Although 1966 was the final year for the fourth generation Thunderbird, Ford made a few cosmetic modifications from the previous year’s model including a new grille with a huge Thunderbird emblem right in the center. The standard 390 cubic inch V-8 also gained 15 horsepower from last year. The T-Bird was flying high in the 1960s, and if you are in the market for an all-original example this 1966 Ford Thunderbird Coupe might be worth a look. Located in Hillsboro, Oregon, it can be seen here on Craigslist with an asking price of $6,000. Barn Finds wishes to thank reader Matt H. for the great tip on this one.
The Thunderbird being offered here is claimed to be 100% original, right down to the wing nut on the air cleaner! The seller says that the only thing not original is the spare tire, which has gone missing in action. But the four tires that are present on the car are all brand new. The body and paint are said to be in satisfactory condition, with the body lines aligned perfectly. I think I’d agree with that- not great, not good, but satisfactory. No word on how long the current owner has had the vehicle, or if it has ever had a respray.
Inside, things are looking about the way you’d expect from an original 55-year-old interior. There’s an obvious tear in the driver’s seat, although all other seats are said to be fine, and the console is looking a little funky, but the seller calls the overall condition of the car “fair” which seems pretty reasonable.
The 390 is paired with a C6 automatic transmission, a heavy-duty 3-speed automatic that Ford introduced in 1966. The stated horsepower for the 390 in 1966 was 315, so the Thunderbird was no slouch when it came to performance. The seller says that this car still runs and drives extremely well, very smoothly, and claims that it is nimble and quick. Recent service includes a new distributor, alternator, plug wires, and fluid changes, although there is a transmission fluid leak. The electrical system is also said to be in need of some TLC.
Overall this does look like a pretty nice Thunderbird to be all original, and as it is often said they’re only original once. What are your thoughts on this 1966 Ford Thunderbird Coupe? I’d be tempted to just address the electrical issues, fix the transmission leak, and just enjoy driving it around town. What would you do with it if you bought this T-Bird?
I sold one in very similar condition a few years ago for $3500. Back bumper is sticking out way too far, I’d have to see what’s going on with that, but otherwise it looks like a serious detailing and some upholstery work could get you a pretty nice car. Needs correct era whitewalls for the right look.
I’d fully agree with that assessment. Needs white wall tires. I’d have to address the issues with the sides of the console being damaged. the lower edges of the door panels being damaged or discolored, and the passenger side kick panel being damaged. I assume the interior got wet at some point which is why these areas don’t look so good. But for a driver, a car you wouldn’t worry too much about getting a parking lot ding or two – why not? It would need a full repaint to be show worthy, but if you wanted to have fun driving around in an old car, all you really need are good mechancals. If the owner’s assessment is true, this seems to be a pretty good deal.
I drove one in high school. They are elegant and powerful…dream car of my childhood. I paid $1200 in 1973 for a restored town landau. I bought one in boxes a few years ago for $1200. They’re great cars to own and maintain.
Doesn’t look like the overflow tank is connected…radiator dry?
Ad states $4k which is about right? No AC is a problem for some. I have owned 11 ! 66 thunderbirds in the last 50 years. They are built like a tank. This would make a great first car for a teenager if in fact any teenager wants one. Lots of cleanup and find the missing console covers etc.
Great comment Jeff. My Dad had this car in 74, bought it for 400 bucks. We would use it to go to and from the swimming pool. Best memory, my 14 yr old brother rolled it at around 15 mph into a guys front yard. No damage what so ever! Landed right side up, not a mark except for some grass and dirt embedded in the mirrors and door handles. The old man never knew a thing, which made it all even more special. Good times, good memories…Ours got 6 mph on premium gas, but would do an easy 100 foot burnout anyday.
My first car was a 65 T-Bird convertible, so I can attest to the “tank” comment. But living in Virginia, I am one of those for whom no AC is an issue. otherwise a nice car.
First things first, I put whitewall tires on it, find the fender skirts and convert it to power windows. No, wait, no power windows? I wouldn’t buy it in the first place.
I believe the 1966 Ford thunderbird expansion tank should be black, not body colored like the 64 and 65. And I think the model of this is Town Hardtop.
Richard,
You are correct. For 1966 the T-bird was available in 4 different body versions; The convertible and the standard hardtop with the 1/4 windows, just like in the previous years, and for 1966 only, Ford introduced a version without the 1/4 windows. If the sail panel had the T-Bird emblem, it was the Town Coupe as seen here. If it had the swooping Landau bar and vinyl roof, it was the Landau Coupe, which is a bit rarer.
Didn’t Thelma and Louise jump a convertible one of these into the grand Canyon? Cut the top off and try to repeat that camera scene.
These are cool cars with a space age dash and a back seat that reminds me of booth seats at a Vegas lounge. These models are almost forgotten compared to the Mustang.