The horsepower war of the 1960s wasn’t confined to muscle cars, with Personal Luxury Cars receiving similar attention. The first owner of this 1968 Ford Thunderbird was willing to play the game, equipping their new purchase with the range-topping 429ci Thunder Jet V8. Therefore, if you are the type of enthusiast who prefers to combine comfort and effortless acceleration, this T-Bird deserves a close look. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the fast Ford listed here on Craigslist in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. The seller set their price at $14,500 for a classic with a claimed 46,000 original miles showing on its odometer.
Ford introduced its Fifth Generation Thunderbird range for the 1968 model year. With a first-year tally of 77,976 vehicles, it comfortably eclipsed its predecessor’s final-year total of 69,176. However, that was as good as it got, with the figure dropping to 64,391 in 1968 and declining steadily until its replacement hit the market for the 1972 model year. The first owner ordered this 1968 Thunderbird Landau in Midnight Aqua with a contrasting Beige vinyl top. The seller indicates that the car retains most of its original paint, with the driver’s side front fender receiving a repaint at some point following a minor accident. The included images reveal a range of scratches and scrapes, although with no significant panel damage or evidence of rust, returning this classic to its former glory would not be difficult or expensive. The trim and tinted glass are in good condition for their age, but the seller doesn’t mention whether the headlamp covers work as they should. This need not be a hurdle if there are problems, because the parts to address any shortcomings are readily available.
Ford meant business in 1968, offering Thunderbird buyers a choice of two V8s to power their new purchase. New for that model year was the range-topping 429ci Thunder Jet, with this car’s first owner ticking that box. This motor produced an “official” 360hp, although many people believe that the true figure was higher. A three-speed automatic transmission was standard equipment, as was power assistance for the steering and brakes. This car might tip the scales at around 4,560 lbs, but the excellent power and torque of the Thunder Jet made it a match for anything offered by the competition. The seller claims that this survivor has a genuine 46,000 miles showing on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. Included are the original manuals and two sets of keys, and the car’s perfect mechanical health would allow the new owner to fly in and drive it home.
Another highlight of this Thunderbird is its interior. The seller confirms that there is a problem with the armrest on the driver’s door, but that and one spot of minor trim edge damage and inoperative air conditioning seem to be the only items worthy of criticism. The Aqua upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear, with the wrap-around back seat appearing to have received little use. The carpet is free from significant wear, the pad is crack-free, and the woodgrain is in good order. This Landau cements its luxury credentials courtesy of the already mentioned A/C, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, and the optional AM/FM radio “Stereo-Sonic” tape player.
If you’re the type of person who prefers to combine comfort with performance, this 1968 Ford Thunderbird might be worth a closer look. Its cosmetic needs appear to be quite minor, making it a prime candidate for a DIY restoration in a home workshop. Alternatively, a reputable shop might be able to achieve a better color match for the repaired front fender, allowing the buyer to preserve this T-Bird as an essentially unmolested survivor. That approach would minimize the capital outlay, although with the seller’s competitive asking price and climbing values, returning the T-Bird to its former glory may represent a respectable long-term investment. Which path would you choose?
The 5th gen T Bird debuted for 67 model year. Nearly identical to 68 except without Fed side markers. Beautiful car and color combo. Love to see it as the 4 door!
you are rt and 1967 was first 4dr bird love to find one
The wiper sweep was changed in ’68, again to keep the Feds happy. Mom’s ’67 was my favorite, the Federal side marker lights with cornering lamps look like giant zits on the car’s chin. The bucket seats went from standard to optional in ’68, so the original owner paid extra for the bucket seats. IIRC, the 428 was an early model year option in ’68, because on 01 January, 1968, the FE block 428 was replaced by the new “385” family 429 V8. In 1969, the rear side windows and full-width taillights went away, but just for one year, they came back in 1970, along with the full-width sequential taillights and the “Bunkie Beak” in ’70.
