The fifth generation of the Ford Thunderbird debuted in 1967 and was dubbed by many as the “Glamour Bird” due to its increased size and focus on luxury. The 1967-71 T-Birds were as close to a Lincoln as a Ford could get, with a 4-door sedan added to the mix. The seller has a one-owner 1968 Landau model with the wider C-pillar and special crest. We’re told it’s been put back into running condition after sitting in a garage for seven years. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, this once stately ride is available here on craigslist for $4,750. Kudos to Rocco B. for the cool tip!
1967-71 Thunderbirds switched from unibody to body-on-frame construction. Because the ’67 T-Birds were drastically changed over the ‘66s, the big switch for the ’68 models was to the use of the new 429 cubic inch V8 engine. That motor was rated at 360 hp and made that era of the T-Bird the fastest thus far, despite its increase in bulk. The seller’s original owner, Thunderbird, has just 54,000 miles, and it has the feel of being Grandpa or Grandma’s car that they are no longer able to drive.
Originally from California, this Ford still wears license plates from that state even though it has crossed the border into Arizona. To get it going again, the fuel system has been cleaned out (along with the carburetor), and a new fuel pump (electric) was installed. We’re told it runs well, though the seller could have taken better photos by simply driving it out of the garage. Perhaps he or she didn’t because the brakes still need attention.
The dark blue paint has run its course, and the vinyl roof covering has largely peeled away from possible exposure to the desert Sun. We’re told the leather interior is in beautiful condition, though we see at least one slit in the front that can probably be repaired. You should contact the seller about the car if you can “avoid ridiculous offers or fantasy story offers.” Luigi’s asking price of $4,750 is firm and must be paid in cash. This Landau is one of 33,000 produced for the 1968 model year.
“Original Owner” cars are interesting to me. Is the seller THE “original owner,” or perhaps a friend is helping with the sale, or is it already in the hands of a flipper (thus, technically the seller is no longer the original owner)? Anyhow, the shredded vinyl roof and the very tired paint don’t make for a good first impression. But otherwise, the car just looks used but not abused, not hot-rodded or rusty. With some straightforward work it might make for a nice cruiser.
I bought my ’66 Bonneville from the grandson of the original owner; his grandmother gave it to him; he had it for a couple ears, and sold it on to me…so, technically, I’m the third owner, but nothing really was done to it between the OO and me, and it stayed in the same family…so, technical vs. literal. I have no care as it was unmolested.
Getting the same vibe with this T-Bird: parked due to age of the owner. My grandfather bought a new T-Bird every 2-years from ’58 on, always black with a red leather interior. He was 6’4″ so needed the swing-away wheel. His last one was this ’68. I was entranced by them all as a kid, especially the ’64.
If this one looks as clean & solid underneath as it does up top than the asking price is reasonable. Betting the A/C doesn’t work and am not delighted that the dash was cut for a standard DIN radio. Would like to see close-ups of the top at the pillars & rear window to see if rust is lurking; welding them means stripping out the interior upholstery which is fun, fun, fun. I’d get the top re-done and a re-paint if that paint can’t be brought back, do the standard wear parts refresh & drive the tires off of it.
I can’t figure out the color tone on the upholstery either. It looks factory. Wondering if some of these shots are under fluorescent or LED and others in daylight, the different color temperatures may be the reason.
re: wheel arch trims: may have been a dealer option? This one’s also pin-striped, which I don’t remember either.
If this were any closer I would be opening my wallet. The top is a problem but could be replaced. I’ve been thinking I need to get rid of the hot rod Mustang, as much as I like it, and get into a gentlemen’s car. Just wondering why the back seat looks black but the buckets are blue. Just a trick of the light maybe?
Front and back seats definitely look like different colors. I live in Phoenix and am in this neighborhood 4-5x a week. Wish I had the room and the time. Would be fun at Cars and Coffee!
“$4,750 is firm” – another case of “the seller knows what he has.”
Nice looking T-bird at a reasonable price. A true gentleman’s ride? This would make a great road car. Clean it up, rebuild the brakes and put it to use. Love that it has a 429 under the hood. Those 385 series Fords were solid engines, albeit heavy, very easily enhanced if desired. Strip the vinyl and just spray the roof black.
I’d drive it, almost just as it is. Now if we could just get our fuel costs back to a reasonable number …
Forgot to mention that I am a big fan of blue for my vehicles, inside and/or out. A bit worn or not. As long as they are solid drivers or can be made solid without restoring, what’s not to like?
It’s POOPSQUATCH. Hard Pass !
If you think this is big just wait a few years. Oof. I’ve always thought these cool 😎
It’ll cost $20k to bring it back. As we baby boomers age out, it won’t be worth $20k in a few years. Younger men want the cars of their youth.
looks clean. price is good if you want 1 of these. most of them have given their 429s for smaller cars. not many left like this
I don’t know why ,but I like these. And it is close for me I live in AZ. My wife better keep her eyes peeled I might have to make a little trip to see a guy about a horse.
These were nice looking cars and I liked the looks of them a lot more then the super bloated 70’s versions. Looks pretty rust free and if someone’s willing to invest the time and $$ into a new roof, paint and other odds and ends it could be a very nice car when done. I still think the 64′ to 66′ models were the best looking ones in my book.
I don’t think that I’ve ever seen any “Glamour Bird” that had trim on their wheel openings. I’ve owned four: two 1969s bought new (a 2-door HT and 4-door Landau Brougham) and two parts cars (1969 Sports Landau and 1968 4-door Landau). None of them had wheel opening trim…