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 minor chips, 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 rotisserie restoration, 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 glance one 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
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