The typical Thunderbirder was a front-seat dweller. Flow-through ventilation had been introduced by Mercedes on its 1954 300SL gullwing coupe, and Mercury had used the meat-ax approach to create it with its retractable backlights in 1957, but the Thunderbird's was an elegant, functional design, and was soon widely imitated.ĭesigners had created more room in the 1964 Thunderbird, but it probably didn't matter. This helped blast fresh air through the car. With a console lever, the driver could actuate a vacuum servo that opened a vent under the rear window. The 1964 roofline retained the formal air of the past, but, taking advantage of a low-pressure area behind the backlight, now featured Silent-Flo, the first windows-closed, flow-through ventilation system on an American car. Under it was a new "deep well" trunk, which gave much more luggage space, carrying the spare tire well forward. The decklid retained the "twin-pontoon" theme of earlier models. A lower pan, painted body color, contained the backup lights. The rear end was the best design element, set off by two oblong taillights surrounded by protective bumpers. The quad headlamps were moved to the extreme edge of the fenders, where they cut into the face of the car in canted oval cutouts. The pointed profile was still evident, but from front or rear it was completely altered. In detail, the 1964 retained a family resemblance to the 1963 but was obviously new. The turn signals of the 1964 were intended to be sequential, but Ford ran into trouble with certain state regulations and was forced to wait a year while applying for the necessary permissions. "And there's a cleaner, stronger rear, achieved with two of the biggest tail/turn/stop lamps ever seen on an automobile." "There's a more powerful look which the stylists obtained by lengthening the hood and shortening the roof lines," said Car Life. Throw the shifter into Drive thats where this Thunderbird likes to be - and it will take you on a grand tour of a classic piece of Ford history.But a complete reskinning vastly altered them on the surface. The interior is fresh and clean, and the power windows roll down with ease. The powerful 390 V8 roars up quickly and the gauge pods come to life. The red bucket seats catch your eye instantly, and as you check your Overhead Safety Panel, you swing the steering column into position and start the car. Step into this exceptional Thunderbird and you will find a classic jet inspired interior, adorned with spherical gauge pods and chrome trim. As the curtain closed on the 1966 model year, so closed a long and distinguished chapter in the Ford Thunderbird's history. The Thunderbird received very attractive exterior styling touches as well. The 1966 models received a very becoming face lift to their interiors, with new trim patterns on the seats, door panels, and rear quarter trim. The Town Hardtop and the Town Landau would be the two new ones, joining the Conventional Hardtop and the Convertible. Ford marketed four Thunderbird models for 1966, the first year since 1963 to offer more than three models. Our 66 is also optioned with SelectAir factory air conditioning, 6-way power drivers seat, power windows including vent windows, power locks, and AM pushbutton radio. Standard features include the 390ci V8 with automatic transmission, Overhead Safety Panel with warning lights, power steering, swing-away steering wheel, sequential turn signals, and front disc brakes. Mechanically, this 66 is excellent, with many components having been redone or replaced, including an overhaul of the factory air conditioning system and brakes. The eye-catching red interior with wrap around rear bucket seats is also spectacular as well. This T-Bird is in exceptional condition, having been the object of a high quality exterior refinish, and shows only 76k miles. ![]() Raven black with red bucket seat interior.
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