1965 Ford Thunderbird

Desert Oasis Collection

status

Unsold

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All Exterior Interior Engine Trunk Documentation

At a Glance

Seller
dennco
Location
Las Vegas, NV
Vin No.
5Y85Z157633

Exterior
Wimbledon White
Interior
Red
Mileage
57,793
Engine
390 CI V8

Transmission
Cruise-O-Matic MX 3-speed automatic
Suspension
Independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs
Brakes
Power front disc, rear drum hydraulic

1965 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

In keeping with tradition established during the three-year production runs of the first three Thunderbird generations, Ford Motor Company released a new Thunderbird line for 1964-1966. Commonly known as the “Flair Bird” or “Jet Bird,” the new Thunderbird retained the same basic structure and dimensions as before yet featured completely revised styling with an aggressive frontal treatment, lengthened hood, and sculpted fenders. This new Thunderbirds were very well received by buyers at launch in 1964, a landmark year when the entire Ford line earned Motor Trend magazine “Car of the Year” honors. Some innovations intended for the new Thunderbird were delayed, only reaching Ford’s Wixom, Michigan Thunderbird production lines for 1965, including front disc brakes, and fine detail items. While 42,652 Thunderbird Hardtops and 25,474 Landau Coupes were built for 1965, just 6,846 Convertibles left the assembly line that year, roughly 9.1 per cent of total production.

This splendid 1965 Ford Thunderbird Convertible was acquired by the current owner in 2014 and it continues to benefit handsomely from restoration performed prior to purchase and an engine rebuild completed in 2013. Since then, the restoration was refreshed in 2014-2016. Service and maintenance work under the current ownership includes attention to the power top mechanism, cooling, power steering, and miscellaneous smaller items, documented by invoices on file.

Exterior

Finished in the visually striking combination of Wimbledon White paint over Red leather upholstery, this 1965 Ford Thunderbird is very nicely enhanced by gleaming chrome bumpers and brightwork, plus the elegant rear fender skirts characteristic of all 1964-1966 Thunderbirds. An added Sports Roadster-style rear tonneau cover, a popular and desirable dealer-available accessory in period, features sleek integral headrests and provides additional curb appeal. A set of factory-type Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire-spoke wheels mounts BF Goodrich whitewall tires for a great finishing touch.

Interior

The aircraft-inspired interior compartment is complete and visually excellent, featuring rich Red leather upholstery and matching carpeting, accented by outstanding bright trim. Instruments are original-appearing and very nicely preserved, including the Thunderbird’s fascinating horizontal speedometer layout with large numerical readouts. Features, options, and amenities include a center console, power-adjustable seats, a power convertible top, and AM/FM radio. While this Thunderbird is indeed a factory air-conditioned car, we are advised the system is presently inoperative. A set of Black Thunderbird-logo floor mats protects the carpeting.

Engine and Drive Train

Ample power is delivered by a well-detailed ‘Code Z’ 390 CI Thunderbird V-8 engine delivering a factory 300 BHP rating with induction via a four-barrel Holley carburetor, mated to a Cruise-O-Matic MX three-speed automatic transmission. The nicely presented engine and surrounding engine compartment feature correct components, finishes, labels and accessories, including the gold-finished rocker covers, air cleaner assembly, and “FoMoCo” windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Trunk and Storage Compartment

The Thunderbird’s trunk compartment is correctly finished and equipped in keeping with the rest of the vehicle, complete with factory-type mats, panels, and a proper spare-tire cover, all featuring an attractive houndstooth pattern.

Documentation and Spares

In addition to a reproduction copy of the 1964 Ford Thunderbird Illustrated Facts and Features Manual, which generally applies to the 1965 models, the vehicle includes invoices for service maintenance work performed during the current ownership.

Viewing

This 1965 Ford Thunderbird Convertible is currently available for viewing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Interested parties must arrange a viewing appointment through the “Schedule a Viewing” button on the listing.