For Sale: 1966 Ford Thunderbird in Ft Worth, Texas

Living in the shadow of their late 50's siblings for decades, '60s era Thunderbirds are finally getting the respect they deserve. And it's hard to understand why it took so long. With it's believed-original 390 V8 under the hood, a bone-stock and honest presentation, and a good set of options, this '66 Thunderbird has led an easy life and is good evidence of why these fourth-gen Thunderbirds are growing in demand each year.


Finished in a bright red finish, arguable an update over its original P-code Antique Bronze, this Jet-Bird is long and low, sleek and powerful, and the embodiment of personal luxury in the 1960s. Styling was dramatic but restrained in its use of bright trim, and the more formal roof line contrasts brilliantly with the sleek lower body. The paint and body are in solid driver-quality shape, with nice body gaps and shine. The white vinyl roof was likely re-covered when the car was repainted and it contrasts brightly with the deep red paint, giving the car a very upscale look that fits the Landau's namesake perfectly. The front egg-crate style grille and rear bumper (if you can call it that, it's more of a taillight surround) were painted red for a more fluid look, although the chrome on the hood-scoop emblem, window surrounds, taillight trim, and single-blade front bumper all show nicely, providing some much-needed flash to the big-body coupe. All the badges were retained as well, including the big T-Bird in the grille and the Landau swoop on the roof, and the fender skirts add a touch of class to this slick-looking, final-year Flair Bird.


Pop open the door and you'll be greeted by a stunningly original Parchment leather interior that is a refreshing change from all the black interiors we see. All the seats are covered in what appears to be their original, uber-comfortable leather that begs to be sat in, and it all shows very well inside the spacious cabin. And just dig the wrap-around rear seats that show virtually zero wear on this very sleek design, with room for three comfortable, and four in a pinch. Stainless steel flashes throughout the off-white interior and the subtle woodgrained accents remind you that this is a top-of-the-line automobile. This 4th generation 'Bird came loaded from the factory, and you'll find options including a factory center console, power driver's seat, power windows (including power vent windows), power front disc brakes, power steering, a swing-away steering wheel, seat belts, and an original T-Bird AM/FM radio that's still in the dash, although it's ready for an upgrade. Out back you'll find a gigantic trunk, which features all its original panels with nothing to hide and a full-size spare and jack set.


The 390 cubic inch V8 got a horsepower boost to 315 in 1966, and it makes the car an effortless high-speed cruiser. If long road trips are in your future, few cars do it better than a mid-60s Thunderbird. The engine is believed original and with a correct date-code tag, but because Ford didn't stamp VINs on their blocks, there's no such thing as numbers-matching on their cars, regardless of what some Craigslist hero might want to argue. Regardless, the engine is full blown stock and it fires right up with ease and runs nice and smooth. Ford Blue paint on the air cleaner and valve covers brightens the densely-packed engine bay and it doesn't look like they took any liberties with the hardware throughout the years; it remains pretty much as the factory intended. A pair of performance mufflers on the dual exhaust system give it a wonderful big-block V8 burble and the addition of power front disc brakes in 1965 make it a reliable travelling partner. Stock 15-inch steel wheels with factory hubcaps and 215/70/15 whitewall radials look great, but have a look on the internet and check out how awesome these cars look with flashy modern alloys, just in case you want to spice things up a bit.


This is a great deal of car for not a lot of cash. Not perfect, but the basics are good and with a modest investment, it can be the most dramatic car in any parking lot anywhere. Call today!