1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

This 1966 Ford Thunderbird convertible was acquired by the current owner in 2023 and is powered by a 390ci V8 mated to a Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. It is finished in Silver Mink over Silver Mink vinyl, and equipment includes a power-retractable blue soft top, 15″ steel wheels with tri-spoke Thunderbird covers, quad headlights, power-adjustable front seats, a curved rear bench, power windows, a swing-away steering wheel, a cassette stereo, cruise control, and SelectAire air conditioning. Work in 2023 included replacing the carburetor, spark plugs, plug wires, and ignition coil as well as repainting the interior vinyl and re-dyeing the carpet in some areas. This Thunderbird was purchased by the current owner in 2023 and is now offered by the seller on their behalf with a clean Georgia title.

There were approximately 5,050 convertible Thunderbirds produced for the 1966 model year. This example left the factory finished in Silver Mink (E), and features include a power-retractable blue soft top, a wrap-around chrome-finished front bumper, quad headlights, gun-sight front turn signals, sequential rear turn signals, full-width taillights, and a chrome pinched-loop-style rear bumper. The power convertible top relays and switches were rebuilt or replaced. Noted imperfections include a rust bubble repair on the lower driver’s door, a scratch on the rear window plastic, and a spot of missing chrome on the rear bumper.

The 15″ steel wheels with tri-spoke Thunderbird covers are mounted with 225/75 Broadway tires. The car came equipped from the factory with power steering, and stopping power is provided by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.

The shell-contour front bucket seats and curved rear bench are upholstered in Silver Mink vinyl and are accented by a color-coordinated dashboard, door panels, and carpets. Refurbishment work included repainting the vinyl and re-dyeing the carpeting in areas. Amenities include power-adjustable front seats, front and rear center armrests, power windows, an aftermarket cassette stereo, cruise control, and SelectAire air conditioning. Steel collars were added to the door pulls. The vacuum central locking hoses need to be replaced and wear on the driver’s seat is shown in the gallery.

The two-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a swing-away column and frames a horizontal-sweep 120-mph speedometer and gauges for oil pressure, fuel level, coolant temperature, and amperage. The five-digit odometer shows 22k miles, approximately 10 miles of which were added under current ownership.

The 390ci V8 is fitted with a four-barrel carburetor and was factory rated at 315 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque. The carburetor, spark plugs, plug wires, and ignition coil were replaced in 2023. There is an exhaust manifold leak on the rear two cylinders, and the seller notes a ticking sound under acceleration.

Power is routed to the rear wheels via a Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission.