Vehicle Description
1966 Ford Thunderbird Town Landau
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 this 66 "Flair Bird" a nickname acquired since the
"Bullet Bird'', and the "Square Bird" were now old hat designs.
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 some recent maintenance, but remains very original and
this includes the interior, paint and chrome. It was loaded to the
gills with options right from the factory and shows a
non-verifiable 31,018 miles on the odometer. Add in the full gamut
of repair manuals and you have yourself a turn key and ready to go
cruiser.
Exterior
Wearing the original application of Ivy Yellow, paint code L, and
wearing what appears to be its original Town Landau roof this car
is in very good condition with only minor thin spots in the paint
along with some dulling and a few stone chips. 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 with a black vinyl landau
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 turbine-esque Thunderbird
hubcaps cover steel wheels and are wrapped in thin whitewall
Hankook rubber from the 4th week of 2021. The brite work and
bumpers as well as badging, appear in nice condition and we need to
step back for a moment and breathe in all the originality....breath
over, let's move to the interior.
Interior
Gold, actually more of an olive gold, as was the original, and
remains original for the 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 wood veneer covering, and
houses the window controls. As it moves forward it climbs to the
dash, housing the temperature controls and factory AM/FM radio. Up
to the top of the dash, where it turns to vinyl, 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. A console is in the center
of the headliner which is of the smooth vinyl style and the plush
factory carpet is below, well protected by clear plastic stick on
covers.
Drivetrain
Standard fare for the 1966 Bird was the rock solid 390ci V8
producing 315hp, and a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic
transmission. A freshly gone through Ford 9" 3.00:1 ratio
conventional differential is noted for rear tire turning duties.
The engine has the blue painted valve covers, a newer Holley
4-barrel carburetor and a beehive style mesh air cleaner. Looking
mostly original and unrestored, this engine bay just needs a minor
detailing and a few areas of new hood insulation to be up to
snuff.
Undercarriage
Surface rust is present on the unibody and suspension parts.
Factory undercoating is present on the floors and has done a fine
job of keeping things solid,so much so that there are areas of the
factory red oxide primer showing through. A new dual exhaust is
showing from the engine back and new mufflers are at the end of the
system. Power disc brakes are on the front and power drums bring up
the rear. Independent coil spring suspension, which was fully
rebuilt, 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. Here it ran and
accelerated well but a few issues cropped up during my drive.
Including but not limited to the AC blowing warm and a rattle that
very possibly is just a loose wheel cover, but all else was good on
my drive and I came from the test track with a smile.
Wearing its factory applied paint 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. Plenty of care and maintenance performed will keep you from
tinkering and will place you firmly behind that groovy swing away
column of this great driver that you can enjoy day in and day
out.
6Y87Z106848
6-1966
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
87-Thunderbird Town Landau
Z-390ci V8 315hp 4bbl
106848-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63D-Thunderbird Town Landau
COLOR L-Ivy Yellow
TRIM 58-Gold Vinyl
DATE 15J-September 15th
DSO 71-Los Angeles
AXLE 01-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 6-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.
