No Reserve Project: 1965 Ford Thunderbird Landau

Project or parts car? That is the question this 1965 Ford Thunderbird Landau raises. It was magnificent in its prime, but time hasn’t treated it kindly. The motor is missing, the interior is partially dismantled, and the listing images show visible rust. However, it probably isn’t a lost cause, especially for enthusiasts with decent welding skills. Alternatively, it could be an excellent parts car for other projects, and with No Reserve to complicate things, it might also be quite cheap. The seller has listed the Thunderbird here on eBay in New London, Wisconsin. Bidding has reached $720, with almost three days remaining in the auction.

Ford introduced its Fourth Generation Thunderbird in 1964, and the public warmly embraced the company’s latest Personal Luxury Car. First-year sales totaled 92,465, an impressive figure, though it dropped to 74,972 in 1965, when our featured T-Bird rolled off the line. The first owner ordered it in Honey Gold, and as the Landau derivative, it features a Black vinyl top and the iconic Landau bars on the rear pillars. The car’s history is unclear, though I believe it may have been a project build that stalled early on. The panels are straight, and removed items are either in the back seat or the trunk. The paint looks tired, and the image gallery reveals rust in the rockers and the floors. Only an in-person inspection would determine whether it is a lost cause, but anyone planning a revival will almost certainly face plenty of cutting and welding. Most of the trim is in reasonable condition, and the tinted glass is excellent.

Given the exterior paint shade, it’s not surprising to find that this Thunderbird’s interior is trimmed in Light Ivy Gold. As a Landau, it also features woodgrain accents to enhance the luxurious feel. The interior’s current state is why I believe this may have been a project build that stalled early. It is partially dismantled, but the removed parts are spread between the back seat and the trunk. The upholstered items might present acceptably for a driver-grade restoration, but anyone aiming for a high-end result would probably consider a retrim. The first owner ordered the car with air conditioning and an AM/FM radio, and even if the winning bidder isn’t considering restoring this classic, the interior is a treasure trove of usable items.

Many modern manufacturers are focused on zero-emission vehicles, making this Thunderbird ahead of its time. This classic produces absolutely no emissions, chiefly because the 390ci V8 is long gone. The 390 was a very respectable motor, producing 300hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque. With a curb weight of over 4,600 lbs, the T-Bird was more of an urban or open-road cruiser than a drag-strip brawler. However, the 390 is extremely smooth, and with Ford fitting these cars with copious amounts of sound-deadening material, the Thunderbird transported its occupants effortlessly in splendid isolation. This classic might be missing its engine, but some parts are scattered in the trunk and back seat. The rest of the drivetrain is intact, making it a decent haul if it ends up as a parts car.

Regular readers know that I am an optimist, but I’m also a realist. This 1965 Thunderbird Landau’s viability as a project candidate depends on several factors. These include how extensive the rust is and where the bidding sits when the hammer falls. Although Ford sold 20,974 examples of the Landau, representing a 28% take-up rate of total production, tidy examples struggle to sell for over $15,000. I found a couple of pristine vehicles listed for around $20,000, which is consistent with recent successful sales. That means if bidding climbs into the four-figure range, it would only be viable if the winning bidder takes a DIY approach. Otherwise, I believe its future will be as a parts car. Do you agree?