1967 Ford Thunderbird Sedan

The fifth generation Thunderbird saw some major changes to the model.  With smaller cars like the Mustang, Charger, and Cougar beginning to get popular, Ford decided to put emphasis on the luxury of a bigger car, more like Lincoln.  As such, the fifth gen got bigger, and the convertible was dropped in '67 and replaced with a more upscale four-door sedan with suicide doors.

For consignment, one of those unique four-door '67 Thunderbirds with the back doors that emulate the Lincoln Continental and a body on frame construction that was new for this generation.  This is a highly optioned car that was purchased new in August of 1966.  The exterior styling, especially the front end, was a radical departure from previous generations.  Production would be just 77,976 cars in 1967 and as favor waned, production numbers would drop to 36,055 for the end of the run in 1971.  This car has a title verified 49,870 actual miles and comes to us loaded with nearly every available option and is nearly all original, having never been restored.  Luxury In 4 Doors! 

Exterior
The original Raven Black paint is unrestored, single stage, and obviously has been cared for over the years.  Despite some rust on the quarter panels that our consignor states has not progressed for 38 years, the car presents very nicely.  Low, sleek body lines and flush mounted bumpers create a unique profile for the time.  The large C-pillar and applique dressed Landau bars give this car a sophisticated air, which was Ford's intent.  The gaping fish mouth grille was a revolution for the Thunderbird and included hide-away headlights and an expansive Thunderbird emblem across the front.  The taillights span the entire rear deck and both front and rear design inspiration is attributed to jet fighters.  Turbine like hubcaps hide the steel wheels and have a mock knock-off center.  The vinyl top is in good condition and the position of the front and rear door handles near each other is a great design cue rarely seen.

Interior
Let's start with the doors where the door actuator is akin to a small shifter and is a stout piece of tactile enjoyment.  The rear doors get the requisite ashtrays on the armrest as well.  A faux wood panel contains sturdy door pull and in back, window switches are included.  Integrated red lights are embedded in a metallic plate on the armrest.  The bucket seats are vinyl with cloth inserts in all black and the rear bench looks right out of a speakeasy booth, with button back design and a fold up armrest.  All seats are in fantastic condition.  The wood steering wheel is nice too and includes a sort of free floating horn ring below the horizontal spoke connected at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions.  Four round gauges on the dashboard are a holdover from a favorite design of previous T-bird generations, all separated and in their own bezel, more jet fighter influence no doubt.   A grooved panel below that includes vents, the radio, and A/C controls each with grooves in line with the rest keep things interesting, very nice!  Other controls on the dash are little sliding T-levers, just like you'd see in a plane.  The passenger side of the dash includes a deep cowl with interior lighting, so cool!  The center console is smooth and simple.  Not enough airplane yet?  How about the overhead console, (new for this generation), with red indicator lights.  The headliner and carpet both look great and the trunk liner shows some staining but is complete. 

Drivetrain
The correct 428ci V8 is in place rated at a whopping 345 horsepower!  It is tied to a C6 3-speed automatic transmission, also correct for the car.  All that power is routed to the back wheels and a Ford 9” inch rear with 3.00 TracLok gears.  Bringing this Thunderbird  to a stop will be power disc brakes in front and drums in the back. 

Undercarriage
Nothing overly concerning under here, fairly clean and tidy.  Some typical surface rust, a small drop of oil on the transmission bell housing, some oil near the wheels and suspension pieces.  The dual exhaust runs the length of the car and meets stock style mufflers just before exiting under the car with down-turned tips.  Coil springs are found on the front independent suspension and rear 4-link. 

Drive-Ability
Once we had clearance from the tower, we put this car on the runway to our test loop and reveled in both the sound and very good power coming from the engine.  The locks are vacuum actuated and were slow to engage.  That aside, off we went in comfort and style in a sort of compact version of the Lincoln Continental with a snazzy cockpit and many unique features of design and function.  Turn-in was good although we note the well known blind spot created by the wide, Landau C-pillar.  That said, rear passengers will feel like royalty as they enjoy limousine-like positioning behind the interior Landau screening.  We found the brakes to be in good working order and of note was the A/C blowing warm and the headlight doors were very slow to open.

This is a fantastic classic car not only carrying on the legacy of the Thunderbird name but introducing some daring and unique features to the general public that undoubtedly ended up on future car designs.  Everybody knows “baby birds” and they are indeed iconic.  But here's one you don't see everyday and in a condition that renders it an absolute turnkey show car.  This is a slick car in triple black and a 428!  Who's ready for takeoff?

7Y84Q115755

7-1967
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
84-Thunderbird 4 Door Sedan
Q-428ci 4bbl 345hp V8
115755-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY PLATE

BODY 57B-Thunderbird 4 Door Sedan
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 8A-Black Cloth & Vinyl
DATE 11K-October 11th
DSO 15-Newark
AXLE VA-Ford 9" 3.00 TracLoc
TRANS U-C6 Automatic

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