We’ve featured several cars on Barn Finds over the years that were once owned by celebrities, and it’s always interesting to hear what our readers have to say about whether or not that factor bears any importance regarding their value. Those old enough to remember the early Superman film serials might appreciate the ties to this 1971 Ford Thunderbird here on eBay, as it was originally owned by Noel Neill, the late actress who played the superhero’s love interest, Lois Lane. This one’s located in De Witt, Iowa, with the current bid of $777 likely nowhere near the reserve. This T-Bird can also be yours right now, for the buy-it-now price of $17,997.
We’d like to thank tipster Mitchell G. for bringing this one to our attention! The fifth generation of the Thunderbird lasted from 1967-1971, with the first three years featuring a mostly flat front end. In 1970, Ford added what many refer to as a beak, with a sculpted hood and protruding nose, which became even more pronounced for the ’71 model. Some enthusiasts aren’t very fond of this design detail, with others seeming to dig it, but more important here is the overall condition outside. The paint, vinyl top, trim, and wheel covers are all said to be original, with the seller describing the car as a nice quality driver.
The black vinyl interior is also said to be very original, and includes some desirable accessories such as power windows, door locks, and a tilt steering wheel. The AM/FM radio is still the factory component, and it’s favorable to see that this one also came with air conditioning. A cover is hiding a few cracks in the dash, but unless you’re seeking perfection, the inside area is probably satisfactory. A few Superman insignias have also been added in here, to help remind passengers that Clark Kent’s girlfriend was previously behind the wheel!
A 429 cubic-inch V8 provides plenty of action under the hood here, making a respectable 360 horsepower, not a bad number at all for the period. Its operation is described as smooth and strong, and this one’s also equipped with a C6 automatic transmission. I’m not sure the movie star association adds any real value here, but it’s certainly a fun conversation starter, and this one seems to be priced reasonably for a weekend cruiser. What are your thoughts on this 1971 Ford Thunderbird?
Thanks Mike. Not my favorite generation of T-Birds, but this example looks to be in good condition. The mustardy-yellow paint with the black roof and interior is certainly eye-catching. For me, the celebrity connection adds no value, especially since I had no idea who it was. The window sticker and Marti Report are a nice touch; too bad the reflection off the glass makes them illegible. Would make a nice cruiser.
Noel came a long way from Lois Metropolitan to this Thunderbird. Maybe her role in SUPERMAN gave her the cash to FLY in this Tbird.
This car has quite the beak. ….
The grille is missing so maybe Superman can go fly out and find one..
These were big sleds back in-the day but the 429 thunder-jets 360 ponies should get it moving.
The grille is there just blacked out..Love these alot,My Uncle Don had a 70′ in black it was so fast once above about 20-30 mph..The weight held it back off the line but once it overcame that it was monstrously fast(for the era)Prefer the non-vinyl roof version though alot sportier with the semi-fastback style.
I’m with you on losing the vinyl roof! Vinyl shouldn’t be anywhere near the outside of either cars or houses, IMHO! The bidding stands at $5200, with just over two (2) days left in the auction. GLWTA.
Well, there certainly is a lot of hoo-hah about whose car it was, and appears legit. Apparently, Ms. Neill had quite an extensive career, and like most, had to get to the studio somehow. I can’t make out the BOS , but looks like she paid $4200 and put $1500 down, and what looks like a ’67 Ford trade in, they didn’t give her much. I believe this was towards the end of her career, and had bills like anyone else. I read, she took a 20 year hiatus after Superman, came back with Cameo appearances AND, took care of Tom Sellecks fan mail( and who knows what else) Tell you what, she had great taste in cars, a little “girly”, but a fantastic car. Rolled like thunder,it did.
ONE BID??? Man, if you don’t think the classic car hobby is ka-put, you couldn’t find a better example. Heck, considering the stuff that comes through here, the asking price almost seems worth it. Such a shame, the ultimate “cruiser”, and not just for “gentlemen” either. I’m appalled nobody wants this.
Well, let’s see. And unloved style of T-Bird, in a very strange color for a ‘Bird, owned by an actress I’ve never heard of, all for close to $20,000. Maybe the market for off the wall classic cars is weakening?
Noel Neil was Lois Lane in the TV series, “The Adventures of Superman” (1952-56), which are still rerun in syndication, with George Reeves as “The Man of Steel”. They can be seen on the Me TV network at 1:00 A.M., ET, on Sunday mornings, as part of Me TV’s “Saturday Sci-Fi” weekend lineup. I used to watch them after school on WSBK, Channel 38, in Boston, home of the Boston Bruins TV network!
[title sequence]
“Announcer: Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!
Voices: Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!
Announcer: Yes, it’s Superman, strange visitor from another planet, who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Superman, who can change the course of mighty rivers, bend steel in his bare hands, and who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way.”
P.S. You can tell where I spent my afternoons in childhood! I watched this right after The Three Stooges, LOL!
Robert, we watched a lot of Red Sox and Three Stooges on the B&W portable – thanks Channel 38!
Hmmm Low of $777 and High of $17,997, and a lot of room in between. Personally, I would see the price end up near the low, but whadda I know, right? I agree, celebrity ownership has no effect on current value!
I would take a shot, but it won’t fit in my garage …. new construction and all.
