1966 Ford Thunderbird Landau Hardtop
"The Thunderbird hardtop, (now called the "Conventional Hardtop" to distinguish the different rooflines), had always been the bestselling model. That would change forever in 1966. In its very first year, the Town Landau became the bestselling model, with 35,105 units being built. That's 50.7% of total production for the year! In just a few short years, production of the base hardtop model would be in the same range as the last few years of the convertible. The vinyl roof was very popular during this time, and at just $100.13 more than the Town Hardtop, the top of the line model was certainly a bargain." Thx to squarebirds.org
For consignment, a 1966 Ford Thunderbird Landau hardtop, garage kept with a 390ci V8 and in 1966, Ford squeezed 15 horsepower out of the engine, which doesn't sound like much, but it had been rated at 300 horsepower since 1959, so the bump to 315 was a selling point. This car has newer rubber seals, vinyl top, door handles, battery, radiator, window switches, hood emblem and turn indicators.
Exterior
Sundust Beige is the color of choice here, a champagne hue that was quite common in the 60's. Ford spruced things up a bit by adding a big turquoise bird on the grille resembling indigenous southwest jewelry and keeping with tradition, this aqua colored bird would return on the modern resto models in the 2000's. Subtle hood trim insinuates a scoop and a wide cowl houses two rows of louvered vents. The Thunderbird makes additional appearances including on the side mirrors, the center point of the Landau bar on the vinyl roof, in the center of the lightbar that spans the tail, and on the red center caps of the wheel coverings on the 15-inch wheels. In profile, the lean body is straight to the door where it then picks up panel folds that run parallel to each other and taper as they go until they terminate at the rear trim. The trunk lid dips in the middle and takes the taillight trim with it, defining the pinched shape of the rear chrome. The paint, vinyl top, and metal work are presentable but in need of some attention on the car with imperfections that include uneven paint, orange peel, and some paint runs.
Interior
Simulated woodgrain was part of the Landau package and starts on the door panels where a rectangle plate is adorned with a floral design, all on a black vinyl door card. We note a tear in the passenger's armrest but they are otherwise clean and intact. Multi-patterned bucket seats occupy the front, also in black vinyl, and flank a metal trimmed armrest high in the center. The back 2+2 seats are sculpted booth-like structures that have rounded backs that spill onto the sidewalls, a pull down armrest, and a separation on the floor by the driveshaft hump, all in great shape. In front, the faux woodgrain steering wheel leads to a unique speedometer with raised numbers and a small indicator window over four round gauges lifting off the dash like four exhaust tips with information inside. The lower faux woodgrain panel continues 90 degrees to form the center stack complete with period AM/FM radio, A/C controls, and a rear vent lever. The wood panel continues flat as it houses a panel of toggle switches. Black loop carpet covers the floor protected by fitted rubber mats, and the vinyl black headliner is intact but a bit bumpy in spots, split by an overhead console.
Drivetrain
The clean, blue 390ci V8 is under the hood and under the air cleaner cover is a 4-barrel carburetor, helping fuel the 315 horses. Setting the car into motion is a Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to the Ford 9" in back with 3.00 gears. Power brakes are on board and they are drums on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with plenty of surface rust and some oil on the pan, the flywheel cover, and the rear differential. One length of exhaust has been replaced and the dual exhaust enters stock style mufflers and an H-pipe before exiting behind the rear bumper through steel ends. Suspension is configured with coil springs in front and leafs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
We roll the 1966 onto the tarmac where the 390 performs just fine and the car tracks straight, handles well, and stops with authority. We note a few things that will need attention. The A/C is not working, nor is the clock, the brake lights, the power locks and the reverse lights. Everything else including headlights, horn, and blower all work as expected. 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.
The "Town Landau" was $4,551 in 1966 and nearly 60 years later, collector status and values are likely going up. In fact, Hagerty recently put the '64-'66 Thunderbird on their Bull List of cars to buy right now. They represent a bargain but in Hagerty's view, they're about to take flight. Classic looks, big power, and a wild interior make these attractive from any angle. You don't have to be a birdwatcher to enjoy the mid-60's Thunderbirds, but if you're looking, consider adding this one to your life list.
6Y87Z109090
6-1966
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
87-Thunderbird Landau
Z-390ci 4bbl 315hp V8
109090-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63D-Thunderbird Landau Hardtop
COLOR B-Sundust Beige
TRIM 26-Black Vinyl
DATE 27J-September 27th
DSO 13-New York
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 8-Cruise O Matic
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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