I never used to like this generation Thunderbird but it has grown on me. And a 429? How different is this motor from the Cobra Jet? I would just drive this beast and not even worry about the minor paint issues.
I believe the Cobra Jet had the option of Ram-Air…either “R” code with a hood scoop or “Q” code scoop delete…but I could be wrong.
Of the 4 diff 429s
(Base T.Jet, performance versions Cobra Jet, Super Cobra Jet and Boss) the T. Jet was the base, full size/T Bird mill with over 100K + made.
Cobra Jet was performance version with upgrades, built only in 1970-71, maybe 3,000 produced and was ONLY installed in mid-size (1970-71) and pony cars (’71) with thick strong blocks, bigger valves and bigger carb, more compression.
Notable was the SCJ version with solid cam, big 780 Holley and engine oil cooler to keep temps (read Warranty Claims) down with the 3.91, 4.30 gearsets.
I HAVE A 429 SCJ INTAKE WITH THE FACTORY 800 CFM Q-JET STILL ON IT! the SCJ 429 used the Rochester spread bore NOT a Holley 780! The ports on this thing are the size of a Goose egg and much larger than the DOVE-C head ports.
The 427 CJ and SCJ were “FE” block motors, but the bore and stroke were different from the 428 “FE” block. The 429 was an entirely new design, based on the “385” block, the 429 and 460 “385” engines shared the same bore, but the 460 was fitted with a “stroker” crank, so the 429 can be made a 460 with a crank and con rod swap.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_FE_engine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_385_engine
The 429 was the base motor in T-Birds from 1968-75, the 460 was made the only engine choice in 1976, to cope with the power losses imposed by the ever tightening Federal anti-smog rules. Previously the 460 was used exclusively in the Lincoln Mark series (Mark IV, Mark V, and Mark VI and Mark VII).
Boy this car screams of American design and muscle with that 429 for the period…mpg is to be overlooked, for sure beats the boring econo boxes of today…love the color combo too…good luck on the sale.
I’d sell it ”as is”.
Beautiful!
Sacrilege!
A back seat never used! Ohhh my wasted youth.
$14,500 Canadian is about $10,400 USD today. Show me another low mile 2dr big block cruiser in this condition and great colors that you can drive home and enjoy immediately. Lowered a little and with the right wheels and tires it would make quite a statement.
A buddy was just trying to buy a car titled in Canada. The original owner had to go to customs to fill out paperwork and spend money… Original owner passed away and his wife was trying to sell the car. Big headache, buddy passed on the car.
Best to use an international brokerage company if you don’t know what you are doing. You don’t just drive to the boarder and expect to drive through. You have to have the paperwork faxed to your boarder crossing at least 48 hours before you arrive.
Don’t you mean “border”, not “boarder”? Unless the Canadian Government has boarding houses at the border for illegal aliens, LOL!
About 25 years ago,I bought a ’72 Cortina MKIII
in British Columbia.The title was also the proof of insurance,
as there was only one insurance company in BC.
I entered the US at the Truck Route.Took about 10 minutes,
and only cost me $90 (US).I thought it was really easy.
Sounds like a big headache to get your car home. I hate red tape
Love me 429 Tbird! That 429 was a NASCAR engine wasn’t it?
The Boss 429 was the NASCAR version.
Older friend at a junkyard told me a lot of these cars got scrapped when the price of metal went up, 4500 pounds of of scrap. PS Went to u haul to rent a car dolly for a 69 t bird, when I got there guy asked me what car I was towing, told him and he said, Yeah, no can do, that car is to heavy… I asked him what other cars are on that list and he said, None…
My 1st Thunderbird was a 1969 Landau. Gold with an off white vinyl top. 429. Beautiful car, wish I still had it. Traded it in on a 1971 T-Bird that was nice, but not as nice as the 69!
https://www.copart.com/lot/69866095/clean-title-1968-ford-thunderbir-ca-vallejo