Vehicle Description
1965 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE Three men are generally credited
with creating the original Thunderbird: Lewis D. Crusoe, a retired
GM executive lured out of retirement by Henry Ford II; George
Walker, chief stylist and a Ford vice-president; and Frank Hershey,
a Ford designer. Crusoe and Walker met in France in October 1951.
Walking in the Grand Palais in Paris, Crusoe pointed at a sports
car and asked Walker, "Why can't we have something like that?"
Walker promptly telephoned Ford's HQ in Dearborn, Michigan, and
told designer Frank Hershey about the idea. Hershey took the idea
and immediately began working on the vehicle. The concept was for a
two-passenger open car, with a target weight of 2,525 pounds, a
powerful V-8 engine and top of over 100 mph (160 km/h). Crusoe saw
a painted clay model on May 18, 1953, which corresponded closely to
the final car; he gave the car the go-ahead in September after
comparing it with current European trends. Unlike the Corvette, the
Thunderbird was never a full-blown sporting vehicle. Ford's
description was a personal luxury car, and the company essentially
created this market segment. Although the original Thunderbird was
successful, the corporation's executives felt its sales volume was
too small. Market research suggested that sales were limited by its
two-seat configuration, making it unsuitable as an only car for
families. The second generation, introduced for the 1958 model
year, was designed as a four-seat car, which was designed with
unibody construction to allow maximum interior space in a
relatively small exterior package. The 1958 Thunderbirds were
produced at a new assembly plant at Wixom, Michigan, built as part
of a corporate expansion plan to increase the sales of up-market
cars (Mercury, Lincoln, and Thunderbird). For many, the new
Thunderbird was their welcome to the Jet Age. Big changes came in
the mid 60's when the newly redesigned Ford Thunderbird was
introduced. The Thunderbird was restyled in favor of a more
squared-off "formal" look. Referred to by some as the �Flair-Bird'
or the �Jet-Bird', the Thunderbird's sporty image was maintained
when Ford wisely decided to make the 390 cubic-inch V-8 the
standard powerplant. The 390 cubic-inch engine with a four-barrel
carb and dual exhausts, offered up to 305 horsepower and only
needed 11 seconds to push the full-sized T-bird to 60 mph, and it
had enough top-end to reach a top-speed of about 120 mph. This
T-bird will eat up the asphalt with ease, and is fully comfortable
at modern highway speeds. This Magnificent Example is finished in
Stunning Raven Black with Delux Black Leather Interior and Black
Top. This Extremely Rare 2 Owner, Largely All Original T-Bird has
been maintained to the Highest Standards. Options Include: �
Cruise-O-Matic Automatic Transmission � Master Guide Power Steering
� Swift Sure Power Disc Brakes � Power Fully Disappearing Soft Top
� Original AM Radio � Front & Rear Speakers � Swing-A-Way Steering
Wheel � Clock � Full Instrumentation � Cigar Lighter (unused) �
Factory Select Aire Air Conditioning (Ice Cold) o Extremely Rare
Option on '65 Convertibles � Kelsey Hayes Wire Wheels � Padded Dash
� Vent Windows � Backup Lights � Sequential Blinking Rear Turn
Signal Lights � Quad Headlamps � Chrome Dual Side View Mirrors with
Remote � Day/Night Rear View Mirror � Bucket Seats � Reclining
Passenger Seat � Seat Belts � 390 Cubic Inch V-8 Engine o 4.05 Bore
o 3.78 Stroke o 300 Horsepower o 4 Barrel Carburetion o Dual
Exhaust System � T Bird Crested Floor Mats o Front & Rear � Highly
Detailed Engine Compartment & Undercarriage � Magic Air
Heater/Defroster � Wh
