The second and third generation (58-63) values drop to an average range of $25,000 to $35,000. These figures are from recent price guides. These pristine first generation Thunderbirds as of today have average values of $40,000 to $70,000 depending on degree of restoration. When you see a 55 T-Bird on the road today it most likely will be immaculately restored and at an auto show or meet. Highest collector values today of course go back to the first generation beginning in 1955. The Ford Thunderbird went from an original two-seater to a four seater and at one time had a design that made it appear as a mid size car. The car was first marketed as a personal luxury vehicle possessing more creature comforts than the Corvette. The Thunderbird however differed from the Corvette in several respects. Both cars would also compete against the foreign sport car imports of the 50’s. The automobile was originally designed to compete against Chevy’s new Corvette. The Ford Thunderbird was one of the longest running models in Ford history. The 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable Hardtopįord Thunderbird Collector Cars and Values See additional Auto Museum Online articles on the links below… Width was 77.3 inches and height varied by exact model. Rear suspension was comprised of Longitudinal Semi elliptic Leaf Springs.ĭimensions included a 113.0 inch wheelbase and an overall length of 205.4 inches. Suspension included Helical Coil Springs with hydraulic shock absorbers. The 1966 Ford Thunderbird had front disc brakes as standard. The other transmission was called the C6 Dual Range Automatic and was used with the 428’s and used exclusively put in the Thunderbirds beginning in November 65. The first was a Cruise-O-Matic that was used only on the 390 engines and was discontinued in November 65. During the 1966 model run there were two different transmissions used. Transmissions used in the 66 Thunderbird was a three speed automatic. The third engine option was a Thunderbird 428 cubic inch V-8 that delivered 345 HP. This engine was rated at 315 HP.Īnother was a standard 390 cubic inch V-8 that was rated at 265 HP. These engines included a Thunderbird 390 Special V-8 with a four barrel carburetor. There were three engines available for the 1966 Ford Thunderbird. Power steering and brakes were standard for the 66 model.ġ966 Ford Thunderbird production totals came in at 69,170 units. The full rear tail lights on the 66 model debuted in 1964. The Landau did give the buyer that 1950’s two seat sports car feel. The Landau’s were offered as a dealer installed option beginning in 1964. Thunderbird choices included a Conventional Hardtop, Town Hardtop, Town Landau and Convertible. Fourth generation Thunderbirds had these safety and convenience items as standard equipment. This included a low fuel warning light, door ajar light, four-way emergency flashers and a second toggle switch to activate a vacuum operated door-lock system. The Safety Convenience Control Panel was also new to the fourth generation Thunderbirds. The ventilation system was for hardtops and landaus only. 1964 was the first year for transistorized ignition, “ Highway Pilot” speed control and the Silent-Flow through ventilation system. The 1964 models also had plenty of other new items. Convertibles during this generation made up a lower proportion of total production. The cars had squarer lines and sold well. This new generation of Thunderbirds of course had new styling.
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