OK, I’ll admit it. From time to time, I have taken a snarky attitude towards mid-to-late-seventies disco duck mobiles, such as this 1976 Ford Thunderbird. It’s not a retrospective on my part; I clearly recall the era, and was comparing 1976 to the period of 1970 and earlier, so I lamented the girth, park bench-sized bumpers, opera windows, wire-wheel covers, stand-up hood ornaments, and 7.5-liter V8s that choked out a measly 202 net HP. Alright, enough of that, this resident of Denver, Pennsylvania, is an absolute beauty! Yes, time does change one’s views (and a world full of SUVs and CUVs helps bring about a different perspective, too). So, with that thought, let’s review this black beauty. Those with an interest in this outsized personal luxury coupe will find it here on Facebook Marketplace, where it’s available for $16,500. Thanks are due to T.J. for this discovery!
The bicentennial year of 1976 was the final hurrah for the sixth generation (’72-’76) Thunderbird, and it sold well, moving 53K units. The ’77 follow-on would be downsized – a movement that was all the rage that year, particularly at GM. Get the big ones while you can was one way to promote the ’76 ‘Bird, and these are big cars, almost 226 inches in length (think Buick Electra 225), stretched over a 120-inch wheelbase, and tipping the scale with 5,000 lbs. of curb weight.
Dignified is one way that I would describe this Thunderbird. Black always presents a formal bearing, especially when topped with a color-matching vinyl top, not a silly landau lid – a popular trend that I never understood. The code 1C black finish is a mile deep with a fantastic luster – the seller states, “Very clean and garage kept.” I’d say that’s an understatement. Ford did offer special luxury trim options such as Creme and Gold, Bordeaux, and Lipstick, and these featured specific exterior and interior hues, but this Bird is just basic black. Every bit of this claimed 61K-mile car, i.e., the chrome, stainless trim, vinyl top, etc., is just like new.
Oddly, the interior really isn’t photographed, and that’s surprising – especially on a rig of this caliber. Ford promotional material states that the standard upholstery is “Aurora Cloth and Vinyl,” and based on the door panel, I’d assume that’s what’s here. The front seat is a split bench affair, and the interior is about what you’d expect on a car of this nature. Promotional images show a subdued, not overly informative instrument panel, bits of fake wood trim, and very fluffy carpet.
The engine room is commanded by Mr. Big, a 202 net HP 460 CI “385 series” V8 engine connected to a C6, three-speed automatic transmission. The seller tells us that he just had the engine “tuned up” but doesn’t elaborate beyond that. A word about that power output – yes, that’s what I would call “leisurely”. But, I have it on reliable information that this big-incher powerplant is a real stump-puller, so the low-end walk-away is stout thanks to 352 net pound-feet of torque. No, it’s not gonna win an acceleration contest, but then again, you’re not going to try having fun, fun, fun at the dragstrip until Pops takes the keys away, so it doesn’t matter.
Yep, this is a good one. Concerns? None really, though, checking out the door hinges on those titanic-sized doors may be warranted – sometimes the bushings wear out (quickly) and you end up with hard-to-close, saggy doors. But even if that’s a problem, it’s a minor one. Let’s talk price, at $16,500, what’s your thought, priced right or not quite?
Had it’s white Cougar cousin. Magnificent, untill it wasn’t. QC was AWOL resulting in a FUBAR.
Had it’s white Cougar cousin. Magnificent, untill it wasn’t. QC was AWOL resulting in a FUBAR.
I might be mistaken but I believe the Thunderbird and Lincoln Mark IV shared the same platform. Classy and dignified.
Yes the Thunderbird and Mark IV did share the same platform. They were essentially the same car built on the Ford Wixom assembly line. The Mark was a fancier Thunderbird.
I believe you are right. The Cougar was more akin to the Gran Torino.
That is correct sir, the Cougar and Thunderbird did not share a platform until 1977 .
Jim, good write-up. Similar to you, my sentiments towards this car, and other cars in its market segment at the time, have changed. When they were new, I was more into sporty cars (or even economy cars, given that is what I could afford). But now I appreciate them for what they are: big, luxurious, competent, highly-styled, quiet cruisers.
This looks like a great T-Bird. Triple black, when clean, always looks classy.
What’s not to like here. 460 Ford in black 👍
While not a genuine LAND YACHT, I agree! It’s HUGE! It guzzles gas! It pollutes the air! It scares the birds! Other cars part like the Red Sea to get out of its way!What’s NOT to love ?
THIS is a Thunderbird! ! ! 👍 🏆
If you like this car and its retro feel – get a 72.
Ah I do have a 1972 with the delicate bumpers , white with dark blue top and cloth interior 429cid owned it for over 40 years with 46,000 miles . And it will blow the doors off of my 1974 MKIV with the 460cid . And no the odometer has not rolled over .luv reading the comments .
A beautiful car…. again until it wasn’t. As an 18 year old new Ford Motor Company hire I couldn’t wait to buy my new blue 73 T- bird (same body minus the enormous rear bumper) using my dad’s A-plan discount. Shortly after purchase I installed the ever popular Appliance wire wheels. I was stylin’! The car was about 9 months old when a good wax job ended in the right front lower fender caving in with a golf ball size hole. Ford ended up with a secret recall to replace thousands of fenders on Wixom built products due to inferior Japanese steel used in front fenders. Repair looked awful. After that, countless hours spent in Firestone tire dealers over the Firestone 500 recall. A nightmare. Sold the car for $175 in 1980. In 1982 I got a call from the Detroit police department. They found my 73 t bird abandoned in Detroit. Did I want it back? Heck no! A fitting end to the most disappointing car I’ve ever owned.
The summer of ’76 (me 17yo), my divorced mom’s best gf showed up at our door with a bottle in hand and tossed me the keys to her new triple silver Tbird. I made a few calls and soon “the boys” were parked by the door of a local sketchy strip club trying to act like big shots lol. All we got was empty admiration and a promise to return when of age, but for a brief moment, we all felt like a million bucks!
Should have stayed home with mom’s gf and the wine
Put a timing chain in Thunderbird and install cam 2° advanced and that 460 twist the transmission in half.
Sure sound like great cars!
I prefer ’55- ’56 Birds myself…
The ads make editing a PITA.
Only if she had tossed Mom the keys, then there would have been no need to go out, hehehe!
A Thunderbird without thunder
Au Contrare! IMO this was the last Bird WITH any Thunder ⛈
Speaking as an 18 yo up and coming auto painter. When this and the Mark showed up with front end damage, my only being 5 foot 7 inches winced at the thought of sprayng that football field size hood. Gorgeous cars though.
There was always a “Mystique” about a Thunderbird, and it took me till 1980 to finally get mine, when I graduated in 1978 one of my classmates (A girl of course) was complaining that here folks had bought her a brand new T Bird she was complaining that it was too big. My folks had got me a new car for my graduation too, a 1978 Granada, I offered to trade with her!!!
My 80 T Bird was much smaller but I had it customized to my taste, I had the windows etched by a glass maker, Pin Striped, Tru Spoke wheels, Custom stereo system that I had built in to look factory, White with White 1/2 Vinyl roof and Red Interior. I sold it after I got Married for an 84 Ranger Pick up. (The biggest pile of crap I have ever owned) I wish I could find that T Bird again