Description

Don't look now but '60s Thunderbirds have a growing group of admirers that are steadily buying up all the good ones like this 1966 hardtop. With the optional 428 under the hood, original documentation, and lots of options, this is the Thunderbird for guys who know that things of quality will always be in demand.

Of the fourth-generation "jet 'Birds" the 1966 model year is generally regarded as the most attractive, getting a new grille and bumper up front and the now-famous sequential taillights in a single housing out back. Finished in its original Tahoe Turquoise, this show-winner is long and low, sleek and powerful, and the embodiment of personal luxury in the 1960s. Styling was dramatic but restrained in its use of bright trim, and the more formal roofline contrasts brilliantly with the sleek lower body. The paint and body are exemplary, with ripple-free panels and a shine that took hours and hours to create through laborious hand sanding and buffing, but the results were worth it. The white vinyl roof was recently installed and contrasts brightly with the turquoise paint, giving the car an upscale look that probably had a few Lincoln owners looking over their shoulders. The chrome that is on the car is excellent, including that massive Thunderbird emblem on the grille.

You can rest assured that this Thunderbird is an exceptional example just by looking inside, where the 100% original interior still looks fantastic. Stainless steel flashes throughout the turquoise interior, with lovely seats that show only minor signs of use, and just enough woodgrained accents, including the steering wheel, to remind you that this is a top-of-the-line automobile. According to the original dealer invoice that accompanies this 'Bird, options include a power driver's seat, power windows (including power vent windows), factory A/C, as well as an AM/8-track stereo radio which is always a cool upgrade. The gauges are four smaller pods flanking the large ribbon-style speedometer, more space-age styling that works quite well in the advanced Thunderbird cockpit. And just dig the wrap-around rear seats that show virtually zero wear and a very sleek design that looks like high-end furniture. And while Motor Trend complained about the spare tire's awkward location, you can't argue with the spotless trunk which features all its original panels.

Originally powered by the standard 390, when rebuild time came it was swapped for a correct 428 cubic inch V8 that dramatically transforms the Thunderbird back into the performance car it was meant to be. Fully detailed the way the factory would do it, it shows Ford Blue paint, correct 428 decals, and all the little stuff that contributed to this car's many trophies. It starts and runs beautifully, with a muscular hum from the dual exhaust system. The 3-speed automatic transmission offers nearly imperceptible shifts and powers a 9-inch rear that allows it to just loaf along at highway speeds. It's solid and original underneath, albeit a little crusty, but that's the idea-why restore something that doesn't need it? It rolls on steel wheels with handsome 5-spoke wheelcovers, all wrapped in a set of 215/75/15 whitewall radials.

Heavily documented with the original dealer invoice, manuals, restoration photos, and receipts, this is a no-stories Thunderbird that represents the new horizon for T-Bird collectability. It's also a great car to own and drive. Call today!