1964 Ford Thunderbird

Description

Thunderbirds remain a great way to get into the hobby without spending a lot of cash. Cars like this 1964 Ford Thunderbird hardtop are fast, comfortable, stylish, and easy to service, making them fine choices that are welcome just about anywhere. With eye-catching paint and trim, a cool jet-age interior, and 390 cubic inches of V8 muscle, this is a heck of a lot of car for not a lot of money.

Bright red was always a great choice on a Thunderbird, and you won't be sneaking around in this red and white hardtop. Instead of just making it like every other T-Bird out there, they colored a little outside the lines with this one and you'll probably find as you drive this car that everyone will stop to ask you about it. The paint has a soft patina that looks right on the luxury-oriented 'Bird, but the removal of the rear 'skirts and the oversized rolling stock give it plenty of performance attitude. They opted out of the usual chrome on the bumpers, instead painting them white to match the top, and you'll probably find that the more you look at the car, the more you like the look, particularly out back where it highlights the interesting shape of the bumper as it surrounds the taillights. Shelby fans will recognize the wide sequential taillights, and the hood scoop looks cool even if it doesn't really do anything. A light tint on the windows helps with the attitude, too!

Personal luxury reached its zenith in the mid-60s, and with incredible competition in the form of the Buick Riviera and all-new Oldsmobile Toronado, the Thunderbird offers first-class accommodations. It appears that the code 83 White Pearl interior is mostly original and in nicely preserved condition, with comfortable buckets flanking a stylish center console and accommodations in back for just two more. The swing-away steering wheel is a neat option, and this car also includes things like power windows, power driver's seat, and factory A/C to reinforce its luxury mission. The gauges are clearly inspired by aircraft design, with a wide speedometer with big numbers and a row of individual auxiliary gauges underneath. A digital AM/FM radio has been nestled into the dash so neatly that you almost don't notice that it's an upgrade, and speakers have been installed out of sight. The trunk is downright massive, with a full set of original mats and a full-sized spare perched up on its own shelf.

The only engine in 1965 was a 4-barrel 390, and it moves the 'Bird effortlessly with a nice muscle car rumble. The engine bay is tidy but not detailed for show, offering a chrome air cleaner and matching valve covers in place of the originals, which were painted gold. Power steering and power brakes were standard equipment as well, and with the 3-speed automatic transmission, this car is a pleasure to drive anywhere, whether it's to work each day or on a cross-country trip. A healthy dual exhaust system gives it a nice, burly V8 rumble that's aggressive but seems to fit the car's personality. The chassis is original, but it's in good order, which is important on a uni-body car like the Thunderbird. Oversized wheels with fat 225/50/17 performance tires give this car an entirely different look.

A lot of car for not a lot of money, this car is a great opportunity to get on the A-list for a bargain price. Call today!