I have a secret to tell you. I have a neighbor who has a 1965 Ford Thunderbird Coupe almost exactly like the 1965 Thunderbird Convertible seen here on ebay. I’ve been going by his place, hoping to see the car up close and talk to him about it, for years. Finally, this spring, synchronicity: he was there, and the door was open. I got to sit in the car, look under the hood and in the trunk, and generally have “a moment,” or a few, to dream. What would it take to make this car mine? I asked, but he’s not ready to sell. The car was his late father’s. You know the drill—many of you have been there before. Well, here’s a chance to scratch my T-Bird itch, sitting in Weston, MA, and available for an asking price of $20 grand.
Remember when the only Thunderbirds most people sought out were the early year models? Those iconic 1955-57 convertibles captured the free spirit of their times, and it seemed like no car show or cruise-in night was complete without one. The desirability of those early models was such that it was the first gen that Ford used as a model as they developed the silhouette modern models that lived from 2002-05, close to fifteen years after the nameplate had been retired. Now, collectors’ hearts and minds are more open when it comes to Thunderbirds. Is this 1965 a car that is worth their attention?
It’s listed as a one-owner vehicle. It is propelled by a 390-CID V8. The claim is that it shows in the 17,000-mile range and that those miles are original. It is wearing Emberglo Metallic paint and is authentic as a car of that color. It has AC. All of those claims sit on the page unverified, which is not to say “not true.” It would be nice to have the mileage verified, however, and to hear words to the effect that the paint hasn’t been renewed, because any Northeastern car this old has to be suspicious for rust/bodywork. (Note that one image seems to show overspray on some soft trim.)
So what might make you, or me, a buyer? T-Bird Coupe models seem to come in about five grand less than comparable ‘verts, and nobody buys anything decent for under $10,000 bucks these days, so figure if you could get this guy to bite on $15, you’d be in reasonable range. If this color is a home run for you , and a conversation with the seller could authenticate the car a step above what is the case now, this might be a car worth picking up.
Nice write-up Brian. This generation of T-Birds appeal to me, mostly due to the highly-styled interiors. Just look at how the colors and trim are attractively coordinated. Could be a fun convertible cruiser.
A word about “Emberglo.” It is one of my favorite colors of the time. And seemingly, one of those colors which many car enthusiasts, even GM and Mopar folks, know by name. As opposed to “that bronze-y color Ford used in the mid-60’s.”
Thanks, Bob. I appreciate the good words. I will say that I see an Emberglo Mustang at local cruise-ins near me from time to time, and I’m not a big fan of the color. Might look better on a T-Bird than on the Mustang, though.
Bob, this color or something similar looked good on the Ford trucks in the 70s.
This looks like a nice solid T Bird. I’m going to agree with Bob about the Emberglow paint and the interiors. Those curved back seats are really beautifully designed. The whole interior really. I like how the exterior color always works its way to the interior very nicely. I enjoyed your write up too Brian, especially your personal experience with a T Bird that lives in your neighborhood. Who knows? One day, you just might get an invitation to be its next caretaker.
Has the reclining passenger seat too!
Wow am I to understand that the numbers in the speedometer light up as you accelerate? Or is it that bar below that registers the speed? Because I don’t see a needle. Probably my favorite generation of T Birds now. Wasn’t familiar with this color either but it’s a bit with me.
It’s the bar below. The red line creeps across left to right as you accelerate – at least that’s how it works on a ’66!
The speedo has a red line under the numbers that moves across to indicate speed all numbers light up when lights on
I had one in high school was my mom’s she hated it when we moved to New Jersey always cold driving in winter even though heater worked fine
It was a Chick magnet for me lol
yes it’s the bar that lights up I had a 66 also had a swing away stiring wheel made it real easy getting in and out
The bar advances ( I think it is a rotating white and red cylinder) It is lighted at night.
The miles are for sure not 17655..for me the interior looks like 217655… But doesn’t matter if the car is still sound. Price around 8 Grand …
This T-Bird sat way too long in the “barn” and needs a thourough going over. Okay, the video shows the engine turning over and “catching”, but why didn’t continue so we could listen to the engine at idle? Tires? Brakes? Hoses? Fuel lines/filters? To many potential issues for $20K.
Why would a seller only show a SIX SECOND video of the engine starting and running, if he/she had nothing to hide? I used to own an Auto Detailing company and this car would cost double the going rate if it had come into my shop. At least wash the thing if you are asking 20 Grand for a 10 Grand car!
My first car was a 1965 T-Bird convertible. Fair warning, this year’s model features a mechanical sequencer for the turn signals, and the top has a hydraulic pump, four hydraulic cylinders, two motors, two flexible cable drives (for the trunk lid locks), and either six or eight limit switches, along with a mechanical relay box. No wonder I became an electromechanical engineer!
A ton of work. If you cannot fix the complex convertible top system yourself, run. Big deal it is a rare color, I detail cars professionally, have since 1978. Guaranteed there is rodent damage in that thing. Asking price is a bit optimistic.
Looks dated for a ‘65 model when you compare it with the other Ford models of that vintage.
I agree with Mr. Solo, a good wash, wax & polish would do wonders for this car. Beautiful color, off white top and interior. Just gorgeous. But who orders a Thunderbird, especially a convertible T-Bird without power windows? That has always been a headscratcher for me.
No pics of the top down? Does it even work? The T-Birds had the same mechanisms as the 61 through 67 Lincoln convertibles. Very complex. Miles of wires, servos, limited switches.
I have a very good friend in Ohio who has a red T-Bird convertible. Trying hard to get him to put it in his will that I get it. LOL
It has power windows, just crank vent windows. Overspray all over the door weatherstripping, semi-roached interior – maybe not 217,000 miles but certainly at least 117,000.
As for the presentation – most homes in America have one sponge, some mild soap, a plastic bucket, an old bath towel and a garden hose.
yes it has power windows I had a 66 the power windows switches are on the console
@ccrvtt
Yes, you are right. I forgot T-Birds had the switches on the console and a little difficult to see in these pictures.
Our neighbors ’64 TBird was always having electrical problems, when it was 10 years old. I can imagine what this one would present. Way too much $$ for this raggedy ‘Bird.
Had a 64 tbird drop top. Replaced everything in 16 months. When the starter started going bad again traded it for my 71 runner. Never looked back.