Vehicle Description
1966 Ford Thunderbird Town Landau Hardtop
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
tail lights. 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 some recent maintenance, but remains very original and
this includes most of the interior. It was loaded to the gills with
options right from the factory and shows a title verified 97,959
actual miles on the odometer and you have yourself a turn key and
ready to go cruiser.
Exterior
Wearing a resprayed application of Ivy Yellow, paint code L, and
wearing what appears to be its original Town Landau roof this car
is in very good condition with only minorchips,bubbles and areas of
body work on the lowers. 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 black vinyl landau roof. And at the back of
those quarters, a wrap-around bumper holds sequential tail lights
that flank a centrally mounted reverse light with a Thunderbird
emblem. Standard turbine-esque Thunderbird hubcaps cover steel
wheels and are wrapped in like new 205/75R15 thin whitewalls. The
brite work and bumpers as well as badging, appear in nice condition
and we need to step back for a moment and breathe in all the
beauty....breath over, let's move to the interior.
Interior
Black as was the original, and remains original for the 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 a RetroSound AM/FM 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 vinyl style and the plush
factory carpet is below, well protected by new black carpeted
mats.
Drivetrain
Standard fare for the 1966 in the bird was the rock solid 390ci V8
producing 315hp and a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic
transmission. A Ford 9" 3.00:1 ratio conventional differential is
noted for rear tire turning duties. The engine has the blue painted
valve covers, a newer Holley Street Warrior 4-barrel carburetor and
a blue single snout air cleaner.
Undercarriage
Clearly the beneficiary of a rotisserierestoration, the factory
style red oxide primer covering the floors, rockers and unibody has
done a fine job of keeping things solid,so much so that a quick
glanceone would think this IS the factory finish. A newer dual
exhaust is showing from the engine 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.
Drive-Ability
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 AC blowing warm, the passenger's
power window not moving, the power locks not locking or unlocking,
the radio not belting out any tunes, the fuel gauge being
inaccurate, and the reverse lights not illuminating, but all else
was good on my drive and I came from the test track with a smile.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Wearing a repaint of the original color and retaining much of the
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 care and maintenance performed will keep you from
tinkering and will place you firmly behind that groovy swing away
column of this great driver that you can enjoy day in and day
out.
6Y87Z130240
6-1966
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
87-Thunderbird Landau Hardtop
Z-390ci 4bbl 315hp V8
130240-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63D-Thunderbird Landau
COLOR L-Ivy Yellow
TRIM 26-Black Vinyl
DATE 17M-December 17th
DSO 13-New York
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-C6 Automatic
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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