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
taillights. 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 a slew of upgrades and extra parts including but not
limited to a new carburetor, new exhaust, a new fuel tank, and a
new fuel pump. Other extras are new power window motors, a shop
manual, electrical diagram and engine gaskets.
Exterior
Resprayed in its original Maroon, paint code X, and wearing what
appears to be its original Town Landau roof this car is in good
condition with only minor rust bubbling on the lower rear quarters.
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 vinyl
landau roof. And at the back of those quarters, a wrap-around
bumper holds sequential taillights .
.that flank a centrally mounted reverse light with a Thunderbird
emblem. Standard T bird hubcaps cover steel wheels and are wrapped
in thin whitewall Hankook rubber. Brite work and bumpers as well as
badging, appear in nice condition.
Interior
Black 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 a wood veneer covering, and houses the window controls. As
it moves forward it climbs to the dash, housing the temperature
controls, and AM/8 Track 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 buttoned vinyl style.
Drivetrain
Standard fare for the 1966 Bird was the rock solid 390ci V8
producing 315hp, and a 3-speed C6 automatic transmission. A 3.00:1
ratio differential is noted, as well as front disc brakes were
standard. The engine has the blue painted air cleaner cover, and
valve covers. Our consignor states that a new Holley 4bbl
carburetor has been installed and the original is included with the
purchase. Looking mostly original and unrestored, this engine bay
just needs a good detailing and 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. Newer dual exhaust is showing from
about mid car 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 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 power windows not functioning as
well as the radio not working. All else was good on my drive and
came from the test track with a smile.
A respray in the factory color and retaining the mostly 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 extra parts to keep the tinkerer in you sated and
a great driver to enjoy day in and day out.
VIN DECODE
6Y87Z39599
6-1966
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
87-2 Door Town Landau
Z-390ci V8 4bbl 300hp
139599-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 63D-2 Door Hardtop
COLOR X-Maroon Metallic
TRIM 26-Black Vinyl
DATE 28A-January 28th
DSO 11-Boston
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-C6 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.
