Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 17th March 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Weds 18th March 2026
Location: Kelham Hall Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1965 Ford Thunderbird
No Reserve
Registration No: KYY 505C
Chassis No: 5Ythe details below
MOT: Exempt
In single ownership for fifteen years
Some £15, 000 worth of expenditure during said ownership, including a full engine overhaul and repainting
High specification example including power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning
Fitted with a 390 cu in (6. 4 L) FE V8 engine with a four-barrel Edelbrock carburettor
By the time Ford dispensed with the Thunderbird moniker in 2005, the model had progressed through no less than eleven generations, the combined production total of which was in excess of 4. 4 million. It had also been immortalised by the Beach Boys' hit song "Fun, Fun, Fun." The first generation car hit the streets in October, 1954, and, while it was created in direct response to Chevrolet's Corvette, Ford's emphasis was more on comfort than overt sportiness. Though sleeker than most of its Dearborn siblings, it shared many of their components and the 292ci (4. 8-litre) V8 engine was borrowed from the company's Mercury division. By the time the fourth generation appeared in 1964, the T-Bird was an altogether larger proposition, with four rather than two seats and power from a 6. 4-litre V8 of either 300bhp or 330bhp, mated to a three-speed automatic gearbox. The styling reflected the '60s vogue for sleek lines and crisp edges, and by 1965 disc brakes had become standard for the front wheels. There was the choice of Coupe, Convertible or Landau body styles; each equally alluring in their own way.
The very picture of mid-1960s Ivy League elegance, this Thunderbird has benefited from fifteen years of enthusiast ownership. Indeed, it has had only three registered keepers since it was brought into Britain in 2008, the latest acquiring it in 2011. The history shows it had previously resided in the vicinity of Willamette Falls, a thunderous waterfall on the outskirts of Oregon City. The long-term keeper was meticulous in his ownership, performing extensive work and maintenance to bring it up to its present condition. Cosmetically, it received a full repaint and fitment of new whitewall tyres, but most of the work took place ‘under the hood.’
A comprehensive overhaul of the 390ci (6. 4-litre) V8, rated when new at 300hp, was performed by Wheels in Motion, a well-respected American car restoration specialist, which included a rebore, new piston rings, and so on. Wheels in Motion also performed various other duties including a gearbox overhaul, fitment of a new exhaust manifolds and new floor pans and, in 2022, a carburettor tune-up, bringing total expenditure to around £15, 000 during said ownership. Altogether, the Thunderbird boasts a very desirable specification, with power steering, power brakes and air-conditioning, and a few subtle upgrades in the form of an Edelbrock four-barrel carburettor and a period-style D. A. B. radio.
The history file includes the V5C, import documents, assorted invoices, a workshop manual, an assembly manual, and a specification manual. When inspected for our photoshoot, the Thunderbird was in good running order. All it wants is a new owner to take it away and have Fun, Fun, Fun.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
