For Sale: 1965 Ford Thunderbird in Columbus, Ohio

Vehicle Description

Cruisin Classics is excited to present to you this beautiful 1965 Ford Thunderbird. This Thunderbird is a fine example of an American luxury vehicle from 1965. This car retailed for $5,303 as equipped when new - compared to a mere $3,081 for a Mustang GT fastback K-code! As you start to really explore this highly-optioned car it quickly becomes apparent why it was so expensive. This T-Bird comes to us today dressed in a very good quality respray of its original medium turquoise metallic color. Small touch-ups in matching color paint can be found, but these small demerits do little to detract from the overall breathtaking appearance of this car. The stunning paint color is complemented by copious amounts of gleaming chrome and brightwork that really make the car pop in the light. The front of the car catches your attention right away with its bulging faux hood vent with chrome trim - a Thunderbird signature element since its inception in 1955. A bright "bird" badge adorns the leading edge of the hood, flanked by dual side-by-side round headlights in bright bezels and floating above a large and impressive wrap-around chrome grille/bumper assembly. Adding to the luxury look up front are working turn signal indicators atop the fenders for the driver. As you start to move around the car it's tough to take your eyes off of all the tasteful chrome touches like wheel lip molding, window trim, wiper arms, drip rail molding, top molding, dual side mirrors with "bird" logos, door handles, badging, and the simulated front fender vent trim. Also prominent in the side view are gleaming OEM "Thunderbird" hubcaps on steel wheels all wrapped in Michelin Radial XH4 thin white wall tires. Fender skirts partially obscure the rear wheels but they fit exceptionally well and they add to the luxurious flair of the car. At the rear of the car, both quarters wear "Thunderbird" script badges that lead your attention to the large chrome-framed rear bumper and light assembly with a centered "bird" logo. These aren't your ordinary taillights however, they blink sequentially from the center outward when the turn signal indicator is on - a very innovative design for the time period. Above the rear bumper, you'll see a pentagonal trunk latch cover and a functional chromed vent under the rear window. Under the bumper, you'll find a dual exhaust and an undercoated undercarriage.

Lift the hood to reveal a very presentable body-color engine bay with a 390ci V-8 at the heart. When new, this V-8 was factory-rated at 300hp with 10.1:1 compression - plenty of power to propel this heavy car down the road. The V-8 is topped off with a stock intake, gold valve covers, a 4-barrel carburetor, and a gold air cleaner with a 390ci call-out decal. Features abound with power steering, power front disc brakes (rear drums), and working factory A/C that has been upgraded to 134A refrigerant. This big V-8 is mated to a Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission with a 3.00:1 rear axle putting power to the rear wheels. Other notable items under the hood include an OEM "Thunderbird" washer fluid bag and newer underhood heat matting.

When you open the driver's door you'll immediately notice the thickness and heft of the door itself - a testament to the sturdy build-quality of these "Flair Birds". The interior is dressed in Light Aqua Metallic (just as it came from the factory) and it looks original and in very good condition. To say that the interior is stylish is an understatement - there are chrome and brightwork touches everywhere you look, coupled with options galore. The door panels are a combination of ribbed and flat vinyl, carpet, and chrome with blade-style door handles, vent window cranks, working courtesy lights, and a toggle for the driver's mirror. The seats are buckets up front and an elegantly curved bench with a fold-down center armrest in the rear. The driver's seat has a small tear on the lower outside edge and a little fading, but overall the seats are in incredible shape for their age. Both front seats offer power adjustability and the passenger seat features the optional adjustable headrest and the ability to recline to an almost horizontal position. Chrome trim flows from the doors back to the rear side panels and continues as a band around the top of the rear seats, accenting the speaker mounted at the top center. Keeping with this theme, the interior tops of the windows and door openings are also framed in chrome. Between the front buckets is a large chrome-trimmed console that flows seamlessly up to become part of the dash. The console features a lockable armrest/storage box with a flip-down ashtray/lighter cover, a seatbelt warning light, factory cruise controls (we have not tested this function), and switches for the power windows. The front windows operate as they should, but the rear windows are slow and occasionally need assistance going up. As the console rises to become the dash you'll find HVAC controls that work just as they should with cold A/C, hot heat, and a strong fan. Above those controls is a working AM/FM factory radio that plays through a speaker on the dash as well as one located at the top-center of the rear seat. Located above the stereo are 3 directional blower vents for the HVAC system that all operate as they should. The upper dash pad is crack-free and mounted beneath its center are controls for map/courtesy lights (working), washer and wipers (working), power antenna (working), air vent controls (working), and also an analog clock (inop). Beneath those controls on the vertical dash are a hazard light switch, warning lights for flashers, low fuel, door ajar, and a toggle for the passenger mirror (inop). Ahead of the driver is a 2-spoke OEM steering wheel (horn inop) with a "swing-away" steering column. This feature, introduced in 1961 and a standard feature for '65, allows the steering column to swing 10.5 inches to the right to allow easier entry and exit for passengers with a purse, briefcase, or bags. The steering wheel frames a unique linear 120mph speedometer marked in intervals of 10. Just beneath the speedo are 4 circular chrome-trimmed individual gauges to keep tabs on oil, fuel, temp, and amps - these all work and illuminate as they should. The odometer reads 86,172 miles and the title confirms those are actual miles. We have a record from previous owners showing that since 1992, less than 10K miles have been put on this car! The passenger side of the dash is a large empty space with a "Thunderbird" script badge. Underfoot is a good quality hook and loop carpet with just a little fading from age and overhead is a tight perforated vinyl headliner. Back in the trunk, you'll find the walls, floor, and spare tire are all covered in fitted plaid vinyl mats (a very nice touch!). Also in the trunk are an original owner's manual, a thin folder with some records of the car's history, and a jacking instruction sticker under the decklid.

If you're looking for a mid 60's Thunderbird you'll be hard-pressed to find another that's so well optioned and in such good condition! Not to mention the drop-dead gorgeous color combo and all the gleaming chrome! The stylish elegance of this T-Bird guarantees it will turn heads wherever it goes, it will be a hit at car shows, and it will put a big smile on your face every time you drive it! Give us a call today before someone else snatches this beauty up.

ENGINE
390ci V-8
4-Barrel Carburetor
Stock Intake
Gold Valve Covers
Gold Air Cleaner with 390ci Decal
Power Steering
Factory A/C Upgraded to 134A
Thunderbird Washer Fluid Bag
Newe...for more information please contact the seller.

Vehicle Details

  • 1965 Ford Thunderbird
  • Listing ID: CC-1928537
  • Price: $23,995
  • Location:Columbus, Ohio
  • Year:1965
  • Make:Ford
  • Model:Thunderbird
  • Exterior Color:Turquoise
  • Interior Color:Turquoise
  • Transmission:Automatic
  • Odometer:86172
  • Stock Number:118530213410
  • VIN:5Y83Z171989
Listed By:
Cruisin Classics
3575 Fisher Road
Columbus, OH 43228

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