Vehicle Description
1966 Ford Thunderbird Landau
Another new model for 1966, the Town Landau replaced the Landau for
this one year only. Note the difference between this model and the
Town Hardtop: the Town Landau features a Levant grain vinyl roof in
Black, White, Parchment, or Sage Gold with color-coordinated
S-Bars. The designation "Town" identifies only the rear quarter
roof line; the designation "Town Landau" requires the additional
trim, (vinyl roof, S-Bars, wood grain ,etc.), that are unique to
the Town Landau only.
Showing in fair condition we have a sky blue respray Town Landau,
complete with the Landau S bars on the rear B pillar, this is a low
and cool boulevard cruiser. A fur coat for dad if you will. Now go
pet the dog and grab the milk from outside. This find will need
some TLC and upgrading, but it has all the basics ready for your
loving hands to massage its back to full bore beauty.
Exterior
Getting more streamlined, we note less accoutrements and worthless
adornments and more clean simple lines. From the dual headlights to
the clamshell egg crate grille and hood intersection, the wrap
around bumper all is presenting in fair condition. The headlight
and grille are somewhat reminiscent of the Mustang with their coves
and shape as it forms to the grille. Seen on the driver's rear
quarter and the passenger's rear of the door panel as well as the
rockers is some underlying rust bubbling through the paint, and a
few cracks in the paint. Surface and invasive rust is noted on the
rockers, where most of the cracking is occurring. The Levant
grained roof is in good condition and presents in black. All
badging is present and accounted for. The back with its jet age
styling and a taillight that runs the length of the back of this
beauty has a shiny bumper below. Standard T bird styled, and badged
wheel covers are seen on all 4 corners.
Interior
Inside, the Town Landau has the same standard equipment and
features as the Town Hardtop, with the exception of the door and
roof consoles having a simulated wood grain appearance, as does the
steering wheel (without speed control). Sage blue vinyl covered
buckets with square stitched inserts in the seats, some stripes for
the upper backs, shiny smooth bolsters flank a futuristic styled
console glove box and power window switches. The rear bench has an
interesting curvature to it and a center padded armrest area. On
the dash 4 planetary style round gauges front the horizontal bar
speedometer. A total midcentury design approach with the vent
styling to the knobs and levers all space aged out and plenty of
chromed plastic trim. Blue carpet floods the floors and is overall
good condition. A leather grained vinyl headliner is seen, and it
sports a central console including various warning lights on the
ceiling aluminum ribbed upper console. A note to the attention to
build details are on the b pillars with stitched square panels
within the vinyl, just a nice extra 60's touch with some texture.
Noted this would be the last year for the Swingaway steering
column, allowing for easy access and egress from this sporty
vehicle.
Drivetrain
An unrestored appearing original 390ci V8 engine sits within an
original looking engine bay. This mill is topped by a single
4-barrel carburetor and has a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic
transmission. This puts all power rearward to a Ford 9-inch 3.00
rear.
Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust and some invasive rust as wells some rust
repairs in fiberglass on the back of this car. The rockers have
invasive rust, but not reminiscent of the exterior panels which
have rust bubbling etc. Floor pans have some rust and rot present.
Independent coil spring front suspension and leaf spring suspension
for the rear, as well as power disc brakes up front and power drums
for the back.
Drive-Ability
With the exterior in need of some work I slipped inside and gave it
a crank. It idled smoothly and went into gear and gave me a nice
cruise. I was warned that the front tires are severely dry rotted
so to take the test drive easy. Here it ran and accelerated but
several issues cropped up during my drive. Including but not
limited to the power locks not functioning as well as the horn and
radio not working. I also noted that it has a distinctive pull to
the right under braking, and the brakes hung up and seemed to not
fully release, with the brake pedal being fairly close to the floor
when pressed.
Original interior, some work needed on the exterior, and
undercarriage to remediate invasive rust. The front tires will need
to be immediately replaced to safely drive it for any long period
of time or mileage. However, a nice top and smooth runner for the
Town Landau model this year only offering.
VIN DECODE
6Y87Z146372
6-1966
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
87-Thunderbird 2 Door Hardtop
Z-390ci 4bbl 315hp
146372-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 63D-2 Door Hardtop Blind Vinyl Roof
COLOR 2-Dark Turquoise Metallic
TRIM 27-Aqua Vinyl
DATE 28B-February 28th Build
DSO 16-Philadelphia
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-C6 XPL 3 Speed Automatic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
