1976 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop

The Ford Thunderbird was created in response to Chevrolet's sporty Corvette.  Although never intending to be a sports car - rather a blend of sport and luxury - it outsold the Corvette 20-to-1 in 1955.  For 1958, the Thunderbird grew even larger with the first of the four-seaters, and larger still in 1962 as the third generation began.  The sixth generation of the Ford Thunderbird, (known as the 'Big Bird'), was built from 1972 through 1976 and rested on a 120.4-inch wheelbase platform that measured 214 inches in length.  This generation was the largest Thunderbird ever produced by Ford, sharing the assembly line with the Lincoln Continental Mark IV.  Powering these large vehicles was an equally large standard engine of 429 cubic-inches or even larger optional 460 CID V8 ,(standard after 1973).  Despite the large engine sizes, the overall weight of the vehicles and the low power output due to restrictive emissions technology resulted in modest performance and poor fuel economy.  The base engine in the 1976 Ford Thunderbird was the 460 CID V8 offering 202 horsepower at 3,800 RPM and 352 foot-pounds of torque at 1,600 RPM.  It was backed by a SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic with a 2.75:1 rear axle ratio.  It rode on JR78 x 15 steel-belted radial tires and standard equipment included power steering, power brakes, power windows, and cornering lamps.  The rear suspension consisted of a 'stabul' four-link setup.  Since 1976 was the final year for the sixth generation Thunderbird, and Ford was busy preparing for the seventh generation, very few updates and changes were made this year. 

For consignment, and taking up significant real estate in the Classic Auto Mall is this 1976 Ford Thunderbird hardtop.  This car is among the last of the no-holds-barred, full-size personal luxury cars, representing the pinnacle of American motoring at the time.  At 214 inches long, this Thunderbird is one of the largest two-door coupes ever sold by Ford Motor Company, with the 233-inch long two-door and four-door Lincoln Continental sedans, (produced alongside it), as the only longer vehicle ever marketed by Ford.  Distinguished by its sharp-edged exterior design, design themes of the Mark IV and Mark V would be adapted onto Ford vehicles throughout the 1980s.   Purchased by our consignor and his wife to drive to Florida every year and fully gone through to ensure a break down free trip, this Thunderbird is ready for whatever you can throw at it.  After the wife rode from Naples, FL in a Lincoln Navigator, the Bird is up for consignment and a Navigator is holding its spot in the garage...win you!

Exterior
Long straight rust-free steel panels with well minded gaps, are all bathed in subtle and calming Cream paint.  This paint shows some areas of minor runs in the finish, crazing and cracking, but the car retains its shine.   A quad of exposed headlights, a big chromed eggcrate grille in outward V format, cathedral lights flanking on the front corners, and some chrome encased gold trimmings running the length of this car, it's looking very proud.  The bumpers retain their shine and the other trimmings and badging are all in good condition.  On top of the passenger compartment, is a cream gold vinyl landau top with an oval B pillar opera window cut into each side for a dose of extra class.  The top is good and houses the rear window surround just above the massive trunk lid.  A full width segmented tail light is just below the expansive trunk and another shiny chrome bumper finishes things off.  Square and rectangle design chop nice sections into this car's design, and bottoming off this monster is a set of chrome wire wheel covers with the Thunderbird logo in the centers all wrapped in like new thin white walls from the 30th week of 2022.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we have padded vinyl in faux leather pattern cream, aiding tastefully with molded buttoned vinyl and wood appliqué burl panels which house some of the many convenience options available at the driver's fingertips.  Gold carpet is on the bottoms and courtesy lighting makes sure you do not get out and place a Bruno Magli into a surprise puddle.  Rich cream leather covers the arm rest equipped bucket seat setup, and talk about padding aplenty you will not go without on these seats.  Several padded and buttoned “pillow" sections are showing on the seating surfaces and the driver's seat is power actuated.  The rear bench also does not have us wanting for more luxury, matching the front seating.  All seats have nice aging with some folds and slight wear showing.  For the dash, a creamy gold surround holds within the round black faced gauges, chromed knobs and pulls, and lots-o-warning lights.   An original steering wheel with more wood appliqué is in front and more applique makes an appearance in front of the passenger.  Gold carpet floods the floors, and is a deep pile design...perfect to wriggle my piggies in.  The headliner is nice and tight as it proudly looks down over this interior.

Drivetrain
With wires and hoses aplenty along with some blue painting for the engine block and valve covers plus the air cleaner, we note a 460ci V8 insertion.  4-barrels of rebuilt carburetor are atop, and a C6 3-speed automatic transmission is on back with a Ford 9-inch 2.75 rear axle.   All have been fully serviced and are ready to perform at the drop of a hat.

Undercarriage
As the photos show, the undercarriage has some surface rust peeking out from under the peeled off undercoating paint on the suspension.  Framing is solid as are the black undercoated floor pans and rockers.  Power disc brakes are on the front and power drums are reserved for the rear, along with an independent coil spring front suspension and a glide down the road 4 link and coil spring arrangement in the rear.  Allowing all 460 cubes to exhale is a stock style exhaust single piped exhaust.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and smooth runner, this car provides a beautiful ride, and good handling, as well as bias free panic stopping.  All conveniences were in working order save for the clock and the power antenna, and the seats were like sitting in my home favorite recliner.

A car that is ready, willing and able to be the Florida commuter for a wonderfully lucky couple.  But as fate would have it, a more modern ride is now occupying its space in the garage.  Based on this car and my interaction with this car, I wouldn't hesitate to drive this miles long personal luxury cruiser anywhere.  Luxury right out of 1976...before things got small.

6Y87A129454

6-1976
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
87-Thunderbird Hardtop
A-460ci V8 4bbl 202hp
129454-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.