The fifth generation Thunderbird saw some major changes to the
model. With smaller cars like the Mustang, Charger, and Cougar
beginning to get popular, Ford decided to put emphasis on the
luxury of a bigger car, more like Lincoln. As such, the fifth gen
got bigger, and the convertible was dropped in '67 and replaced
with a more upscale four door sedan with suicide doors.
For consignment, a 1967 Ford Thunderbird Sedan with a title
verified 50,322 actual miles. This is a highly optioned car with an
exterior styling, especially the front end, that was a radical
departure from previous generations. Production would be just
77,976 cars in 1967 and as favor waned, production numbers would
drop to 36,055 for the end of the run in 1971.
Exterior
Single stage Raven Black adorns this bird with all the reflective
power black provides. Low sleek body lines and flush mounted
bumpers create a unique profile for the time and the large C-pillar
and Landau bars give this car a sophisticated air, which was Ford's
intent. A gaping fish mouth grille was also a revolution for the
Thunderbird and included hideaway headlights and an expansive
Thunderbird emblem across the front. The tail lights span the
entire rear deck and both front and rear design inspiration is
attributed to jet fighters. Turbine-like hubcaps hide the steel
wheels and have a mock knock-off center. The vinyl top is in good
condition and the position of the front and rear door handles near
each other is a great design cue rarely seen. Imperfections include
some flaking paint, notably on the A-pillar, areas of blistering,
cracking and crazing throughout, scratches, some bubbling under the
vinyl, flaking rust on the front quarters with paint, chips, and
rust on door edges.
Interior
Let's start with the doors where the door actuator is akin to a
small shifter and is a stout piece of tactile enjoyment while the
rear doors get the requisite ashtrays on the armrest as well. A
faux wood panel contains sturdy door pull and in back, window
switches are included. Integrated red lights are embedded in a
metallic plate on the armrest. The bucket seats are vinyl with
cloth inserts in all black and the rear bench looks right out of a
speakeasy booth, with button back design and a fold up armrest. All
seats are in fantastic condition. The wood steering wheel is nice
too and includes a sort of free floating horn ring below the
horizontal spoke connected at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Four
round gauges on the dashboard are a holdover from a favorite design
of previous Thunderbird generations, all separated and in their own
bezel, more jet fighter influence no doubt. A grooved panel below
that includes vents, the radio, and A/C controls each with grooves
in line with the rest keep things interesting, very nice! Other
controls on the dash are little sliding T-levers, just like you'd
see in a plane. Not enough airplane yet? How about the overhead
console, (new for this generation), with red indicator lights. The
headliner and carpet both look great and the trunk liner shows some
staining but is complete.
Drivetrain
The correct 428ci V8 is in place rated at a whopping 345
horsepower! It is tied to a C6 3-speed automatic transmission that
routes power to the back wheels and a Ford 9" inch rear with 3.00
TracLok gears. Our consignor states there's a newer battery,
cables, starter solenoid, voltage regulator, and alternator and the
225/70R15 tires have a mid 2022 date code.
Undercarriage
Nothing overly concerning under here, fairly clean and tidy. Some
typical surface rust, a small drop of oil on the transmission bell
housing, some oil near the wheels and suspension pieces. The dual
exhaust runs the length of the car and meets stock style mufflers
just before exiting under the car with down turned tips. Coil
springs are found on the front independent suspension and a rear 4
link. Bringing this Thunderbird to a stop will be power disc brakes
in front and drums in the back.
Drive-Ability
Once we had clearance from the tower, we put this car on the runway
to our test loop and revealed in both the sound, good power coming
from the engine, and braking that's on point. Rear passengers will
feel like royalty as they enjoy limousine-like positioning behind
the interior Landau screening. We note the A/C and clock not
working and the right rear window is slow. All other functions on
this T-bird work as they should. 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.
This is a fantastic classic car not only carrying on the legacy of
the Thunderbird name but introducing some daring and unique
features to the general public that undoubtedly ended up on future
car designs. Triple black and a 428...who's ready for takeoff?
7Y84Q115755
7-1967
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
84-Thunderbird 4 Door Sedan
Q-428ci 4bbl 345hp V8
115755-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 57B-Thunderbird 4 Door Sedan
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 8A-Black Cloth & Vinyl
DATE 11K-October 11th
DSO 15-Newark
AXLE VA-Ford 9" 3.00 TracLoc
TRANS U-C6 Automatic
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