- Seller: Isidro H
- Location: Camden, New Jersey
- Mileage: 95,885 Shown
- Chassis #: 6Y83Z136739
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 390 Cubic-Inch V8
- Transmission: Automatic
Ford created the Personal Luxury Car market segment when it released the original Thunderbird in 1955. It remained a staple of its model range for over forty years before experiencing a brief revival in the New Millenium. This T-Bird rolled off the line in 1966 and is a project candidate needing restoration. The owner seeks someone willing and able to do this Ford justice, listing the T-Bird with us at Barn Finds. Given the low asking price, we are cutting the buyer’s fee in half on this one.
Ford produced its Fourth-Generation Thunderbird range from 1964 until 1966, with this car emerging during the final year. Sales volumes had dropped compared to previous years, but there were still 69,176 buyers willing to give one a home that year. This T-Bird is begging for love, with its Candy Apple Red paint exhibiting significant deterioration. However, this is a case where we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. The seller believes the vital structure of the car to be solid. There is visible rust in the usual trouble spots, but without a closer look it’s hard to say how extensive the issue really is. Stripping the vehicle to bare metal would seem the most appropriate course of action to ensure all the rust is found and addressed. While fixing the rust won’t be a small task, all the metal needed is available, so it won’t be an impossible task. The Thunderbird retains most of its factory trim, and it looks restorable. The tinted glass shows no evidence of problems.
This Thunderbird’s interior is a bit of a surprise because its condition is far better than the exterior appearance might suggest. The headliner has seen better days, and splits are developing on the driver’s seat, but it is far from being a lost cause. Step one would be to treat everything to a deep clean because the carpet and most of the trim should improve with some TLC. Sourcing a headliner won’t cost a fortune, and a specialist may be able to revive the Black leather on the front seats without the need to replace them. The factory radio has made way for a Pioneer radio/cassette player, which appears to be the only addition. Once this T-Bird returns to active service, the new owner will appreciate the cool breeze the factory air conditioning provides.
Thunderbird buyers in 1966 received the company’s 390ci V8 as the entry-level engine, but it provided a healthy power level. It sent 315hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission, while every buyer received power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. Ford didn’t focus on outright performance with the 390, marketing the Thunderbird as an effortless, almost eerily quiet long-distance cruiser. Pegging the needle at 70 on the open road was challenging for some owners because these cars begged to be driven faster. Potential buyers will be pleased to learn that this T-Bird is believed to retain its original drivetrain and is unmodified. The drivetrain components are proven items with a well-earned reputation for longevity. Hopefully, this one can be returned to the road without a complete rebuild.
One of the challenges facing enthusiasts seeking a project candidate is locating an affordable car. This is especially true for those embarking on their first ownership journey because a more expensive vehicle can leave a bitter taste if things don’t go according to their plans. This 1966 Ford Thunderbird falls into the affordable category, reducing the financial risk for its new owner. The seller is open to hearing offers, so it could be a viable option even if you want it as a parts car for another T-Bird. It requires plenty of TLC if you’re going to put it back on the road, but a competent owner could reduce the project costs by tackling many of the more straightforward or mundane tasks themselves.
* Our offer form shows the buyer’s fee at $500, but we are cutting it down to $250 for this Thunderbird.
I’ll be watching this auction with interest. Two weeks ago, I bought a 66 Bird project car with 428; the guy said the car ran, and that it just needed a starter. But NOOOOO……the engine is locked. The interior is nice (Ivy Gold), and the body is pretty good. But the 428 is locked down tighter than Fort Knox.
A few calls to some T-bird places out West made it clear that the only years of T-Bird that matter are 55-57, and possibly 58. The “Flair Birds” have a following, but nothing like the first generation. I told the T-Bird guy out West that there were some nice parts on this car….bumpers, grill, glass etc., but he said there’s no market for parts off the 64-66 Thunderbirds.
So, as you can see, I’ve done my research. Just not at the correct time!
It is not a 1966 Thunderbird, probably a 1964, maybe 65.
Not that it makes a whole lot of difference, but this absolutely is a 1966 model. The front grille, the grill emblem, the rear bumper with full red tail light lens, the back seat pattern….all ’66.
how about a picture or two of the under carriage ? engine bay ? why on the jack stands? good way to store or did you have to do some work ? when last run do you think engine stuck thanks
Derek of Vice Grip Garage could spend two episodes on this one! Get it running and another for the cleaning. What does it smell like?
Wait, I just realized it’s in Camden NJ just over the river. This is a favorite year, but no. Someone else?
Smells like old Band-Aids and Broccoli.
I love this body style a lot better than the Landau body style. There is one close to me with the same body style(and a lot cleaner) for 5K. Thinking hard about that one!
good price. should have posted engine pics. if i were a fomoco guy i would be all over it.
This has to be some of the most deceptive pictures ever taken. You can barely see the huge rust hole at the lower driver fender in one picture, and takes a picture of the front of the fender so you can’t see it. No pictures of the passenger side. Ridiculous.
Definitely 1966. Title says so. Not to mention correct trim. Would be better if it had come with the 428 engine. 66 was the first year for that t bird option. Should have
a c4 or c6 transmission. Cruise a matic went the way of the dinosaurs that year.
On 428 lock up. Spray Creoil into the cylinders, onto rocker arms. Let it work overnight. Have resurrected a few field cars that way. Also the timing chain.
Thanks Steve. I sprayed Blaster in the cylinders, and the next morning there was Blaster all over the floor. I scoped the cylinders and #4 had 1/2 a piston. Sold the car on Thursday, and on Friday the guy had it up for sale again.