- Seller: David B (Contact)
- Location: Middletown, Connecticut
- Mileage: 69,692 Shown
- Chassis #: 8Y83N130394
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 429cui V8 4-BBL
- Transmission: C-6 Automatic
For the most part, there are no refunds, no returns, and no trial periods in the world of classic cars, so if you buy something, it’s yours, even if it’s not quite what you thought you wanted. The seller of this ’68 Thunderbird purchased it a year ago but is now seeking something with a bit more raw acceleration, rather than the “effortless” pace provided by Ford’s “Glamour Bird.” Therefore, he’s offering it for sale on Barn Finds. Located in Middletown, Connecticut, it’s a very solid 69,692-mile car with one driver-quality repaint and a few options other than the big 429.
Ford’s 385-series big blocks were introduced in 1968, and the version that found its way into the Thunderbird as an option was the 360-horsepower 429 “Thunder Jet” V8. The 315 horsepower 390 was still the standard engine, but whoever ordered this T-Bird got the new V8 and little else. You’ll notice that it has no air conditioning, but it also has manual crank windows and no power seat. The seller says that the engine compartment could use some detailing, but it looks fine for a fun driver. The transmission is Ford’s beefy C6 automatic, and the standard 2.80:1 axle ratio means that you’ll have to watch the speedometer out of the expressway.
And Thunderbirds of the 1960s are fun drivers, because they are big, powerful, and quiet. Thunderbird interiors were always as dramatically designed as their exteriors, and the black upholstery is a nice complement to the Meadowlark Yellow exterior (the repaint is a similar shade), and it’s in very nice original condition. Everything works except for the interior lights (a variety of new bulbs came with the car, so maybe it’s that simple…maybe not). The pop-up headlights work, the horn works, the wipers work, the radio works; it’s just a nice, solid driver.
Even the undercarriage is in extremely solid condition, especially considering that the car has spent at least a part of its life in the New England states; it’s not show-detailed, but it’s clear that the car has not seen salt. The T-Bird is a little louder than it was when it rolled off the line in Wixom, Michigan, as it has a set of Turbo mufflers, but if you have a 429 under the hood, you might as well let everybody know.
Perhaps most interesting is the fact that out of 64,931 Thunderbirds built by Ford in 1968, only 9,977 of them were base hardtops such as this one (33,029 were two-door Landaus and 21,925 were four-door Landaus). Vinyl roofs don’t look bad on Glamour Birds, but these days, I’d much prefer to see what’s happening on the roof. I personally think that pale yellow paint looks great on a big American car, and even if this uncommonly unadorned T-Bird wasn’t exactly what the current owner wanted, it might be just right for you. If so, make an offer!
This is a nice car! I can’t believe the seller is dissatisfied because the car doesn’t have enough raw power! HA! The first year Thunderjet 429 4V with 360 hp is a high compression (10.5:1) monster! I have the same engine in my much larger 1969 Mercury Marquis and it is seriously more than an “effortless pace.” Regarding the interior lights not working… my car had that problem too when I first got it… Turned out to be the headlight switch (that you can find at AutoZone.) My headlights and headlight doors were functioning fine before I replaced the switch too. However it also controls all of the interior lights! Sort of strange, I agree. However, with no AC and other power goodies, I think the price is probably too high.
Agree… crank windows and no A/C… not so glamorous.. even in 68 when I was 18….. But a very solid and nice car…. and before all the engine choking…
An older kid in autoshop back in high school (remember when we had autoshop??) bough tone of these on the cheap and used his school term to build a motor for it. THAT429 didn’t suffer for lack of power – I saw the insane smoke shows!
Pretty easy to build a fair amount of power into this one, I would think. Me, I’d cherish it as is – it is gorgeous……
best
bt
I swear the front end looks like the orthodontist hated his patient.
I always like this generation of Thunderbird. My favorite was the Landau. This one appears to be in decent shape. However, without air conditioning and power windows, I would not be interested. Ford was pushing this Thunderbird as a luxury vehicle, and as such it needs, air conditioning and power windows.
My dad had the 4-door version of the’68, and I found that it had the most power of anything he owned before or since. That baby could move! Then he traded it on a ‘71, which was detuned due to increased anti pollution regulations. Never understood why he traded away the’68, because it was a much better car all around.
What a back seat! Its upholstery looks just like the back seat of my parent’s ’64 T Bird! Plush like a booth in a restaurant! I remember many very comfortable Sunday drives in the back seat with my two younger siblings and there was plenty of room! Great car and great memories!!
My 1st T-Bird was a 1969 Landau with the 429. I was 23 years old, drag racing my 65 2+2 Mustang, and the Bird had plenty of raw power, even pulling the Mustang and trailer.
I agree to a point. My favorite veh! But a Thunderbird just isn’t a bird without all the trappings.
Stripper w the hot motor. Cool 🏁😎
I’d be inclined to add a bit steeper rear gear.. maybe 3.27 to help it get up and go. But like stated in the article, once this baby is moving along on the highway, she must fly. Thanks Toth really neat car and enjoyable write up 👍
Hi everyone,
For some reason, this comment page won’t let me log in …
This is Dave B, AutoArcheologist.
I’m representing this car for the owner.
His reason for letting her go was not necessarily that there isn’t enough power, but, due to the steep gears, it doesn’t feel like it. A swap out to even something in the mid 3:’s would help that seat of the pants feel but he didn’t want to go through that expense, so this one is off to a new owner and he’ll concentrate more on his 390 powered 67 Galaxie convertible.
Any questions or if you’d like to see another 400+ photos and videos, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thanks!
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It kept asking me to log in, when I did, it showed I was not logged in .. but, after posting my comment, it shows me as it should, as AutoArcheologist..
So it must have logged me in correctly at some point.
If it happens again I’ll shoot you guys an email off line.
Thanks Jesse!
I turned 15 in 1968. My Moms old high school friend would come visit our family once a week. She had a new 68 Thunderbird in this exact color combination, but it was a 4 door Landau with all the options. She was a realtor making good money at the time. I loved that Thunderbird and thought it was the most beautiful car on the road! Of course in 1968 growing up in Southern California, I thought most cars looked great, but not in today’s world.
Very nice clean T Bird. I’m kind of surprised at how it’s optioned. With the 429 and highway gears, they must have wanted a nice high speed effortless cruise for sure. My wifes Dad had a 4 door LandauT Bird ( I think it was a ’68 but not sure. These are nice cars. I’m very impressed with the underside and interior too. And lot’s of great photos. Hope it finds a good new home, and great write up too Aaron, I enjoyed it.
Crank Windows?
No A/C or Power Seat?
What were they thinking???