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Good Daily Driver: 1965 Ford Thunderbird

1965 Ford T-Bird

There really aren’t many 50 year old cars out there being used as daily drivers. Between reliability issues, safety concerns and practicality, not every classic is ready or capable of the rigors of modern road use. That’s not to say that there aren’t some classics capable of it or owners that aren’t willing to make a few compromises to actually enjoy their classic on a daily basis. This Thunderbird is one of those cars that’s up to the task and has actually been daily driven by the seller. It looks to be a survivor and is in really great shape. You can find this Ford here on eBay in Saint Augustine, Florida with a BIN of $6,565 or the option to make an offer.

1965 Ford Thunderbird

This T-Bird isn’t without it’s issues. The seller points out that the headliner has some tears, the exhaust leaks, the windshield wiper cable sticks and the power windows are having issues. While those problems can be annoying, they shouldn’t keep it from being driven. They are also problems that just about annoy can fix themselves! This is one of those classics that you can start using right away and just fix the issues as you go.

1965 Ford Thunderbird Engine

It’s powered by the 390 V8, which serves up 315 horses. It’s paired with an automatic, which the seller claims was rebuilt just 2 years ago. No word is given as to whether it’s the Cruise-O-Matic or the C6, but hopefully it’s the C6.

1965 Ford Thunderbird Interior

The interior shows some wear, but actually doesn’t look bad. It definitely looks like a driver and could benefit from some cleaning! I might also think about finding new seat foams for the driver’s seat to make it more comfortable on those longer commutes.

Daily Driver 1965 T-Bird

I’m not sure if it’s the photographs or if this T-Bird is really that shiny, but it looks to be in really amazing shape. I’d be happy to daily drive a classic like this and if it were close by, I might be tempted to make an offer. So would you enjoy daily driving this Ford or would you only use it for cruising to local car shows and on Sunday afternoons?

Comments

  1. Avatar Jake

    Looks a lot nicer than the ’64 Dart I daily drove! That was truthfully a pile, but the slant 6 and the torque flight couldn’t be killed. It would start every morning, and only rarely slip out of gear while warming up, haha! Was a 4 door, with a rotten rear section of frame on both sides. I did the frame work and saved her from the scrap yard, but alas didn’t have the time and money to finish the job. New owner is restoring now.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Fred W.

    Very similar to my ’66 pictured here, which has been sidelined recently by the necessity of a full brake system rebuild. Since I bought it about 6 months ago (drove it 150 miles home) I’ve had to remove and refurbish or replace every power window motor and most of the switches, replace the coil twice, troubleshoot a persistent fuel problem, do a tune up, etc. Also recovered the front seats, installed 3 point shoulder belts and installed a modern (hidden) stereo. Hopefully I’ll have the brakes done in time to enjoy the car this fall. Hard to believe I drove it home, yet in retrospect every single component of the braking system was either shot or not up to par.

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  3. Avatar RON

    It is funny how these old early big Birds were worth nothing for the longest and now people think they should be worth a fortune. like about every other old car. while I would enjoy one and the old 390 was very dependable and comfortable to ridein that is about as far as it goes. don’t understand the craziness in price. These cars along with the 69-71 Lincoln MkIII while beautifull were and are the most jinxy cars ever put on the road by Ford. As heard in conversation recently, “these things were o good when new”. anyone who has ever owned one for very long or n used condition knows this. Why would you pay these crazy prices for them? Would I like one? Yes but at no where these prices, plus even though gasoline is reasonable these days, you can’t afford to drive them anywhere and it costs more to trailer them they weigh tons.

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  4. Avatar Blueprint

    Intro pic is carmag-tastic!

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Dolphin Member

    I usually don’t go for black…..maybe that’s because some guy did a chrome &-stainless-steel-delete on a car I’m restoring back to original…..but on this ‘Bird I think it looks really good, especially with the chrome set off against all that black. And then there’s the red interior. I like this car a lot.

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  6. Avatar Djs

    When new some had issues but if you got a good one great , some people think that a50 year old car can be worth 6,500 or more , even if it need s a little work that fun drive and the enjoyment you get driving an old car on a great summer day priceless I have a 65 Mustang convertable Not a daily driver but not a queen love the summer drives on a day like today in the north east, and they look cool to.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar RM

    I just realized those tail lights are about the same as the ones on the 60’s Shelby Mustangs, almost identical.

    Like 0

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