With its long, low profile and distinctive styling, the fourth-generation Ford Thunderbird holds a special place in ’60s personal luxury. This 1966 Thunderbird coupe has been stored indoors for the past five years and is now up for grabs as a project or preservation candidate. It’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace and located in Marietta, Georgia, showing 57,000 miles on the odometer.
Finished in green with a matching green interior, this classic coupe looks mostly original. The seller notes that it’s equipped with a 390 cubic inch V8 and automatic transmission. While it’s not currently running, the drivetrain is intact, and the car rolls freely. A fuel system refresh and new battery are suggested as the first steps to revival.
The body appears straight with minimal rust—always a plus with these unibody Thunderbirds. Chrome trim, emblems, and glass are all present and in good condition. Though the paint may show some aging, it still carries the presence that made these cars stand out in their day.
Inside, the interior is complete and largely original. The dashboard, trim, and seats are all there, with the iconic wraparound design still intact. These cars came loaded with features for their time, and even a base coupe felt upscale in 1966. While the ad doesn’t detail the functionality of accessories, it’s encouraging that the interior hasn’t been stripped or modified.
Mechanically, it will need the usual revival items: brakes, tires, and a thorough systems check. Given that it’s been off the road for at least five years, inspecting the fuel tank, lines, and electrical connections would be smart. The seller hasn’t provided underbody photos, so a hands-on look is recommended for rust-prone areas.
Thunderbirds from this era haven’t exploded in value like some of their muscle car peers, but they offer fantastic styling and comfort for the money. And as survivors get harder to find, clean examples like this become more appealing to collectors and weekend cruisers alike.
Would you restore this classic coupe to factory spec—or give it a few subtle upgrades and cruise?
Too many unknowns for the asking price. There is a lot of downside risk for potential buyers, the overall condition of the engine, transmission, paint, underlying bodywork, as well as every other mechanical component is unknown. The seller couldn’t even bother to wash it or hook up a battery to test anything, this has all the earmarks of the type of Facebook ad they will eventually show its dozens of weeks old.
The market is changing, people are tightening up their wallets for all but the most desirable car that gave strong followings, this likely fall outside of that description, it’s more of a niche player.
Steve R
It was listed one day ago. Worth it? Who knows without an in person inspection. 30 years ago I was offered a ’64 in similar condition and I turned it down. It went to the crusher the next week. Coulda, woulda, shoulda. . .
I checked eBay after wrote my opinion, there are 16 1966 Thunderbirds currently listed, only 3 have sold over the last 90 days, 2 of which were convertibles, the one hardtop that sold looked like a really nice car. The dealer sold got a high bid $12,980. One other shows as sold, it had a high bid of $5,000, but has been relisted. My opinion hasn’t changed, people may like these, but the appreciation ends when it’s time to put money on the table. This particular car appears to be grossly overpriced for its condition.
Steve R
Steve R
Your knowledge and clarity, regularly seen on these barn finds, are truly appreciated.
Thank you
Steve R
I’m not trying to change anyones opinion, I don’t know why you got that impression. But I do have one of my own. Two things: I would never pay the asking price of any car, and I would never buy any car until I have inspected it myself.
IDK. If I was serious about this car I would message him and see if he’s open to negotiation. under all that dust you have a solid looking car.oh and request some under body pictures too, plus ask if the engine will turn by hand at least. I always liked these style Birds.
I always preferred the 61 / 62 designed like a bullet with the round tail lights. There is one this exact color combo sitting in a lot on Hwy 17 in Nassau County, FL. I drive past it daily to and from work. My uncle had a triple black convertible that I loved as a kid. He traded it for a triple black 66 Bonneville convertible with a 389 4 speed then wrapped it around a tree shortly afterwards. He did not have a drinking problem—not a problem at all for him back then! After a couple more nice cars and wives later, he finally cleaned up. He moved to that big ride in the sky a couple years ago. RIP Uncle Romey!
Looking on how the left front tire is sticking out in a strange way i doubt, that the car is even a roller. Even if the body is ok, for this price the engine must at least run. If the seller is not going to invest at least in some basic checks and reduces the unknowns, this is a 3-4K car max.
Yeah, my first thoughts about that wheel. Something isn’t right there.
It rolls just fine. It’s just that one wheel that happens to get dragged along by the other rolling three.
Will we see this ‘Bird with the barn dust washed off, and a quick fluff and buff, in the next go round? And yeah, fix the tie rod.
The ’66 is my favorite classic T-bird design, especially when it has the basic “Hardtop Coupe” roof with the small rear quarter windows (vs. the blind quarters of the “Town Sedan” and “Town Landau” versions).
IMO the updated front end with slightly squared headlight bezels, raised hood edge, and large eggcrate grille with the giant bird emblem, along with the new full-width taillight band, updated the ’64 design just right for the times.
I’m an old T-Birder that started in the 60’s with the bullet bodies, then the square bodies kinda grew on me. I’ve always had some Bird of sorts, but am currently without a driver. I don’t know where this one is located, if it’s close to Chicago area I’d take a ride and see it.
Welcome, Elizabeth! Nice job on this ’66 T-bird. I brought one of these back from the dead years ago, a Town Landau coupe my Dad snagged with Flintstone floorboards and a firewall full of rotten leaves. Ford really pushed the new-for-’66 formal option that eliminated the small rear side window for more of a Victoria treatment, but I always preferred this less-common C-pillar treatment. These interiors were hard to beat, too, looking futuristic up front with an overhead console and the “opera seats” in the rear.
That L. front wheel is a sign that the front end needs a rebuild. Do not take it lightly! In 1970 a ball joint broke on my 62 Bird, flipped the car and killed my best buddy. After much research since, and discovering the part numbers for all the early 60+ T-Bird front suspensions were all the same parts and were actually too small for a vehicle of that weight and size. If you’re going to buy a T-Bird figure the cost to rebuild that front end before taking it on the road, it might just be your last ride.