1974 Ford Thunderbird 460CI

Highlights

  • Jaw-dropping slice of 70s Americana
  • Stylish ‘Triple Gold’ colour scheme 
  • Believed 45,000 miles from new
  • Reported to be a 2-keeper car 
  • All the electrics including the 8 track work 
  • Recent paintwork refresh 

The Appeal

We’ll try to keep this description brief because if you’ve already caught a glimpse of this magnificent slice of 70s motorised Americana, we suspect you’ll want to get straight back to it.
Just look at it. The 6th generation Thunderbird was all about dialling things up to 11: the biggest, the heaviest and with a gargantuan 7.5litre 460CI V8. This is peak Detroit excess and we love it. 
The gold on gold on gold colour scheme of this one certainly suits the style and demeanour of this stately classic. Imported by the seller to the UK in 2021, it is believed to be a two-keeper car with low mileage, although this cannot be absolutely verified. The condition certainly supports that impression. Inside and out it is a mix of original finish, with light patina, and localised titivation. Several of the panels were resprayed this year. We are told that all of the innumerable electrics work, including the all-important 8 track. 
This is a magnificent example of a car that could only have been built by Detroit in the 1970s. We’ll never see it’s like again. Celebrate that era by immersing yourself in its glamour with a winning bid. 

History and Paperwork

  • First registered in the USA in1974
  • Factory built in December 1973 
  • Imported from the USA in May 2021
  • Previous US log-book shows one previous keeper but this cannot be verified
  • Unfortunately the service history was lost during importation
  • One registered keeper since arriving in the UK 
  • Historic Vehicle that is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt 
  • Always stored in a heated garage by the current keeper 
  • Bonnet, front wings and boot recently resprayed in 2024 

The Condition

  • Smart and very appropriate gold metallic paintwork with matching trim and vinyl roof
  • Very tidy car with what we are told is mix of original and resprayed paintwork 
  • Exterior paintwork and fittings in good order with light signs of wear visible 
  • The photographs show some light marks to various trim items but not unsightly 
  • These include light marks to side rubbing strips and some areas on vinyl roof 
  • Bodywork presents well with good sills, arches and panels 
  • Underside similarly well presented and worth checking in photographs 
  • Bonnet, front wings and boot resprayed in 2024 due to light storm damage 
  • Chromework presents well with bright finish 
  • Sits on USA-style UK black and silver plates 
  • Magnificent ‘golden brown’ leather interior with button finish in good, original order
  • Interior appears to be complete and we are told is fully working 
  • There are some light signs of age inside to be expected of the originality 
  • One small 1" tear in leather on front seat
  • Roof lining is complete and undamaged but has a loose seam

The Mechanics

  • 7,500cc 460CI 220bhp V8 
  • 3spd ‘Cruise-O-Matic’ automatic gearbox 
  • New battery recently fitted 
  • Vendor reports that the car runs smoothly and does not overheat 
  • We are also told that it is a joy to drive on long journeys 
The vendor tells us: 
“It is really, really nice to drive! Super smooth, quiet, light power steering, good brakes, good steering. 
“It looks stunning. It's a really pretty example of the marque. It looks like it could have come straight out of a 70's movie. It's such a smooth cruiser.”
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 

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Auction Details
  • Year 1974
  • Make Ford
  • Model Thunderbird
  • Colour Bronze
  • Odometer 45,000 Miles
  • Engine size 7500
  • Seller type Private
  • Town Ryton
  • County Tyne and Wear
  • Country United Kingdom
  • Auction ends
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Bidding history
7 Bids from 6 bidders
  • manish-•••• £5,100 07/10/24
  • Colincl•••• £4,990 04/10/24
  • Transam•••• £1,550 04/10/24
  • donal-m•••• £1,450 04/10/24
  • Transam•••• £1,350 02/10/24
  • richard•••• £1,250 02/10/24
  • 9m5jf7f•••• £1,000 01/10/24

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