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Sweet Driver: 1964 Ford Thunderbird

This 1964 Thunderbird has been under the care of its elderly owner for many years. He drives the car sparingly, and it appears that he treats it with care and respect. All good things must come to an end, so he has asked a friend to handle the sale of his beloved classic. It is located in Urbana, Ohio, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The BIN has been set at a very affordable $9,500, although the option is available to make an offer. Barn Finder Larry D has had his radar working overtime, and I have to say thank you for referring this beautiful classic to us.

The Thunderbird is finished in an eye-catching combination of Pagoda Green and Wimbledon White. It looks stunning, with the paint shining beautifully across the entire car. There are no visible scars, scratches, or significant chips, while the panels appear to be laser straight. The gaps are tight and consistent, and there are no signs of any rust problems. The chrome is in excellent condition for a vehicle of this age, while the same appears to be true of the glass. The hubcaps have managed to survive with no physical damage, and the whitewall tires add the perfect finishing touch to this classic.

When you examine a classic like this, the engine bay can often be the best indication of the sort of life that the vehicle has led. If that is true with this Thunderbird, then it seems that there is nothing but positive news awaiting potential buyers. The Z-Code 390ci V8 is absolutely spotless, with no signs of leaks or other problems. The rest of the under-hood area looks equally impressive, with a level of cleanliness that suggests that you could eat off any surface. Bolted to the back of the 390 is a 3-speed automatic transmission, while the vehicle also features power steering and power brakes. With 300hp on tap, performance figures are quite respectable. The trip down the ¼ mile would take 16.8 seconds, and while it is not up in muscle car territory, it still seems good for what Ford was marketing as a Personal Luxury Car. The Thunderbird has had a recent service, along with new brakes, plugs, and plug wires. The owner has driven the car just enough to blow out the cobwebs but hasn’t clocked up enough miles to wear it out. The seller has slipped behind the wheel recently, and he says that it will cruise at 75mph on the open road all day. He says that it drives as it should, with no evidence of any nasty problems or vices.

If the Thunderbird is to be considered as an original survivor, then the interior needs very little. The cover on the driver’s seat is stretched, and it looks like the foam may be starting to collapse. I believe that replacing the foam on both bucket seats would be a wise move, and it would probably improve the appearance of the driver’s seat. This would cost approximately $360, but I believe that it would be money well-spent. The rest of the upholstered surfaces, the dash, and the console all look to be in good order. The carpet has a few marks, but these aren’t bad enough to justify replacement. The interior is unmolested, and almost everything works as it should. The exception here is the original AM radio, which works when it feels like it. The interior isn’t fully-loaded, but the swing-away wheel has to count as a practical feature in a car like this.

For an older person, the decision to part with their car can be a difficult one. It can be a moment of sadness for most of us, but for older motorists, it represents the loss of a certain level of independence. For this elderly owner, I suspect that the sale price is probably irrelevant. If this gentleman has owned the Thunderbird for as long as the seller indicates, all he will care about is that his pride and joy will go to a new owner who will treat it with the same level of care and dignity that he has. I don’t think that’s too much to ask, and I hope that it is the reality in this case. Both the owner and the Thunderbird deserve nothing less.

Comments

  1. Avatar James Quinn

    One of my favorite interiors of all time. Great car.

    Like 19
    • Avatar ADM

      The best dashboard, of any car. Period.

      Like 4
  2. Avatar GreggoL

    My dad bought a 64 T-Bird new when I was 6 yrs old, and I still remember it fondly as I was a car crazed kid. He bought a new car every 2 years as he was a salesman on the road on all the time. As the above comment, the interior felt more like an airplane than a car. I asked him to keep it till I was 18, but that didn’t pan out. Always wanted one of my own. Super cool car, my favorite family car till my dad got a 70 Eldorado, which I actually did get to own.

    Like 8
    • Avatar ADM

      As, you well know, that Eldorado was the most powerful Cadillac, back in the day. Probably the best engine GM made, with high nickel content, 500 cubes, 400 hp, and 550 ft lbs. of torque. Everyone bragged about the Chevies, Olds, and Buick engines making about 500 ft. lbs., but this engine would blow them away. I don’t know if the cooling and oiling systems could handle drag strip abuse, but if that engine was in a lightweight muscle car, the smoke show would never end.

      Like 3
  3. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    Looks like a very nice T-Bird. I agree, one of my favorite interiors. For not a bunch of money you could have a fun cruiser.

    Well-done pictures, too.

    Like 9
  4. Avatar Joe Machado

    Wow, gorgeous Bird. No Air.
    Cousin bought 64 Convertible, same colors, in n out, with Air.
    Bought 2 cars Saturday.
    1970 Chrysler Hurst and a 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer 2 door hardtop, 270 Hemi. Pink and White.
    Will clean up, paint, and possibly be available later.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Thos

    I had a ’64 Bird I bought used in 1966. Didn’t have much power for a 300 HP engine. Found ot previous owner had blocked the back two barrels on the carb. Took off after fixing that problem. Nice car.

    Like 4
  6. Avatar Mike

    Beautiful car! Mom had a white one with black interior. That has the most comfortable back seat. This is one of Ford’s best interiors ever!! Thank you sir for preserving this one so well!🎉🎉

    Like 4
  7. Avatar Larry D

    Even though the car is from the 60s, that color gives it a throwback to the 50s. Perfect!

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Joe

    Favorite childhood car. Attempted to buy one when in high school – owner dissuaded me due to the complexity of the car. 1964 white on white – I’ll never forget it. Thinking I bought the broken down Impala SS convertible instead…

    Like 3
  9. Avatar Vic M.

    Beautiful car. I remember going with my uncle and looking at one. Fantastic rear seat. Her bought a Buick Skylark convertible instead. I did love the look of that car though.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar jokacz

    They weren’t as fast as author claims, here’s a Car Life road test of a 65 (more truthful than Car and Driver) :
    http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/members/AardvarkPublisherAttachments/9990458680301/1964-11_CL_1965_Ford_Thunderbird_Test_1-5.pdf

    Like 1
  11. Avatar SJMike

    Looks like it sold on Ebay- that was a decent deal.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Milt

      It just says “ended” which doesn’t mean sold.

      Like 1
      • Avatar Larry D

        Yeah, I don’t think the car was sold.

        Like 1
  12. Avatar 370zpp Member

    Nice bird.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Bob Mck

    Magnificent! Can’t wait to see what it sells for.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Charles Sawka

    I got in too late. That one was a steal ! Wow

    Like 1
  15. Avatar PatrickM

    Hmmm… Listing ended. That was quick. When I see this happen, I get quite cautious about some of the cars for sale online. Really makes me wonder what’s going on. Too bad. I was interested in this one. Oh well, maybe it will pop up, again, soon.

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Craig Vosika

    I had one for a while back in the late 70’s sold it 79 best car i ever owned wish i still had it!!!

    Like 1

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