilting seat backs, opening lid on the console and the suspension all work with the precision we have come to expect from the DM. Two similar cars; two decidedly different concepts. At $125.00 +S&H, this one shouldn't be left out of any collection
(03/23/1999)
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