1966 was a milestone year for the Ford T-Bird. It was the last year for both convertibles and unibody construction. The cars that followed would be bigger and closer to Lincoln in terms of size, style and function. But the car would see some styling improvements in its third year since the last change. This ’66 ragtop was owned by the seller’s father who has since passed on. It’s been off the road since 1982 but looks like it might not need much to get back out there since it’s been in a first-class garage all this time. Located in Mesquite, Texas, this car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $25,000 OBO.
Fans of the pre-1967 Thunderbirds might have been glad to learn later on that Ford switched from unibody to body-on-frame construction as rust repairs and other body damage would be easier to deal with, should they arise. When unibodies begin to rust, they become weak and often expensive to repair. The 1966 Thunderbird would add more luxury items as standard equipment that were previously optional, yet the base price of all models would see a decrease. The ’66 T-Bird could be had with a 428 cubic inch V8 that put out 345 hp, a nice uptick from the aging 390. Out of 69,000 T-Birds built for 1966, the convertible in its swan song year saw just over 5,000 copies. So, they’re not exactly commonplace today.
The 1966 Thunderbird was billed as “America’s Personal Luxury Car”, an appropriate description for the seller’s car. At 71,000 miles, it last saw time on the road nearly 40 years ago. It’s one of five cars owned by the seller’s deceased father and the last to be sold from that collection. The seller doesn’t mention whether the car runs, but at the asking price we’re going to assume that it does. It has that 428 V8 with an automatic transmission. The nifty looking barn where the car resides looks to be a nice place to hide out. As such, the body and interior appear to have held up.
We’re told this car has no rust but one small dent in the trunk lid. The paint looks to be some sort of custom job applied some years ago. The cloth convertible top is new. The only fault we know of with the interior is that the driver’s door panel needs attention. The seller believes this could be a $40-50,000 car when cleaned up, fixed up and repainted. That sounds optimistic, with the asking price being more in line for a nice edition. The seller says he’s willing to negotiate, so if you’re interested in this T-Bird, take him up on it.
My favorite year, big engine and ‘vert. Instant repaint is needed, though the seller really should give it a bath, but an in-person inspection is warranted.
If only pretty pictures sold a car. The first picture, in the lighted garage just past sunset is beautiful, however, it’s still a non running project that needs work and a realistic price.
Steve R
I love the ’66 convertible, would love to have one.
But they’re maintenance headaches, and only a pristine one could fetch that kind of price.
So I agree with you, waaaay overpriced from the information available. Not even in the ballpark.
The first picture of this story should be the new Barn Finds logo…love this year ‘bird, and love the 428…nice find!
Almost tempted to say I like the barn even better than the ‘bird…
I want this barn/garage so bad…wouldn’t mind having the T-bird too
Is that a fairy on the fender?
Seems like it, or maybe a butterfly in profile view… which would be an odd choice.
It looks like it might be one of Texas’ many indigenous butterfly species. Possibly an Acmon Blue, a Mexican Bluewing, a Pipevine Swallowtail or a Blue Metalmark, all of which are primarily blue in color. Among the things Texas is noted for, it has wonderful variety of beautiful butterflies and moths.
Or maybe it’s “Tinkerbelle”. Maybe the owner wanted a cartoon mascot something like the Lincoln racing team used in the Carrerra Pan-America of 1954 when renditions of Speedy Gonzales, Dennis the Menace and others were painted on the hoods of the big cars.
Question here: last of unibody construction? Were the original two seater ‘birds unibody? I seem to remember someone telling me that they had a rather robust frame. Was I given incorrect info, or was it the 4 seater birds starting in 58 that had the unibody?
55 thru 57 were all full separate frame. 58 thru 66 all unibody, then full separate frame from 67 thru 79 then back to unibody
I’ve noticed lately that there are a lot of these ’64-’66 Birds for sale out there. And sure, as a convert it may have some measure of “rarity”, but 25K for this car is optimistic to say the least, especially since it hasn’t run in 38 years. A quick check on Hagerty’s site might be in order.
True and I’ve been thinking these are typical grayhead-owned classics being in same ownership through decades; boomers who migth have passed away recently.
While a ‘vert/428 may be a not-so-common combo one should still be able to get much ‘bird even below 10k
This model 66 428 Thunderbird was my first restoration project at 16. Great body, no rust and clean interior but had to rebuild engine and brakes. I took a Ford dealer with me to check it out before I paid $600 for it. Spent 2 years working on it and learned more than my next 4 yrs in college. Also I love that barn in the pic.
Thelma & Louise!
doesn’t mean much, but one option that is missing is the somewhat rare, passenger, side view mirror… had a ’65 T-Bird hardtop and took me forever to find that mirror option(with the cable and dash mounted control)… also the AM/FM radio with the flip buttons and rear speaker grill panel that went between the two rear seats, other tough options to hunt down… beast of a car to work on… everything was large and had weight to it!… LOL!… this was back in the late 70’s
Always thought they went all-in with the gauge cluster & console surrounds compared to any other car of the era +/- 10 years. Certainly didn’t skimp on anything. Gives a lot to look at & actually use than some plain jane setup.
The 66 may be desirable for some but if you want to make that statement about a milestone we should be talking about what made ford famous. Thunderbird started making thirds on 1955 and followed by 2 more years. That’s a milestone.
Just take a look at values. A 66 never sells for the price of a 56.
Those 2 door convertibles are iconic!!!
Freddy,
I learned something today. I had to find some pics, but yes, they are uni-bodies.
Terrific car. Right body style, right engine, ugly paint job. Very ugly price, considering condition. Everybody thinks they can pad their retirement by selling an old car.
The cars are terrific and this one is overpriced. It will need immediate paint and mechanical attention.
After 57 the Thunderbirds were ugly.
The head on shot in the barn looks like there might be a jack under the car, but no pics under the car, or of the engine bay. For $25k I’d think the seller would offer more pics.
Ford was stingy sticking the 428 in the 66 birds. Mopar,Chevrolet, Pontiac, Olds, Buick all had their big mill’s in their top of the line land yachts.
Maybe worth $25k, but only if the barn and a couple acres of Texas land are included…
56 Thunderbirds are out of reach for most of us and the 66s thru 68s are more affordable, and being 4 passenger cars are more pratical and lots of fun to work on. Parts are easier to get as well.
Not the most popular year of the original T Bird. There is a reason why 66 was the last year. And it is way over priced, I would say that in this condition it has to be significantly less than 10K because it likely will eat up 20K in a hurry just to get it decent – not show car condition.
I wonder after all the years of the Thunderbird having a console, Ford never put the transmission shifter in it?
Had a 1966 390 when I was young and had a good back. It would be nice to see that door tag with the options – and where’s that 428 motor ? Still fishing for a buyer at that price.
Not sure why it needs a paint job right off the bat. Wash, use a good rubbing compound and wax and it would look pretty good. Not auction good, but as has been pointed out the cost to get there is prohibitive.
Because the current one is ugly and deteriorating.