While Ford created the Personal Luxury Car market segment with the Thunderbird, it faced strong opposition from the Buick Riviera and Pontiac Grand Prix during the early 1960s which eroded sales. However, the introduction of a new model in 1964 turned the tables, not only halting the slide but significantly improving the tally. This 1964 Convertible is a tidy example that recently received new paint. It is a turnkey proposition, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Lothar… of the Hill People for referring it to us. The seller has listed the T-Bird here on Facebook Marketplace in Appleton, Wisconsin, with an asking price of $20,000.
Ford adopted a more conservative approach with the Fourth Generation Thunderbird compared to its predecessor, creating a vehicle with sharp and crisp lines. I don’t believe that it has the same visual impact as the Buick Riviera, but your opinion may differ from mine. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The seller indicates this gem recently received a repaint in Rangoon Red. I would like to see a few “before” images to ascertain whether there were any rust repairs performed because that can be a genuine consideration for some. However, with areas like the engine bay showing no evidence of corrosion, I suspect the news will be positive. The trim and glass are in good order, and the power top recently received a selection of new parts to ensure that it functions correctly.
Ford adopted a “one size fits all” approach to the mechanical specifications of the 1964 Thunderbird. Buyers received a 390ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The 390 generates 300hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque. However, with the Convertible tipping the scales at 4,629 lbs, progress is fairly leisurely. Hitting the open road at 70 with the top down is another story, and is a task that this Convertible should perform effortlessly. The seller indicates that the engine recently received a cylinder head rebuild, while the brakes and tires are new. They say that this classic is ready to cruise, and it is fair to believe that summer won’t come fast enough for the new owner.
The Thunderbird’s interior combines Red and Black trim to make a striking visual statement. Its condition is good enough to ensure there will be no embarrassment if the buyer rolls up to a Cars & Coffee with the top down. The upholstered surfaces are free from significant deterioration, as are the console, dash, and carpet. It isn’t loaded with factory options or aftermarket additions, but the overall condition virtually guarantees that any journey will feel pretty special.
It is easy to underestimate the importance of the 1964 Thunderbird, and its impact upon Ford’s bottom line. Total sales in 1963 amounted to 63,313 vehicles, but that tally soared to 92,465 in 1964. It is safe to assume that the success would have brought smiles to the faces of those sitting in the company’s Head Office. The Convertible accounted for around 10% of total sales with a tally of 9,198. This one looks like a gem, and the seller’s price looks competitive in the current market. However, it has already been on the market for a week, making me wonder how soon it will head to a new home.
Always thought It was a shame Ford ditched the two seat T Birds but at least they turned out good looking cars. Nice example here.
My first car was a ’67 Thunderbird in mink with the suicide rear doors that I got for a measly $300 back in ’79. I loved the floaty ride but as a 19 yr old, I unfortunately totaled it a few months later on an icy, slippery road. Couldn’t afford to fix so I had to sell it to the towing guy and never saw it again.
Appleton, WI, brings back many memories … I worked for a paper company in Chicago and a popular outing was the “mill trip” – basically a “boys weekend out” – and Appleton had a paper mill … there was a bar called “Horsefeathers” there … the main bar had closed-circuit TVs showing the basement, which for a $5 “cover charge” got you entry to the topless waitresses there … another $25 ($150 in today’s money) got you entry to the “back room” were the waitresses were nude … what happened in Appleton stayed in Appleton …
Wonder if they have decent pictures of before the paint because I don’t know if it’s shadow or poorly prepped bondo on the lower fenders and rockers but add claims no rust.still would be a fun toy to cruise in
My buddy’s dad bought a 64 T Bird convertible. It was white and a year later he threw the keys to my buddy and away we went, cruising at 16 and my buddy was scared sh**less if something happened to his old man’s car on our drive!
Great ride, great memories.
A rear shot would have been nice for this is what distinguished it from the round taillights of yore. And that awesome fold of the top into the trunk.
Thunderbird were great cars…… until 1972 when they became LTDs. Even after they shrunk them again they were awful. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” yeah ok, but awful is just awful.
They lost me when Thunderbird lost it’s sportyness AND luxury. Becoming just another luxury coupe was it’s demise in my book.
I’ve always had an affinity for the ’64-’66. I think it was the taillights. I have a thing for long & wall to wall taillights.
These were sporty or luxury or both, the way a T-bird should be.
My first car was a 65 T Bird convertible. black with white interior and top. My parents gave it to me when I graduated HS (they bought their first Lincoln). A pair of cherry bombs slipped right onto the head pipes which had a crossover. At 18 years old, it sounded good. After college I parked the T Bird and got a 70 442.