Shepherding the Thunderbird through the ages, Ford followed the time-tested method of celebrating model anniversaries: trim, color, and limited production. That’s what the Special Landau coupe was all about. It offered Emberglo paint and accents, parchment interior and padded top, a few badges, a run of only 4500 examples minted in 1965 – and a price about $50 higher than the standard Landau. Today’s example comes to us represented by Beverly Hills Car Club via Hemmings, with an asking price of $7950. Yes, there’s a catch – this ‘Bird doesn’t run, and it needs cosmetic attention as well. Thanks to Barn Finder Rex Kahrs for passing along the tip!
The Thunderbird was a resounding success, but not only for Ford: competitive forces made Chevrolet sit up and take notice. We can argue that the TBird saved the Corvette. Ok, the first TBird’s engine was a Mercury V8 – nothing special – but it outclassed the Corvette’s six. By 1965, though, after ten years on the market, Ford’s personal luxury car was long in the tooth and needed a boost. Power was not an issue – in the engine bay was Ford’s 390 cu. in. V8, delivering 300 hp and ample torque, brought to heel by uprated dual-circuit brakes. The three-speed Cruise-O-Matic was the only transmission option. To combat market share losses, Ford upsized the car and added two doors. Alas, the fuel crisis and strong alternatives from other car makers eventually decimated sales. As we noted, this example doesn’t run, but the engine bay has either been treated to a new part or two – or has been exceptionally well-tended. Resurrecting a 390 is not rocket science, either – that’s the good news.
The cabin is worn – the driver’s seat needs a rebuild, the driver’s door panel is torn, the paint on the steering column has seen one too many nicks from someone’s set of keys, the brightwork is shabby. I’d replace that carpet, too. The faux woodgrain trim was a feature starting in 1964. Air conditioning, power windows, and a push-button radio were new-ish technologies derived from Ford’s more upscale product line – all in keeping with marketing the Thunderbird as a “luxury” car. Aside from spiffing up the cabin, the new owner will want to attend to the trunk, where paint loss is leading to rust incursion.
Given that it was produced without special performance credentials, the anniversary Landau sells in line with every other Thunderbird Landau coupe – namely at high four- or low five-figures. BHCC is in the game to sell cars, though, so I view this price as a suggestion rather than a bottom line. Which Thunderbird generation is your favorite? I like the Bullet Bird, but I bet we have opinions all over the map.
A 390 T-Bird 🏁 fine by me Michelle 👍
These Emberglo Special Landau models were very classy. I hope this one gets some attention.
These are really beautiful T Birds. And Emberglow is one of my favorite colors too. ( although the turquoise one written up here the other day is giving emberglow a run for the money). I like the Landau rails on the roof and the color keyed wheel covers too. These are just classy cars.
Nice write up. It’s kinda sad that the T birds of the 60s don’t bring big money. It’s like nobody knows what category to put them in. Luxury car is where I feel people put them, but they had a race car look about them, until late 60s. My favorite is a 63, with AC.
“…brought to heel by uprated dual-circuit brakes.”
I don’t think so. ’65s had front discs and rear drums but did not get a dual-circuit brake system until ’67. That looks like a correct-for-’65 single-circuit master cylinder in the photo.
It wasn’t until ’67 that the T-Bird got 4 doors (suicide doors at that), 64-66 Birds are all two door. They became four-seaters in ’58 which saved the model. And the rest as they say, is history. I miss my ’66, very similar to this except blue with white top and a base Town Coupe, and it had discs in front and drums in the rear.