Description
1976 FORD THUNDERBIRD
The “Big Bird”
colour: Polar White
interior: Red Luxury cloth/ vinyl
460 cubic inch big block V8 (7. 5L), C6 automatic transmission
Very original, low mileage, 36, 000
Last USA Title states “Actual Miles”
One of just 778 built with this paint & trim
First sold in Indiana, Pennsylvania to Ronald & Betty Shirley from nearby Punxsutawney, (as in the movie Groundhog Day)
I have the Marti Report and first sale invoice, as well as an original 1976 Thunderbird brochure
Price when new $7739. 55
This car is equipped with:
Full vinyl roof
Accent paint strips
Dual exhausts (from factory, replaced in the UK)
Whitewall tyres
Convenience Group
Cornering Lamps
Turnpike Group
Tilt steering wheel
Power steering
Power seat
Air conditioning – Auto Temp Control
Electric rear window defroster
AM/ FM 8 Track Stereo radio
Appearance Protection Group
Tinted Glass
Power lock Group
Light Group
Wire Wheel covers
Handling Suspension
Wide Bodyside Mouldings
This generation of T-Bird, known as the Big Bird, is basically a Lincoln Continental MK IV in disguise, same chassis, engine, transmission & rear end, but sold in smaller numbers – 52, 935 T-Birds vs. 56, 110 MK IVs for 1976, and at a huge price advantage – the ’76 MK IV started at $11, 060. So this T-Bird was 30% cheaper, for basically the same car! And this ‘Bird was optioned with “Handling Suspension”! Whoopee!
One imagines that the cheaper T-Birds would have suffered a higher attrition rate, ensuring that they are considerably more rare than their Lincoln brethren today, especially in the UK, where there are only a handful. This is a highly optioned example in excellent condition, having had one repaint in the original colour of Polar White.
I imported this car from Virginia in April 2022. Since then, it has benefitted from:
a full service, all fluids, belts, hoses,
a rebuild of the braking system including new front callipers, new wheel cylinders in the rear drums etc,
new water pump,
new steering box
new stainless steel dual exhaust, with Cats removed, custom built by Pipecraft including mild Magnaflow mufflers – it sounds very purposeful when you fire it up, or give it the beans, but is a very faint rumble at cruising speeds, just right!
New windscreen August 2024
the paint has been cut-and-mopped, to give it that as-new shine
The interior has been fully professionally valeted and is in magnificent condition.
I have spent a lot of money on this car, so that you don’t have to.
The car looks and drives superb. Overall condition is excellent. It was rust protected when new and that has ensured it remains rust free today.
Everything works as it should; air conditioning blows cold. Radio works good, and it was optioned with an eight track tape player. The car drives just like a Lincoln!
If you want something a little different, this is it. You will not be disappointed.
Reluctant sale from my private collection, as I am downsizing.
Please note, I am a collector, not a dealer. I am not interested in any part exchange.
Payment must be by bank transfer into my nominated account.
Car will be released once cleared funds are received.
Car is available to view in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, 30 miles north of London, junction 9 of the A1(M).
Viewings by appointment, call: Dan
