The fourth generation of the Ford Thunderbird would be it’s most successful to date.  And when it came to personal luxury cars, the T-Bird was the one to beat. New for 1966 was the Town Hardtop and Town Landau, which had blind roof quarters that created an ultra-formal look. They would sell like hotcakes, representing 73% of all the Thunderbird’s production that year. This Town Hardtop (no vinyl top) is a project that’s been in storage for more than 40 years. Located in Boonville, New York, the seller has priced it to move at $1,990 here on eBay.

In those days, Thunderbird styling cycles would run in three’s (1955-57, 1958-60, 1961-63, and 1964-66), so the ’66 T-Birds were in their last year before getting a major redesign that would include the addition of a 4-door hardtop. The convertible would be retired that year along with the use of unibody construction. While I’ve never sat behind the wheel of one of these Town Hardtops/Landau’s, I’ve got to think that changing lanes would have to be a hassle with those huge C-pillars. And sitting in the backseat might have an enclosed feeling, maybe not for those who are claustrophobic.

We’re told this Town Hardtop (again, no vinyl on the roof) was parked more than 40 years ago. Fortunately, that was in a barn with a cement floor. Its last registration for use on the roadways in New York State was in 1981. It has a 390 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor that would have been rated at 315 hp in 1966. The big 428 was an option that year that would gain another 30 horses, but that’s not the case here. The seller says the car was in running condition when stored, but all bets are off now after four decades. The transmission linkage is disconnected and the brakes have been removed, so it’s a roller at this stage.

The seller goes on to say that you’ll find some serious rust in the quarter panels and battery box (which was the pane of unibodies). Most everything is still there except for the keys and ignition switch. The contents of the trunk are unknown, so opening it may reveal treasures like those that were anticipated in opening Al Capone’s vault. The driver’s door is a replacement, and it doesn’t latch properly.

The interior is in mostly good shape, though it looks as though the carpeting has been pulled out. Since New York doesn’t title vehicles built before 1973, the buyer will get a “transferrable registration”. There’s a lot of work needed here, but for less than $2,000, it may make a good parts car.