Good luck to seller and eventual buyer.
I was a gas jockey in the 70’s and standing behind a car pumping gas into it and one of these t-birds pulled up and failed to stop and the protruding nose saved my legs from being crushed cause I was standing off to the right side in front of the headlights
What a color! Can’t miss this car, or lose it in a crowded parking lot.
That front end is called “The Bunky Beak”. Can’t think of his last name but Bunky was a head designer at Ford for awhile. He was famous for his pointy front ends.
Hi Angel! Just back from town where a large group is assembled. You can guess. Dug out my leathers 😲 YES, Leathers. Still trying to raise a little Cain! And succeeding to some extent. Anyway it was Bunky KNUDSON. But I think DeLorean was also involved at Pontiac where it first appeared in full bloom on the 69 Grand Prix. Sort of like a big uniDagmar. 😁 🤣 I’m not taking a train ,but like Gladys Knight, I got ta go !
That color is unique, that’s for sure! It looks like the color of Gulden’s mustard, or as we used to call it: Puppy Poop Brown”, LOL! I could live with the color, but I wish it had the bucket seats and console, and lost the vinyl roof, then it would be perfect!
Bunkie Knudsen was President of Ford in ‘68-69.
Semon “Bunky” Knudsen. No wonder he had a nickname. Semon, lol, what kind of stupid weiner name is that?
“Bunky” Knudsen had a LOT to do with changing Pontiacs Image starting in the mid to late 50’s. One of the first things he did was rip the chrome “Suspenders” off of them. And what an image Pontiac became going into the 60’s and beyond. ( I miss Pontiac).
I believe he pronounced it “Simon”, but on to the car. I like these for the uniqueness alone. The big beak and huge sail panel will make it a challenge to drive but, wow, what a statement. The chamios color only accents the appearance. Why comply when you can step out?
Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen was hired by Henry Ford II, a.k.a. “Hank the Deuce”, in the hopes that some GM magic would rub off on Ford. Spoiler Alert: It didn’t work and Bunkie was fired less that two (2) years later. He was also responsible for the short-lived and unloved 1971-73 Mustangs. He left GM because he didn’t get the Presidency of GM, it went to Ed Cole instead, IIRC. He felt it was his by birthright, as his father, William S. Knudsen, was a past President of GM and a three-star Army Lieutenant General during WWII. There are articles in Wikipedia on both the father and the son, for those who are interested. He wasn’t dumb, as he earned his undergraduate degree at MIT!
Hey boo!
Glad to see you’re getting out at least. We are not suppose to get political on here so I won’t. (I can just imagine)
This is a pretty bird, weird color but still, I love these “beaked birds.”
Some day………. some day.
Stay well, luv.
There’s something wrong with this Thunderbird. I always like this Landau version really well. Why does it look so blacked out? The rear tail light the blacked out. The front grill looks blacked out. The headlamp surrounds look blacked out. The windshield looks blacked out. I’m sure the side windows are the exact same way. I don’t care for this. Ford did not make this Thunderbird to look like this particular example. To me, the value of this Thunderbird has decreased dramatically, and I don’t care who owned it.
Hi Dave,
I personally think it’s the color of the car and the photo itself that make the taillights look blacked out. I actually thought the same first time I saw the rear of the car but I don’t think they are blacked out.
As for the front, the ’71 bird did have a black grill with three or four slim chrome bars evenly spaced. The headlight bezels were also painted flat black from the factory on all T-birds. Again, I think the color of the car brings attention to the flat black from the factory.
I’d have to see a Ford color and upholstery catalog before I believed that putrid yellow was a factory color. I think they had leftover paint from that Willys behind it in the first photo.
It was factory. My first car in 1972 was a 60 Bird that my Dad had painted the same yellow with a brown top. Took me years to get used to it…
She had a cameo role in the 1978 motion picture Superman starring Christopher Reeve. She played Lois Lanes mother.
Look, if I can sell my Jon Voight LeBaron, I could make an offer.
I think you have the Dr. John Voight car.
The Beaked Birds were not my favorite years, and whose idea was it to black out the front grill. It just looks strange. This one is certainly clean and who doesn’t love a 429? I agree with another’s statement that the celebrity connection doesn’t have much value to me. I’m not one to change original colors, but Acapulco Blue would look better than this Mustard Yellow.
The ugliest T-Bird ever made.
You can hide a bus in the C pillar blindspot.
Point of information. Two actresses played Lois Lane on SupermanTV show: Phyllis Coates and Noel Neil. [Not that anybody asked]
nit picking here…. The wire hubcaps, while they look nice on the car weren’t available till 74 for the 74-79 series Birds.
Ended at $11,300.
Reserve Not Met
16 bids.
It’s painful to see “ car guys( women)” that or don’t see the solid class of this car! What an absolute beautiful piece of history! Cars like these , big, heavy, gas guzzlers were signs of social status.
The big 3 all had these strange designs on the road.What was even worse in most vehicles , in my humble opinion,was not the exterior design but the interior! I have seen seats that look like aunt Betty’s 1930 kitchen curtains (thanks to Mopar for that )
Regardless of my opinion and my opinion only the Pontiacs , the Fords, Lincoln’s Mercurys of this era were some of the best designs ever created. Today we have every car that looks like every other car,A NO STYLE DECADE!