1966 Ford Thunderbird

Description

While 2-seat Thunderbird prices have cooled off, a lot of folks have discovered what we've known for years: mid-60s 4-seater Thunderbirds like this 1966 convertible are exceptional hobby vehicles. Top-of-the-line luxury and loaded with just about every option, this gorgeous 'Bird is an exceptional example that'll be in demand for years to come.

1966 was the last year before the demise of the convertible and the addition of the 4-door sedan, decisions that are rather questionable when regarded from 2014. As a result, this gorgeous code L Honeydew Yellow convertible represents the end of an era and delivers more luxury and performance than almost anything else in its price range. The paint and bodywork are extremely good, and it's particularly critical on these cars thanks to the dramatic sculpting on the body sides, particularly on the quarter panels. Mess that up and it's glaringly obvious. Instead, they got this car right and everything lines up quite well and with the removal of the rear fender skirts (they're included with the car) and addition of fender molding, it takes on a lighter, more trim appearance. The rest of the chrome is quite good and, of course, the wide single taillight lens out back that would become a Thunderbird trademark for a decade is in excellent shape.

The interior really is more Lincoln than Ford in this car. Luxurious bucket seats wear fresh black upholstery and the wrap-around rear seat offers perhaps the most inviting passenger couch ever created. Aircraft influences are everywhere and the wonderful instrument panel with a ribbon-style speedometer and four individual gauge pods underneath is something we'll never see again. This car is loaded with options including power windows, factory A/C, and rather rare power locks. The original radio was traded in favor of an AM/FM unit with a CD changer stowed in the trunk, so this car makes for an excellent long-distance cruiser. Shockingly, everything works! The black convertible top stows itself using one of the most insanely complex mechanisms ever designed, but the results are worth it, since it disappears completely leaving smooth, sleek body lines. And with the top up, there's actually decent trunk space along with new mats and a full-sized spare.

We believe the Z-code 390 cubic inch V8 is this car's original, numbers-matching powerplant. Rebuilt about 1000 miles ago, it's strong, torquey, and effortless, making this 'Bird your first choice for cruising. The engine bay is very neatly detailed and the Honeydew Yellow paint doesn't hide anything, so you can see how clean it really is. Ford Blue paint on the engine and accessories makes it look quite correct, and it appears that the only deviations from stock are the heavy-duty 125-amp alternator and R134a refrigerant in the A/C system. With a 3-speed Dual Range automatic transmission, it is the quintessential highway car, loafing along at speed in serene comfort that's hard to describe. Disc brakes were added in '65, so stopping power is much improved, and the dual exhaust system has a wonderful sound that's two parts horsepower and one part luxury car. And as long as you're under there looking around, just check out how good those floors look. 15-inch wheels with original hubcaps were very cool 8.15x15 bias-ply tires that use red and white strips for a period-perfect look.

Documented with a factory build sheet, original warranty card, manuals, and a ton of ownership history, this is the Thunderbird convertible to own if you love the swinging '60s 'Birds. Call today!