When I hear the term “Personal Luxury Coupe”, I always drift towards thoughts of Pontiac’s Grand Prix or Chevrolet’s Monte Carlo. Ford, however, priescently invented the segment with the 1958 introduction of the “Square Bird” – and they made hay with that model for years before it became oversized and overwrought in the mid-seventies. So why doesn’t the PLC designation immediately conjure up visions of the T-Bird, such as today’s 1964 example? Probably because the first gen (’55-’57) two-seater, known affectionately as the “Baby Bird,” steals the visual show and cements the Thunderbird image. I posit, however, that the fourth-gen (’64-’66) T-Bird shouldn’t be ignored, as they were a perfect combination of PLC and smooth, refined power. Let’s check out this Bellingham, Washington, subject, and I’ll show you what I mean. Here on craigslist is where you’ll find it, and it’s available for $17,000, obo. Thanks are due to Curvette for this tip!
The fourth-gen (’64-’66) Thunderbird was a fairly minor revision to the third-gen (’61-’63), with one of the most obvious changes being the elimination of the circular “afterburner” taillights. Starting in ’64, T-bird’s rear valance panel contained horizontal taillights, which in ’65 featured a three-unit sequential turn signal pattern – big stuff for that era. The ’64 redo led to a big increase in sales, 92.3K copies or a 46% increase over ’63. Body styles were two: a two-door hardtop and convertible, while the hardtop version also featured an optional Landau trim level. The seller considers this Thunderbird to be all original and having spent the last 30 years barn-bound. This car shows well with a consistent finish, bright chrome, and no indication of rust or body panel damage. The only deviation from stock that I notice is the protruding chrome-tipped tail pipes.
The interior is photographed from a distance, so the details are not readily observable. What can be seen is a typical blue vinyl upholstered environment, replete with bucket seats and a center console. Regardless, it all appears to be in fine nick, with the exception of the driver’s door armrest. One nice interior feature is the standard equipment “Swing Away” steering wheel/column, which shifts horizontally for easier ingress/egress to the driver’s seat. Of note, A/C was an option, and I can’t spot the obvious compressor under the hood, so I’d run with the assumption that this T-Bird relies on “260” air conditioning.
Thunderbirds from the sixties were all about power, and they did not disappoint with their 300 gross HP, 390 CI V8 engine. The seller claims this car “runs and drives good,” and he has “spent six months on mechanical restoration, brake system, seals, steering, large list…” A Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission was the only gearbox offered. The seller mentions that he has swapped out the carburetor, but the original is included in the sale.
Straightforward and clean is one way to describe this T-Bird – there’s nothing pretentious or ostentatious about it. At 205 inches in overall length, riding on a 113″ wheelbase, it seems right-sized, and this particular example appears to need nothing. I’m not sure about that price, I suppose it’s in line, but if I were interested in a fourth-gen Thunderbird, this would be one I would consider; how about you?
Looks good. I like this generation of T-Birds. Sounds like it has had quite a bit of work. Fix the armrest and give it some whitewalls.
Nice. First one of these I’ve seen without white walls. Agree with Bob that it needs them.
I would agree with you. However, the Marti report on my 65 says it was originally delivered with red line tires. I think I might try them on the next set of tires I need.
I’d buy it now if I could, my favorite year of this series
Last year of the Front drum brakes on the Thunderbird. Hold out for a ’65 with the big 4 piston calipers.
I like this one too, and for the cautious reason that this low-to-ground cruiser is easy-to-be-seen white color. I said it before here that especially in dark or low light conditions this is important. Even in broad daylight, traveling from sunny to shady light that is true. Well, this looks to be a nice #3 driver worth the price likely after inspection.
A beautiful machine and pretty good deal if it checks out rust free and runs and drives well. Agree on whitewalls.
My parents bought a one year old “demo” from Walker Buerge Ford in WLA. It was white also but with black interior and with all the options including a AM/FM radio which was a big deal in 1964. That car was such a smooth cruiser. We did Sunday drives every week to the OC and the Mountains. The back seat easily held us three kids in style. My parents finally sold it years later when our family obviously needed a wagon. Very fond memories of that car. I would love to find a ’64 convertible in good shape……
Sold a `64 Convertible last year at this same time. White with Red interior and a Black roof. These are excellent cruisers. Guaranteed to be a conversation starter anywhere you go. Simple mechanics (except the Convertible mechanisms) and easy to work on. Taught my two young daughters how to work on an engine with it – only two years ago. Dash and seats are a joy to look at in any light. Little known fact to some, these were built on the same assembly line as Lincoln Continentals at the Wixom Plant! They seem to have a bump in quality compared to the rest of the Ford line. BTW – BAT didn’t like my proposed reserve so I didn’t sell it here. Got another $15K on CL.
Really love these gen. Thunderbirds. Especially the interiors with the swing away steering wheel and those beautifully stylish chrome accents and gauges. Also love the way the rear seat sort of wrapped around on the sides. So beautifully styled. Not quite sure about their asking price but it looks like a really shape car.
I have a ‘65 Sunlight Yellow coupe. It rides like a couch on wheels. One of my favorite things is the wraparound rear seat, it is literally a love seat back there. The rear seat and sway away steering always get comments by those who stop to check it out. I’d put the ride up against any new car. Notice I said “ride”, not handling!
Nice little’64. It never ceases to amaze me how soft the market is on these given all that they offer.