Whether you’re selling a car, boasting about your accomplishments, or explaining to your boss why you’re late for work, honesty is always the best policy, and the owner here sounds very forthcoming about some of the issues with his 1964 Ford Thunderbird. He sums it up by saying that if you’re looking for perfect, this isn’t it. However, there are plenty of positives to consider here as well, so it’s probably worth checking out if you’re in the market for a mid-sixties personal luxury car to tinker with and enjoy. Barn Finds reader Curvette found this one here on Craigslist in Ocean Shores, Washington, so we’d like to express our gratitude to him for the tip! Even with a few things to address, this T-Bird might still be reasonably priced, with the seller aiming for $7,950.
The only detail the seller mentions regarding the exterior appearance is that the paint and chrome look nice, and not only do I agree, but this almost sounds like an understatement. There aren’t any specifics shared about whether any significant bodywork has been performed or how old the paint is here. However, unless I’m missing something, the sheet metal here appears to be in excellent condition, and I’m not spotting any areas that need attention. Depending on the application, aftermarket wheels are often hit-or-miss, but these really do complement the shape of a mid-sixties Thunderbird.
More good news is that the engine is reported to pull strongly, and it is also stated to start easily. However, a few issues have been reported in this and a few other departments. While the under-hood presentation is clean and orderly, the carburetor is described as finicky, so it’ll either need to be rebuilt or replaced. There’s also a valve cover gasket leak noted, plus the brake pedal is hard, with the vacuum booster thought to need attention. The lights cut in and out, so there are also electrical problems that will require a diagnosis and repair.
Unless you want something way beyond a nice driver, the interior is probably in good enough condition already, though it’s not specified whether the dash cover is for protection or to hide cracks. The Grant GT steering wheel might not be a desirable upgrade for many, but the original helm is shown in the trunk, so this could likely be reversed in no time. I’m finding a lot more strengths than weaknesses here, and feeling pretty good about this 1964 Ford Thunderbird. How about you?
Change the steering wheel and road wheels for something more appropriate sort the rest of the car properly and cruise
This car’s electrics have been subjected to some serious shade-tree engineering. Nothing inspires confidence like seeing part of the factory fuse block by-passed and replaced with Mr. Bentwrench’s half-assed handywork. The partially-used container of Buss fuses is a major warning sign.
Potential buyers should walk away now before an electrical fire has them walking.
Agreed, lose that dorky steering wheel and those hideous rims. A 64 T-Bird with electrical issues?? What??
There was one of these in close to this color (a bit deeper and almost black in some light and more metallic in it) at the MCACN show a year ago and it was stunning. It was also the “Landau” roof version but the top was body color and it had a burgundy leather interior with burgundy suede inserts on the seats. People were just walking by it with their mouths hanging open. I still have a pic of it on my phone. With some work (like getting rid of the vinyl roof) this could look almost as nice. If they weren’t so darn heavy I’d be all over this. And OBTW the stock steering wheel is in the trunk, needs a proper covering with leather to make it better than the original.
I don’t think mouse-fur upholstery existed in 1964 so the seats have been re-covered. Too needy!
Headlights cutting in and out could be the the headlight switch overheating if the headlights were replaced with halogen bulbs, which use more power than stock bulbs. Ford Galaxie club of America sells a relay box that prevents that…fyi
RJM, you beat me to the possible remedy for the flashing headlights. A few years ago, I had the same situation with my 66 F-100 pickup. I bought an inexpensive relay that included simple instructions and mounted it up high next to the radiator and battery. I think what the relay does is obtaining power, in my case, from the starter solenoid instead of the longer route headlight switch and return. So, this car may be okay electrically if that is the main issue. I agree with others that the wheels look awful on this car.
I’m a T-Bird owner and restorer. This car is a deal at the current price. At auction it will double. Good luck seller!
This appears to me to be a good deal. It checks the proper boxes for a nice driver.
I agree with another comment that the upholstery is not original but it looks nice just not the proper color IMHO.
I do not like the wheels.
Other than the S-Wheel it looks good and is priced to sell.
Has the engine been painted Vintage Burgandy, I had a 1964 Galaxy and the motor was Ford Blue
1964 T-bird engines are supposed to be painted gold.