• Seller: Isidro H ernandez
• Location: Camden, New Jersey
• Mileage: 95,885 Shown
• Chassis #: 6Y83Z136739
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 390 Cubic-Inch V8
• Transmission: Automatic

Ford created the Personal Luxury Car market segment when it released the original Thunderbird in 1955. It remained a staple of its model range for over forty years before experiencing a brief revival in the New Millenium. This T-Bird rolled off the line in 1966 and is a project candidate needing restoration. The owner seeks someone willing and able to do this Ford justice, listing the T-Bird with us at Barn Finds. Given the low asking price, we are cutting the buyer’s fee in half on this one.

Ford produced its Fourth-Generation Thunderbird range from 1964 until 1966, with this car emerging during the final year. Sales volumes had dropped compared to previous years, but there were still 69,176 buyers willing to give one a home that year. This T-Bird is begging for love, with its Candy Apple Red paint exhibiting significant deterioration. However, this is a case where we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. The seller believes the vital structure of the car to be solid. There is visible rust in the usual trouble spots, but without a closer look it’s hard to say how extensive the issue really is. Stripping the vehicle to bare metal would seem the most appropriate course of action to ensure all the rust is found and addressed. While fixing the rust won’t be a small task, all the metal needed is available, so it won’t be an impossible task. The Thunderbird retains most of its factory trim, and it looks restorable. The tinted glass shows no evidence of problems.

This Thunderbird’s interior is a bit of a surprise because its condition is far better than the exterior appearance might suggest. The headliner has seen better days, and splits are developing on the driver’s seat, but it is far from being a lost cause. Step one would be to treat everything to a deep clean because the carpet and most of the trim should improve with some TLC. Sourcing a headliner won’t cost a fortune, and a specialist may be able to revive the Black leather on the front seats without the need to replace them. The factory radio has made way for a Pioneer radio/cassette player, which appears to be the only addition. Once this T-Bird returns to active service, the new owner will appreciate the cool breeze the factory air conditioning provides.

Thunderbird buyers in 1966 received the company’s 390ci V8 as the entry-level engine, but it provided a healthy power level. It sent 315hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission, while every buyer received power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. Ford didn’t focus on outright performance with the 390, marketing the Thunderbird as an effortless, almost eerily quiet long-distance cruiser. Pegging the needle at 70 on the open road was challenging for some owners because these cars begged to be driven faster. Potential buyers will be pleased to learn that this T-Bird is believed to retain its original drivetrain and is unmodified. The drivetrain components are proven items with a well-earned reputation for longevity. Hopefully, this one can be returned to the road without a complete rebuild.

One of the challenges facing enthusiasts seeking a project candidate is locating an affordable car. This is especially true for those embarking on their first ownership journey because a more expensive vehicle can leave a bitter taste if things don’t go according to their plans. This 1966 Ford Thunderbird falls into the affordable category, reducing the financial risk for its new owner. The seller is open to hearing offers, so it could be a viable option even if you want it as a parts car for another T-Bird. It requires plenty of TLC if you’re going to put it back on the road, but a competent owner could reduce the project costs by tackling many of the more straightforward or mundane tasks themselves.

* Our offer form shows the buyer’s fee at $500, but we are cutting it down to $250 for this Thunderbird.