Mike Duarte's 1963 Ford

The Thunderbird as it sat in May of 2021, when Joseph Montalto advertised it for sale. Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

Photo courtesy of Jody Lockridge.

1963 Ford Thunderbird originally restyled by Starlite Rod & Kustom for Mike Duarte.

For Sale

In May of 2021 Joe Montalto advertised the car for sale: "This beautiful ‘63 California Custom T-Bird has had high-quality work performed on the body, paint, and interior. The car has won numerous car shows and has been featured in many magazines. The color combination is elegant! It shows the thought that went into the project in the beginning stages of the build. The finished product speaks for itself! Below are all the details of what has been done to the car."

• Built by Starlite Rod and Kustom
• 390 Engine - Belts, hoses, radiator flush, overflow tank flush, gas tank flush, plugs, (plug wires replaced)
• Custom built dual cooling fan assembly
• Factory A/C and Heat
• Custom Exhaust
• C-6 Automatic Transmission (Rebuilt)
• Accuair Air Ride Suspension
• 4-Link Rear Suspension
• Power Brakes
• Front Disc Brakes
• Rear Drum Brakes
• 9” Inch Ford Rear End
• Tile – Thin White Walls
• Wheels – 15” Inch Radir-Chrome
• Power Steering
• Power Windows
• New Glass
• New Weatherstripping
• Fresh Chrome interior & exterior trim and moldings
• Painted Kiwi Metallic Green Reverse pattern from the roof to the body and dark green heavy metalflake freeway scallops
• Custom painted/chrome front and rear bumper
• Dash/Console and Door Trim also painted metal flaked to match scallops *Hand Fabricated One-Off Front Grille
• Interior is dark retro green by Chuey’s Auto Interior in Carson, California.
• Tilt-Away Steering Wheel
• Retro Sound head unit
• Tweeters/Mid- Range and 6x9 speakers located/hidden in factory location *Custom Sub Woofer enclosure and amplifier installed in the trunk
• Trunk fully finished with retro interior matching inside of the vehicle

Located in Palmdale, California, the car is advertised for sale for US $42,500.

Featured Shows and Awards

• 2017: Relaxed So. Cal
• 2018: 27th Annual Mooneyes Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show – Honored Guest
• 2018 – Ventura Nationals (Best 60’s Custom)

Magazine Features and Appearances

• 2017 - Deadend Magazine
• 2018 - FlyWheels Magazine (Japan)
• 2020 – Ol’ Skool RODZ