When I was a boy growing up in Tasmania in the 1970s, I can remember my father looking at buying a Thunderbird identical to this for our family car. In an era dominated by the Holden Kingswood and Ford Falcon, a Thunderbird would have been the coolest car about. You can find this one for sale here on eBay in Muskegon, Michigan with a clear title and a Buy it Now of $10,500, but there’s also the option to make an offer.
Firstly and to state the obvious, this car is being sold by a dealer. Having said that, they are a shining example to any seller on how to advertise a car. The ad is worded clearly, and features 94 clear photos and a video. Oh alright, maybe 94 photos is over-kill for a private seller, but you get my meaning. For me the attraction of this car is that according to the seller it’s a car that you can drive and enjoy right now, and you don’t have to wrap it in cotton wool.
At first glance the interior looks to be in reasonable condition. The car also features the “Swing-Away” steering column. Unfortunately the San Andreas Fault appears to be running across the dash pad. There are also a couple of small holes in the head-lining that should probably be addressed before they become big holes. There is also some seam separation on the driver’s seat and some discoloration which may be able to be rectified with some careful cleaning. Once again, the photos detail any issues with the interior.
Here lies the beating heart of the beast. The 390ci engine is said to start first try and run smoothly. The transmission “shifts a bit firmly, with a small oil leak underneath”. However, the car is driveable and the seller states that it could be driven and enjoyed as is. For me that would be the path that I would be taking, although I would probably address the oil leak asap. The car also features power steering and power drum brakes.
The car was repainted in its original color “some time ago”. The paintwork exhibits the scratches and chips that you might expect over time, but the car appears to be solid with no obvious rust issues. Chrome-work also appears to all be intact and in good condition. To me this is a survivor car, and when you consider that it is heading rapidly towards its 60th birthday I find the condition to be pretty good. Oh that I should look so good at 60!
So what do you think: Here in the land Down Under where the majority of the population drove around in a Ford Falcon or a Holden Kingswood, if one of these had been my family car would I have been the coolest kid at my school? Or am I dreaming?
A trailer in the background. Another flipper. Good looking car though
Thats a horse trailer, and the author stated that the car was being sold by a dealer.
Maybe he’s a horse flipper.
If you want to drive a true classic for a reasonable price these era thunderbirds are definitely the way to go. Very cool looking car
I still have a set of pristine factory “spinner” full hubcaps for this model Bird.
Came off a car with 28,000 miles. Eventually I’ll likely get another Bird. This one looks like it needs a bit too much, for my garage. However, very nice cars, and this one looks good for its age.
Only thing better would be a convertible Landau. Loved those from 60’s shows like 77 Sunset strip, Peter Gunn and Route 66!
I don’t know, that design is so clean and uncluttered, I actually think it looks better as a hardtop. Of course, there’s no denying the obvious benefits of a droptop. Guess I’ll just have to get one of each.
Also a regularly featured vehicle on the original 1960s series “The Outer Limits.”
I have a feeling that was the same car that showed up on “The Andy Griffith Show” several times. https://www.imcdb.org/v226651.html
From what I’ve seen of the show, Peter Gunn was a Mopar man.
And don’t forget a young Bill Bixby driving one in the Andy Griffith show.
A friend of mine has one with the same options as this car, that was redone 20 years ago, but needs work again. The problem with the car, is that although the interior is green with all the options including the swingaway wheel, the car is white, and that slab side just doesn’t look right to me in a light colour.
I keep thinking of buying the car, but know that the first thing I would have to do, is put the money for a colour change.
I think if I was living a little closer, I would have a good look at this car, and if it runs as good as it looks I would likely buy it and enjoy it. They are a very comfortable ride and would be a nice way to go to all the summer show and shines.
Bob
I hate to be picky but, with all of those pictures plus a video, it sure would be nice to have some underside shots especially coming from Michigan which is not especially known for its rust-free cars.
Good looking car…love the lines.But I’m only about the ragtop.
I like. It’s my 2d best T-Bird model after the 55-57 years. I do have to say I prefer the convertible with the toneau to turn it into a 2 seater.
I used to know a guy that had one that he had painted in some type of mono-chromatic multi colored paint and a custom interior. Made IMO one of the ugliest T-Birds I’ve ever seen and that’s from someone with a newer one.
Nicest T-Birds EVER!!!
The Bullet Birds are undoubtedly the most beautiful T-Bird ever. Every design detail flowed into the next. So refreshing after the absolutely hideous Squares that preceded this model
I love how the door handle is part of that trim that runs on top of the fender. Sweet, sweet ride.
Lovely car but no A/C which would be mandatory here. Someone jump on it. You’ll love it.
I have always wondered about the trim design on these. The front bumper comes around the side. The recess in the body for that section matches the rest of the recess running to the back.
I’ve wondered if there was a unused design that had a chrome strip running the entire side of the car?
I wish I still had mine, but that was in the late 60’s and it’s long gone. First car my wife and I ever owned. What a great ride. I would drive it from my duty station in Texas to her folks house in Chicago, 21 hours straight through.
My brother has a 66 town landau version. Nice car but that friggin 390 overheats due to Ford’s lack of a bigger radiator. I’ve told him to get a Griffin or Walker radiator but so far no luck.l Heavy car, well made.
I love these cars but would a repainted car still qualify as a survivor?
The curvy reflection (not straight) reflection on the driver’s side causes concern to me. It just doesn’t seem straight. A girlfriend’s Mom had one of these. White with red leather. She would let us sit in it and make out. :) Cool car. Cool Mom.