Vehicle Description
1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
For 1964 the Thunderbird was restyled in favor of a more squared
off appearance, which was mostly evident when viewing the car from
the side or rear. The new model retained a similar grille design
with quad headlights and a 113.2" wheelbase. The new Thunderbird
continued to be offered in hardtop, convertible and Landau
versions. The 390ci V8 continued as standard fare for the
Thunderbird as did the 3-speed automatic. For 1965, sequential turn
signals were added along with standard front disc brakes. Even
though this was the last year for the 4th generation, 1966 saw
revisions for the Thunderbird, a new egg crate grill with a large
emblem at the center, a single blade front bumper, and full width
tail lights. Also added was an optional 428ci V8 engine. This would
be the last year for the convertible until the "retro models of
2002-2005.
For consignment, and looking more like a high-priced Lincoln than a
working man's Ford, the fourth generation Thunderbird reimagined
the brand's familiar bullet profile with heavy style lines and
intricate trim. This car comes with a slew of manuals, the correct
chrome wire wheels as extras, and even has an electrical bypass
hidden in the interior should the top stop working. This 67,102
title verified actual mile example comes to our Hallowed Halls from
the 4th owner and remains all original with the exception of a
repaint that was done in the correct color as an enamel finish.
Let's explore some top down motoring in Ford's larger than life
"personal luxury car"
Exterior
Resprayed in its original Candy Apple Red paint code T, and wearing
a white canvas convertible roof, this car is in good condition with
only minor chips and dents along with a few areas of hazing and
dullness. Watching the top mechanism raise and lower is similar to
watching a ballet, with the trunk performing it's reverse opening
and the entire top and its framing gracefully tucking down into the
trunk, very much akin to the Ford retractable hardtops of the late
1950's. When the top is down we get a full view of the very rarely
seen roadster tonneau that can easily be removed for access to the
rear seats. At the front of the car, a '66-exclusive egg crate
grille flows seamlessly into a blade style bumper, which centers
petite parking lamps beneath ribbed bezel 'eyebrow' headlights that
intentionally recall the earlier 'Square Bird'. Above that grille,
a correct, badgeless hood centers a tasteful scoop between classy
turn indicators and stainless-trimmed glass that's capped by the
convertible roof. And at the back of those quarters, a wrap-around
bumper holds sequential tail lights that flank a centrally mounted
reverse light with a Thunderbird emblem. Standard T bird turbine
style hubcaps cover steel wheels and are wrapped in thin whitewall
225/75R15 rubber and the correct chrome wire wheels are included
with your purchase. Brite work and bumpers as well as badging,
appear in nice condition.
Interior
Black as was the original, and indeed remains original for the
crinkle vinyl buckets in front and a rear bench in back, with a
fold down armrest. A jet age inspired center console swoops past
the buckets, offers a center glovebox and the standard 1960's
cigarette setup, then turns to a chrome and black textured covering
that houses the window controls. As it moves forward it climbs to
the dash it houses the temperature controls and factory AM/FM
radio. Up to the top of the dash where it turns to vinyl, here are
the futuristic wiper and air vent sliding toggles. These are
reminiscent of the very same toggles used on the Starship
Enterprise when it jumps to warp speed! The ultra-modern
speedometer has numbers in squares, and a bar that rolls right as
you gain speed. LOOK MA no needle indicator! This is fronted by 4
ball in cup stainless gauges, and the original tilt away steering
wheel. Very clean black carpeting is flooding the floors and to the
outsides are molded door panels finished in black vinyl with
swooping arm rest, deeply ribbed vertical inserts and plush
carpeting on the lowers.
Drivetrain
Standard fare for the 1966 Bird was the rock solid 390ci V8
producing 315hp. Attached to the back of this venerable mill is a
3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission. A 3.00:1 ratio Ford 9"
conventional differential is noted. The engine has a Ford blue
painted air cleaner cover, valve covers as well as the block.
Looking mostly original and cosmetically restored, this engine bay
has been well detailed and even the new hood insulation is up to
snuff.
Undercarriage
Surface rust is present on the unibody and suspension parts but
only in areas that have not been painted or had the undercoating
flake off. Factory undercoating is present on the floors and has
done a fine job of keeping things solid. Newer dual exhaust is
showing the whole way back and new mufflers are at the end of the
system. A newer fuel tank is noted at the rear of the car and power
disc brakes are on the front and power drums bring up the rear and
independent coil spring suspension is on the front and leaf springs
provide the ride on the rear. All buttoned up and looking good down
here.
Drivability
I slipped behind the swing away column, I think Ford designed this
for us rotund gentlemen, and twisted the key. It idled smoothly and
went into gear and gave me a nice cruise. Out on the test track it
ran and accelerated, handled nicely and exhibited bias free
braking. Allwas good on my drive and I came from the test track
with a smile on myface with the only frown being the right rear
window not going up or down.
A respray in the factory color and retaining the original interior
this car is one to be had. A smooth runner and the last year of the
"Flair Bird" it truly lives up to its name. This iteration lasted a
mere 3 years before it underwent a design change. Lots of recent
service and the shop manuals to keep the tinkerer in you sated. A
great driver to enjoy day in and day out.
6Y85Z115494
6-1966
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
85-Thunderbird Convertible
Z-390ci V8 4bbl
115494-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76A-Thunderbird Convertible
COLOR T-Candy Apple Red
TRIM 56-Black Crinkle Vinyl
DATE 30K-October 30th
DSO 45-Davenport
AXLE 01-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 8-Cruise O Matic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
