One of the easiest traps to fall into when restoring a classic is to overcapitalize on your build. It becomes impossible to recoup those costs, but it can be a bonus for the next owner. Such is the case with this 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. The seller has spent a cool $41,000 on its restoration, but interested parties won’t need to spend anything like that amount to take it home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the T-Bird listed here on Craigslist in Irondequoit, New York. Forget $41,000, because handing the seller $27,000 could allow you to drive this beauty home.
Ford created the Personal Luxury Car market segment when it released its Thunderbird, but the master stroke was adding a rear seat when it unveiled the Second Generation. It allowed the company to tap into a new group of potential buyers who needed more than the two seats provided by the original range. Its Fourth Generation only enjoyed a short production run, with this 1966 Convertible a final-year example. It would probably be quicker to list the work that hasn’t been performed, with the seller confirming that the car received a repaint in Honeydew Lemon, while the floors received a coat of Red Led to prevent future rust problems. The Black vinyl power top is new, as are many of the operational pumps and relays. Therefore, the Thunderbird’s high-end driver presentation doesn’t come as a shock. The paint and panels are free from cosmetic shortcomings, the trim looks excellent, and the glass is clear. However, that is merely the start of this story.
The scope of work required to whip this Ford’s interior into shape wasn’t extensive, but the new owner will welcome it. The seats wear their original Black vinyl covers, although there is new foam beneath to improve comfort. The seats are in good order, with the same true of the remaining upholstered surfaces. The dash hasn’t succumbed to UV rays or age, and the carpet is new. The seller renewed the switches and motors for the power windows, with the seller confirming that they utilized mainly NOS or genuine parts during this build.
Powering this Thunderbird is a 390ci V8, coupled to a three-speed automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes was standard equipment, reinforcing this car’s luxury leanings. The engine would have produced 315hp when the T-Bird was shiny and new, and there is no reason why it couldn’t match that figure today. It has only clocked around 2,000 miles since receiving a professional rebuild. The process included balancing to improve smoothness, while there is a list of other new parts that is as long as your arm. Every aspect of the car has received plenty of love, from the fuel system to the brakes and the electrical components. No stone has been left unturned, and the seller holds receipts verifying every penny spent on their build. Unsurprisingly, this classic runs and drives extremely well, and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
If I had a dollar for every enthusiast I have met who overspent on a project build, I could probably afford to buy this 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. It is an easy trap to fall into, although it isn’t a disaster if the plans include long-term ownership. That hasn’t been the case here, but someone is set to benefit from the seller’s approach to their build. The asking price looks highly competitive, especially considering the scope of the recent work. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue this classic further?
Looks like a very nice T-Bird. I’ve always liked this generation, especially because of the highly styled and trimmed interior. The soft yellow and black looks sharp. The ad has an extensive list of new parts; kudos to the seller (though a few more pics would be nice).
I’d say, in today’s world, it is hard to not become overcapitalized doing a nice restoration (unless perhaps it is a higher-value vehicle). How much is a nice paint job?
Thanks Adam, good write-up.
You are correct Bob, but one thing to consider is the hourly labor rate in cities where the cost of living is over the top. Same applies to doctors lawyers etc. Nice looking car though.
A resto shop out here in AZ charges $ 189.00 a hour labor and they don’t do painting.
Great write-up on my favorite year. Had a neighbor with a near identical car; his had a white top and it positively gleamed.
Agreed that “$41k Invested” is a tough header to follow; hope the seller’s other investments have performed better, but I guess that’s the price of admission to the fun house…
Moral of the story, don’t invest in cars. Buy a 500 index fund and play with cars for fun.
I’m looking at this and thinking that they call it the “Old Car Hobby” Hobbys do usually cost money, whether is golf, boating, skiing, or stamp collecting. But thats lot of money. Its a shame they couldn’t keep it. Its a beautiful T Bird. Someone will be getting a good deal with the heavy expensive lifting already done.
This is a beautiful find T.J. and I enjoyed your write up Adam!!
Hope it goes to a good new home.
Nice car but someone went down the rabbit hole. That’s a big investment for a 390 drop top. If it was loaded 428, air, reclining passenger seat etc then yeah. But has to hurt , I sure hope they drove it. Someone will get a deal.
Great design!
And a great dog 🐕 👍
If it had the 428 motor, I would offer 25k$! Nice resto!
Speed limit is still the same regardless of the motor=).
But you get to that speed faster while leaving black patches!
Wademo, do that in the presence of the police and present that argument.
If it had the 428 motor, I would offer 25k$! Nice resto!
As early as 25 years ago you could buy a decent driver to restore for $600, put about $9000 or less into it and have a nicely restored vehicle that you could probably sell for $20000.
Here is a wonderful example of a “Thelma and Louise” in a slightly different color. Look at the license plate, “66Louise.” Since they put a new top on it I would have chosen white but that’s me. I love this Gen of Bird, especially the taillights with the sequential turn signals.
The actual ad doesn’t seem to mention what color top they installed, just says “Convertible Top vinyl”, also no photos showing the top up, so at this point we can only guess what color top it might have.
good deal here if you’re looking for this style bird. bring the seller a large bath towel he going to need from this bath!
Sunk $4000 in a 1979 Ford pickup I bought for $800 that had been run to death with 2 speedometer readings. Don’t go with the lower one. Cut my further losses with a $3000 sale and was happy to get rid of that dog. Buyer loved his purchase.
Those things are like gold now.
Beautiful Bird. I’ve been looking for one for a while now. Two negatives for me based on the asking, No A/C and I despise those pale yellow paints from that era
@Ronald Amon
Hi Ronald,
I was basing this on the $600 I spent for a 1970 Buick Riviera, put $4000 into it, and was waiting for a $5000 paint job but it never got. Hubby and I divorced and had to sell off all my cars and ran out of time so I had to let it go for $600.
Seriously wish I had kept that one. This was around 2005.