This T-Bird certainly isn’t the most desirable year or even in very good shape, but it could go cheap! The seller’s eBay name is repo-1, so I assume they specialize in towing and repossession work. They state that this Bird was donated to be sold. Was it donated to a charity or to them? I guess that detail isn’t all that important as along as the car goes cheap! You can find it here on eBay in Taunton, Massachusetts with a current bid of just $565! Interestingly, it comes with a Vermont Registration, which is a state that doesn’t title classic cars.
I’m strangely interested in this car, but I think it’s more out of curiosity than actually wanting to own it. These are actually great cars, I’ve never understood why they are so under appreciated, but there are a lot of questions about this one that need answering. Was it donated, as in given to them by the owner, or was it “donated” as in it became their property as a repossession. As long as they are the legal owners, it doesn’t really matter, but it’s a bit of information that would be important when it comes to title it. The seller claims it was put in a barn after it came from California and was left there until it was donated, so hopefully that means it was donated from an estate.
As you can see, the interior isn’t perfect, but could be used as is. These really were comfortable cars to drive and were fantastic highway cruisers. This one will definitely need lots of work to be a long distance traveler again. The seller claims the 390 runs, but from a fuel jug as the gas tank has a hole in it. So does anyone here know if finding interior and trim pieces for these is very difficult?
I’m not sure why I like the way this T-Bird looks so much, but it really has a great look to it! I even like the way the rust on the hood makes it look, but I would want to make sure none of the rust is too severe. Be sure to inspect the frame and shock towers for holes, as these can be problem areas for these cars that can be expensive and difficult to fix. If it’s solid, it sure would be a sweet cruiser! So are you a fan of the fifth generation T-Birds?
I like the t-birds from 57-66, and then the Turbo Coupes. There are a number of vendors who sell new or reproduction trim for these, just google or bing for vendors.
In its’ current state, and the bidding up slightly over $1200.00 with a day, more or less, about $1500.00 would be a good purchase price. It is listed as a base Thunderbird, so interior should be vinyl for that year and any good upholstery shop could repair the seat(s) at a minimal cost, the head liner is another story, as you more than likely would have to go with a reproduction headline and pay for the labor to install. repair/replace the gas tank and change out fluids and filters, tune it up, go thru the brakes and enjoy it. could have a nice, almost daily driver for less than 5 grand.
These are indeed undervalued, and can be a great bargain, but making this one a driver for less than 5 grand? Sadly not, I see bidding is at almost $2000 and the reserve is yet not met. Apparently it will not go cheap, but could still be a good deal perhaps if the rust is not a problem. The frame and shock towers are a safety issue and should not be ignored. It would make a nice driver, though. I hope someone saves it.
These late ’60s Birds are a big step down in appeal from the early ’60s ones we have seen on BF recently. It looks surprisingly good underneath but it’s still a big risk to try to R&R this car because you will be under water very quickly. I would put more money into an early ’60s Bird and be ahead of this one in value, and happier driving it too.
Everybody hates on these as Thunderbirds, but what if it had a different name? Especially on the 4-door versions, yet that’s a much more balanced design, and the only other Ford product I can think of with suicide doors. I think that’s the model to get. Look where the Continentals have gone, I believe they will follow.
i do like the lines of these moreso than the looks of the 64-66 models. the front was unlike much of anything else at the time with a full oval nose. the rear 3/4 shot and full on rear shot is ok. not fond of many of the stock colors but this one needs to be repainted anyway. i would think a 429 over a 390 and 2 vs 4 door – although even the 4 door cars have decent lines. a light interior with dark carpets and yes, it is a good highway cruiser.
The photo of the L/F almost looks like an Olds Toronado.. Almost..
Definitely a candidate for a daily driver..
The color on this ‘Bird is Lime Gold, one of the most instantly successful colors Ford ever introduced. If you look carefully, you’ll see Mark III very prominently in the car’s underpinnings. Normally, these cars are found in Uninspiring White, but Lime Gold is an excellent color for this and, as you pointed out, the vinyl interior is simple to rehab and will make a good daily driver. You’ll just have to pretend it doesn’t say ‘Thunderbird’ anywhere!
The color certainly seems to be Lime Gold to me. If that is the case it is a VERY rare color as it was not a color offered on the 67 Tbird. I know this as I have one and the build sheets for it, it was a special order from the factory and has no color code on the data plate. Sadly I am in Aust and not in a position to buy but would love to give it a home. Cheers David
I think the color is “Z” code Sauterne Gold like mine…
Sticker on the rear bumper is a city of San Francisco neighborhood parking permit. Looks like it’s from the mid ’90s.
NY also doesn’t title classic cars… I had a 71 Cougar and it had a transferrable registration . Nice Bird tho.
Sold, $2899.00
A little higher than I’d expect, but still fair.
Odd that a California car with a luxury heritage didn’t come with factory air-conditioning.