Vehicle Description
1965 Ford Thunderbird Coupe
According to Palm Springs Life magazine, the car's final name came
not from the Native American symbol as one might expect, but from
an ultra-exclusive housing tract in what would later be
incorporated as Rancho Mirage, California: Thunderbird Heights. For
1965, the Thunderbird was restyled discarding some of the
rocket-ship styling cues of the previous generation in favor of a
more squared-off, formal look. Dimensions changed only
fractionally, and the suspension, engine, and transmission remained
as before, but continued efforts to minimize noise and vibration
from the unit body led to a weight increase of some 244 pounds. The
Thunderbird's sporty image had by that time become only an
image.
For consignment this 65 "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.
Exterior
What was originally Prairie Bronze Metallic (code P) is now covered
in beautiful red. At the front of the car, a '65-exclusive grille
flows seamlessly into an angled bumper, which centers petite
parking lamps beneath chrome-trimmed 'eyebrow' headlights that
intentionally recall the earlier 'Square Bird'. Above that grille,
a correct, bird-branded hood centers a tasteful scoop between
classy turn indicators and stainless-trimmed glass that's capped
with a hardtop. And at the back of those quarters, a jet-inspired
decklid founds a bold valance around sequential taillights, a
second bird emblem and nondescript reverse lamps. Standard T bird
hubcaps are wrapped by small redline, and a larger white wall tire.
Brite work and bumpers as well as badging, appear in nice
condition.
Interior
Ivy Gold as was the original, and indeed may be original 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 aluminum framing black plastic, and houses the window
controls. As is moves forward it climbs to the dash, housing the
temperature controls, and AM 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.
Drivetrain
Standard fare for the 1965 Bird, was the rock solid 390ci V8
producing 300hp, and a 3-speed automatic transmission. A 3.00:1
Ratio differential is noted, as well as front disc brakes were
standard. The engine has the gold painted air cleaner cover, and
valve covers, and presents relatively clean, as does the underside.
Power steering and power brakes also standard on this classic
automobile.
The new red exterior, and gold interior add a nice combination that
was not available in 1965. Well preserved, and quick starting, as
well as a smooth idler, and gear changer, this 1965 "Flair Bird"
lives up to its name. This iteration lasted only 3 years, then the
Thunderbird underwent yet another design change.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find
collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is 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.