The fourth generation of the Ford T-Bird ran from 1964-66 and is sometimes referred to as the “Flair-Bird” because of its styling and luxury. They were still powerful machines with at least a 390 cubic inch V8 available for propulsion. This beautiful 1965 example is said to have been owned by a senior citizen who’s in the downsizing mode, so his/her loss could be your gain. Located in Maple Lake, Minnesota, this “Wonder-Bird” is available here on craigslist for $15,950. Barn Finder T.J. continues to bring cool tips like this our way!
With the 1964 redesign, the Thunderbirds recaptured some of the square styling of the 1958-60 personal luxury automobiles. You had your choice of nearly two dozen paint colors and many of them were unique to T-Birds. Buyers were no doubt pleased with the direction the Thunderbird was going as the fourth generation outsold the third by 10% at 236,000 copies across three years.
This Bird has only accumulated 49,000 miles and the seller says they’re documented by a plethora of service receipts. It no doubt has spent much of its time hanging out in a garage and pampered when it wasn’t in motion. No word is made of much work having been done or needed other than a shift to R134A coolant for the factory air conditioning. We’re told it drives well, although an engine with a 10:1 compression ratio isn’t going to be good on gas as the seller suggests.
The body and Patrician Green paint look outstanding. And the white interior with bucket seats is quite tidy and inviting. If any of this has been redone, it was done well. The trunk looks nice, and the spare tire and jack were removed for photography. If these Flair-Birds are your cup of tea, it might be hard to find a nicer one at this price.
Thanks Russ. Looks like a nice T-Bird. This generation doesn’t seem to bring the super big bucks. I’ve never driven one, but it seems like they would make for capable, stylish cruisers.
Interesting piece of info: nearly two dozen paint choices!!
Hi Bob, had a 66 landau with the larger motor 428 if i remember correctly. It being a big car it gave a great ride with adequate power. The swing away steering wheel was nice for entering and exiting. Mine had a built in headrest where it slid part of the seat back up to create it.
It became the first of many birds for me they were all nicely styled. Its a steal at that prIce. Steve 😎
My favorite T-Bird and favorite interior of any car. Very cool car.
I agree, you can’t get a much cooler looking interior than these.
My wife’s favorite car, we owned one for several years. But they are the hardest to find parts for. The power steering gear box seems to be a weak spot, and the turn signal sequencers are really hard to find, but can be recreated with modern electronics.
I remember when I first saw these Thunderbirds and I really liked the console in them. I sure didn’t imagine that they would be so common years later.
Having 10:1cr isn’t going to hurt driveability,you have to run at least 91 octane or more preferably 93.The 390 i had in my F250 was around 10:5.1 and did good with 93 and occasionally used 101.You might have to back your timing out a degree or two if you run lower than 91.just a few ways to deal with the issue…
First Ford product with sequential taillights.
Beautiful bird. Have a neighbor with one , red with black interior. I’ve always liked this generation the best until the 80’s aero birds. Not really small but as nimble as a 5000 lb sled can be. Never understood though why Ford would put in the console but keep the shifter on the column. My 92 Sport had the console shifter, just looked more natural.
My girlfriend had one of these back in 1969. Beautiful car. Very upscale back then. Not fastest, best handling, most economical car but generally nice. Only downside to this car, as I remember, was the front buckets were too far away for me to put my arm around her, whether she was driving or I was!!!!
It has 1966 thunderbird deluxe hubcaps, which look better than the ’65s. Nice car.
Clean car. My first car (in my parents name) was a 65 convertible. My wife didn’t show any interest, so I guess this will not be coming home with me.
Beautiful color combo! Took my driving test in my Moms new ’64 TBird, white w/ black interior. The examiner said what a great car! Loved the backseat, it was like a “lounge booth”!!🤣😂
Yep….looks like the real deal listing and maybe a buy at that price…..just don’t ask me to work on it…..had a 1966 and that was back when I had a young back !
These cars were inspired and possibly catered to airline pilots. Even the ads depicted uniformed pilots flying through the clouds in a T-Bird. Overhead doo-dads, added to the touch. Airplane technology? Hardly, but pilots were revered as the most techy people, and a heck of a spokesperson, beaten out only by astronauts. Ironically, for people that didn’t like flying, a mid 60s T-Bird was the next best thing. They literally flew on the ground. I’d have to say honestly, Fords last great personal cruiser, and here it is. I guarantee the new owner will see what that was all about in 1965.
A real beauty, but it was the ’66 with the full width tail lights that stole my heart! GLWTS!! :-)
The steering wheel should swing away don’t know if this does or not
This is a really nice car. I looked closely and I didn’t see a flaw anywhere.
Interior is as nice as the outside.
The dome light even works. Wow!
I believe it is a good buy?
Just my oponion!
1965 had the swing away wheel. When the top was down I’d jump over the door into my convertible.
Like Ed “Kooky” Burns at 77 Sunset Strip!
Back in 1966 my History teacher had one of these beauties.
Blue interior and exterior with white vinyl top.
I remember being mesmerized as a 13 yearold boy when she came cruising into the parking lot radio playing shifted into park rolled up both power windows at once pushed the steering wheel to the right and got out wearing her mini skirt.
My girlfriend and I just got one of these to fix up as our first project together!! Ours is a 66 at the moment. It looks to be a rose color with black interior.