This 1965 Ford Thunderbird Landau represents an opportunity that may be irresistible to some enthusiasts. This survivor runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition. However, it has a few cosmetic flaws that the buyer could easily address, making it ideal for anyone contemplating a first or DIY project. The seller indicates that it is the first of a range of classic cars and boats that they will be selling to downsize their collection. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this Thunderbird listed here on eBay in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The seller set their price at $17,500 with the option to make an offer.
The seller is a passionate enthusiast, and a review of his listing is all that is required to gauge the diversity of his taste. He purchased this Thunderbird as a daily driver for his wife while he restored her Mustang. With that job squared away, the time has come for the T-Bird to head to a new home. It makes a relatively positive first impression, with its Honey Gold Metallic paint holding a warm shine. The Parchment vinyl top is in a similar state, but a closer inspection reveals a few flaws. A previous owner experienced a close encounter (not of the third kind!), which resulted in wrinkling of the driver’s side rear quarter panel and removal of the badges. The issue isn’t severe, and doesn’t justify steel replacement. They also note minor rust bubbles in both lower rear quarter panels, which would respond to well-crafted patches. Otherwise, it appears that the T-Bird is rock-solid. The trim is in excellent condition for its age, and there are no visible issues with the tinted glass.
If variety is the spice of life, the 1965 Thunderbird delivered for potential buyers. They could choose from an incredible twenty exterior paint shades, while those wishing to add a personal touch could select from nineteen interior combinations of materials and colors. As a Landau variant, this interior received faux-walnut trim on the doors, dash, and console. A woodgrain wheel was also standard, with this T-Bird scoring power windows, a tilt-away wheel, and a reclining passenger-seat headrest. The overall presentation is very tidy, with no significant wear, rips, or other issues. The exception is the dashpad, which has cracked on the driver’s side. This is a significant problem, as not only are reproduction pads scarce, but they also typically retail for over $1,200. Low-cost options would include throwing on a cover or tackling a DIY repair with a product like Polyvance.
The 1965 Thunderbird was a “one size fits all” proposition. Buyers received a 390ci V8 engine, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and the front disc brakes. Although Ford’s focus was on luxury, the engine’s ability to generate 300hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque meant that the T-Bird was an effortless open-road cruiser that performed well against its opposition in the Personal Luxury Car market segment. Potential buyers seeking a turnkey T-Bird may be irresistibly drawn to this Landau. The seller states that he would drive it anywhere, allowing the buyer to fly in and build a relationship with their new toy as they drive it home.
Ford sold 74,972 examples of the Thunderbird in 1965, with 25,474 buyers selecting the Landau variant. Interestingly, although the Landau is rarer than the Hardtop, it doesn’t command a significant price premium in the classic market. This one shows promise, bringing us to the subject of the price. I believe that the BIN figure is slightly optimistic, as demonstrated by recent successful sales. Even if the buyer can achieve a price reduction through negotiation, there remains a risk that the project will only remain financially viable if the new owner is hands-on. Of course, sometimes classic car ownership is about more than the financial return, especially when it involves owning the car of your dreams. With that thought in mind, what do you believe a passionate Thunderbird enthusiast should be willing to pay for this Landau?
What about the boxcar IH?
I saw’r that too, Jim. 4×4(?). The farm I lived on had one the same color.
Wide whites. It, to me, is usually a clear indication that all these cars with wide whitewalls belong to an older person, and look corny as heck. I almost puked looking up images of a ’65 T-bird with cool mags, as many images show these with clown wheels, ARRRRGGGGHHH. Nice car, but I think for this money, I’d prefer that RoadRunner with no floors or dash, yep, go figure.
I’m with Howard, the wide whites really look out of place. And it does have a little rust and likely other deficiencies. Otherwise this is a nice Thunderbird with eye-catching colors.
Speaking of colors, I poked around the Vintage Thunderbird site and determined there were about 20 colors available for 1965— which blows my mind in our current world of white, silver, gray, and black.
That color is putrid. I have a hard time believing it’s original but apparently it was. Too bad because this is one of my favorite MY of TBird.
I love the color
I’m with Paul on the color. Reminds me of many of my old Hot Wheels cars. Much better than the non-metallic, porcelain-looking, gray-blues and grays of today’s cars.
I love the color.
color, I wasnt aware Metalic was available then, looks like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles car
The flip up cover for the trunk key is also missing. This may be hard to find and color match, a drawback. Price is high in this condition….
Really love these year Thunderbirds. Not sure if the color is factory but personally I really like it. Those wide whites have to go though. Totally look out of place on it. Rust looks minor but you really need to look at it in person. The price might be a bit steep but I’m not an expert on the values for these.
I agree, the wide whites need to go. I owned a 65 tbird convertible in this same color combo (GREAT car, but had to sell it to afford building the garage to keep it in). The previous owner had it repainted white (over some bodywork I wasn’t made aware of) and though it looked good with white body/light ivy interior, I always wished it had been kept the original color. Too bad whoever repainted this one was so sloppy under the hood, as that’s a deal-breaker for me at such a price. Some underbody and trunk photos would be helpful. Wonder if those cool sequential turn signals are still working…
The landau models had no rear side windows as l recall….
You might be thinking of the 66 Town Landau, its huge C pillar wiped out the rear side windows, but the 65 Landau had the same C pillars as the non-Landau so they did have rear side windows.