Vehicle Description
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!