Despite their cool looks, the 1961-63 Thunderbirds did not sell as well as Ford had hoped, so the cars were redesigned in 1964-66. And sales jumped by 46% the first year. They would be more formal-looking cars, including the seller’s ’64 convertible. Though there were rumors to the contrary, there were no 2-seat T-Bird Sports Roadsters after ’63, but this drop-top looks stunning nonetheless. Located in Las Vegas, this car has been partially restored but still needs a new convertible top. It’s available here on eBay for as little as $17,000 (if no more than one bid is cast).
The Thunderbird is a personal luxury car that had a storied and varied run at Ford between 1955-97 and again from 2002-05 through 11 distinct generations. This makes it one of Ford’s most enduring nameplates. The fourth generation was built in 1964, 1965, and 1966 and had a more squared-off appearance, which was mostly evident when viewing the car from the side or rear. The cars continued to be powered by Ford’s 300 hp version of the 390 cubic-inch V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission was standard equipment. Out of 92,465 T-Birds built in 1964, 9,198 were drop-tops like the seller’s car.
This ’64 T-Bird is being sold by its second owner, likely because he’s moving. That might also explain while the car has been beautifully repainted while the convertible top material is in shambles. But the hardware associated with the top was recently redone. The back panel for the top will have to have to be bumped out and repainted. The automobile is said to be rust-free, and all the chrome looks spectacular. The interior is original and presents well, though the seller only rates it a 7 on a scale of 10. The wide whitewall tires have less than 300 miles on them.
The engine was recently tested for compression, and we’re told it checked out well. The car’s drum brakes have been replaced with discs all around, so it should stop a lot better. The odometer reading is 57,000 and that could be accurate. Online price guides don’t seem to agree on the resale value of a 1964 T-Bird convertible, but the number doesn’t seem to fall below $20,000. So, after investing in a new top, you could have a sharp vintage car worth north of that figure.
I think the dash on those models is why the Feds stepped in with safety requirements. It’s full of some very impressive pointy bits.
Super cool interior with the steering wheel that slides to the center so ingress/egress is easier. This is a great deal.
Comments on this one will surely degenerate to the usual wide-whitewall debate. For me, they look fine on this beautiful Bird.
They look fine, just not on this year of car. Wide whites went ot of style in about 1960.
A more “pimpy” subdued look would be Vogue whitewalls with the gold stripe. 64-66 Birds seem to be a more stylistic continuation of the 58-60 square Bird. I like the 64-66 but favor 61-63 being born in 61.
These were available with some interesting colors but it looks great in classic black/black. Even if you don’t get the convertible top right away just put it in the garage with a cover and drive it on sunny days. Very nice and not that expensive.
That hood is from a 1965.
Or the “Thunderbird “ holes were filled in and the emblem went on? Actually looks better.
You’re right; I didn’t notice. And I had a ’65 black convertible.
Yeah, the tires scream “old man” on a normally fantastic car. So out of place, how could anyone in this day and age, think they would look nice on a ’64 TBird? Personally, I think the black is awful, and so many beautiful colors that would show the graceful lines,,,THAN BLACK. I know, some like black, but to me, it’s the least imaginative color, have we lost all connection to what is beautiful? Blue, red, PURPLE, ANYTHING but BLACK!! Sorry, clearly not a black color fan, and I wonder what happened to the top. Obviously, as clean as the car is, it must have been inside. Nice car, but the “death color” black, KILLS it for me. Wouldn’t this look nice painted that blue of the ’64 Galaxie? Just sayin’,,,
I actually feel that seeing this in black is a refresher change rather than the usual!y seen red or white in these years.
Black tends to be a more sophisticated and stylish color an at one time I had 5 black cars in my driveway.
Dark colors, and especially black are the most difficult to prepare for as any flaw in the surface will be instantly discernable. This car must have had excellent body prep prior to paint, many hours of labor. If anyone wants a different color, all the hard work has been done.
I was offered a ’64 for free many years ago, still regret turning that down. It was a parts car raided for its transmission.
For what appears to be a beautifully restored car, this is not a bad price at all.
I can’t see how the seller could possibly recoup what he has in it for the restoration.
It would look GREAT with a set of Radar Wheels like the Batmobile. Or Parnelli Jones wheels….
I think also BG Good RWL or blackwalls.
It must be getting super hard to find a good top installer….
The car is in Vegas, it doesn’t need a top
I respectfully disagree. Have you ever sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic in 105-degree weather in Vegas?
…especially in a black on black car??
A little duct tape will fix the top right up.
A little duct tape will fix that top right up!
It’s hard to believe this creampuff sold for $17,000 with only one bid.
Unfortunately the hobby is not well. I guess we voted for that in 2020. What we got is inflation, high gas prices, a war on gas vehicles, a push for converting to electric. Can keep going. We were energy independent but now we are dependent on other countries for energy. Not to mention that GM,Ford , and whatever you want to call the third one have sold us out!
It’s pathetic, let this be a lesson to us all.
Lose the whitewalls, add a black top and go cruising! Good thing I just spent money on something else.
I love triple black to bad its not the optional 427, although its nice as is.
Steve C., I’m basically a night person, so driving around with the top down and the a/c on is really quite nice. No, I wouldn’t suggest you do that in daylight hours.
Someone once asked me why would you want a convertible in Vegas? I told them you drive around in the daytime with the top up and the a/c on, and then at night drive around with the top down and the a/c on.
But, we can agree to disagree. Have a great day
Angel, good line! Reminds me of this: sometime in the early 80’s the oil company I worked for got a “pool” truck with air conditioning. That was not the norm and probably not planned, I’m guessing it was a “need one today” situation so they bought whatever was available on the dealer’s lot. I decided I was in the lap of luxury tooling around the fields in the summer with the windows down AND the a/c on.
Great way to view all the lights at night!
Your right! Great way to view all the lights at night!
Is this a ’64 or ’65? Hood and hubcaps are ’65. Brings alot of questions regarding this sale/vehicle..😢
I wish they had a picture of the rear end and taillights. If the taillights had Thunderbirds on them, it’s a ’64. If the taillights have 5 vertical slats, it’s a ’65.
(Wall to Wall taillights would be a ’66)