Consider the fifth generation (1967-1971) of Ford’s iconic Thunderbird. While Gen-1, the Baby Bird (’55-’57) is the most collectible, for obvious reasons, succeeding editions like the Square Bird (’58-’60) and the high-style third and fourth generations (’61-’66) have their fans too. By ’67 however, things changed – the T-bird done growed an extra pair of doors! But, attractive two-door variations like this Los Angeles domiciled ’68 example were still available too. With that thought in mind, let’s see, what if anything, sets this one apart from previous generations. It’s available, here on craigslist for $3,000.
It has been said that in the mid-’60s, Ford wanted to further distance the Thunderbird from the Mustang so the plan was to push the T-Bird, upscale, in terms of size and function. The results were mixed. While the two-door version of the T-Bird grew slightly over the previous generation, the four-door managed four more inches in length and wheelbase, and about an additional 100 lbs. in weight. Total production for ’66 vs. ’68 was similar, 69K units vs. 65K, respectively, but the four-door edition made up 21K of that total output – it’s safe to say that there was a market for just such a car.
Other big news in ’68 was the introduction of the “Thunder Jet” 429 CI “385 series” V8 engine, good for 360 gross HP (not the claimed 400 that the seller states) and that’s what we have here. We are further told, “Very Desirable Engine…It Runs and Drives but does need a little bit of TLC“. The mileage is stated as being 110K so that big V8 may, or may not be down on its thunder quotient – depends on how it has been treated over the last half-century plus.
As for the exterior, I’ve encountered worse. There’s a lot of surface rust and a few contusions here and there. I imagine that the Wimbledon White finish is original, and it has obviously seen better days – no surprise there. Some of the stainless trim is missing as are the wheel covers though it appears that at least one has survived. Also, this example was without a vinyl top covering and that has the benefit of avoiding pesky C-pillar rust. What I don’t see is obvious rot-through and that’s good to note. Looking at this car in profile, I find it to be a well-balanced design – something that I think is lacking in the four-door version.
“Interior is in pretty good condition for a 55-year-old car” is how the seller describes the interior. The seating upholstery is likely vinyl though a leather combination was available. And while not ripped, the front seat back is a bit mangy looking. Both door panels are, at the least, armrest-challenged but what can be seen of the carpet shows as being in surprisingly sound condition, again, what can be seen of it. The dash and instrument panel check out and note if you will, the curvature of the rear seat back – quite an aesthetic touch.
The seller proclaims, “Note: 1967-1969 Thunderbirds are Very Rare“, and no, I’ve already dispelled that notion. Maybe they’re rare today, in 2023, but they’re not rare cars. This car does, even in its forlorn condition, make a powerful statement – it oozes class, power, and sophistication. And knowing where the Mustang was with its ’67 facelift, it’s sensical that Ford did what they did with the T-Bird. Whether this generation of Thunderbirds will reach the collectability status of previous generations is hard to say with certainty. What is certain is that we won’t find another large, two-door hardtop powered by a 7.0 liter V8 engine in any manufacturer’s lineup again. $3,000 for this example? Seems to be in the realm of reasonableness, what’s your thought?
Menacing and muscular up front, top hat and tails in the back. These were such weird cars. And don’t get me started on the four-door models. Would they have caused a sensation if offered as a convertible or with a fastback roofline ala the 1968 Toronado? I think so. What were they thinking?
Timmy,
The 1970 & ’71 beak nose T-bird had a fastback roofline similar to the ’66 Toronado
These Tbirds are really classy looking cars.
When I went to Vancouver,BC,a fellow Lotus club member gave
me a ride in his ’69 4 door.It was a really comfortable drive.
I’m not big on these cars but the price is definitely fair at 3k being a complete running survivor. Would be a great driver.
I love this generation T-bird as the looks are rather sporty with jet airplane design & has the suicide doors on the 4 door then throw in one of the best looking interiors which always seems loaded as A/C is a must have and add one of the best big blocks to come out of Detroit and last but not least I’ve seen so many in great shape running , driving everything works cars going for like 12 grand these have to be my number 1 pick for getting into the hobby & while not fearsome performers I think it would do well enough to be sweet muscle car ride in a 1995 SS Impala sort of way hell I want one !
The two door models look better than the 4 door versions. This would be great for a pro touring conversion.
I just looked at one of these in person a month ago – had not seen one in ages. I have always found these great looking cars in and out. The tail light design, and the grill design, are simply beautiful……
best
bt
This standard hardtop without the vinyl top is a good looking car. Not your typical rust free California car as it looks pretty rough even in photos. If the frame isn’t rusty it could be a great DIY for someone. The standard hardtop is rare
I’m not sure if this has a frame or is it a uni-body like all the earlier 4 seater birds. A uni-body car would be a disaster if it was rusty, I’ve seen 4 door Lincolns that deteriorated to the point that the doors wouldn’t close properly
These have a full frame. The mark iii continental is built on the same platform and in fact shares the roof and glass of the 2 door bird.
Ford switched to body-on-frame for ’67 and on, based on the platform that would become the Torino, IMS. Nice, but not as upscale in appearance as the ’61-’66 ‘Birds, IMO.
My father had one of these when new ,( a four door,) and he hated it! It had no standard gages to speak of for the oil and temp. Only what he called ,”idiot lights “ strung overhead! These cars had miles of wiring that made them electrical nightmares to work on. He got locked in it once at a gas station. Then the windows wouldn’t work! He once drove the car at night at which time the hideaway headlights simply shut! He really didn’t like that car!
As an old T-Bird collector, from 2 seaters up, my opinion is: Ford finished up the reign of glorious luxury sports cars with examples like this lead sled. Any T-Bird sitting in a parking lot, with other examples of today’s motor cars, catches the eye of even the least knowledgeable passer-by.
i like it
I would to put this body on a 2000 Crown Victoria chassis.
My two Great (widowed) Aunts in “the Falls” had a four door. Cresting the still new Skyway, on our way home from Chinese food. Nine passengers. My four big siblings in back, luxuriating. Looking over their shoulders at mom, dad and Gramma keeping up in Pop’s plain Jane Impala.
Up front, Auntie driving, other shotgun. Even in furs and jewelry, each 100lbs.
Between them, 8 year old me beside my grown up cousin. She was steadying her toddler as he stood on the tranny hump, teething on the padded dash.
What great memories. And it wouldn’t be so special had it not also been a cool car
Just sold my 68 T- Bird for 3500. maroon with vinyl top and 429 with 110000 miles running, no rust just needs brakes.And nice black interior, and was my wifes car..
If it truly is a runner that’s a great price. Almost as plain Jane a t-bird as you could find then. I’d love it parked by my place.
Clean it up as you go. Plenty of fun lurking under the hood for someone with the gumption to go at it with basic shade tree engine mods.