Description
Rare 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible with a 428ci big-block (approx. 7 litres) – Thelma and Louise
Hello,
1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Ford 428ci engine producing 345hp at 4600 rpm and 627 Nm at 2800 rpm
C6 automatic transmission (1966 upgrade with Cruise-O’Matic)
PMEC: 09/ 1966
Collectible registration, 40 HP, 4 seats
Color: light blue (Silver Mink, code E), black leather interior, white soft top
Benefited from a thorough restoration about fifteen years ago, carried out with strict respect for the originality, including engine rebuild, paintwork (matching), interior, soft top, suspension, brakes, etc., at 73, 900 miles. It currently has 75, 600 miles.
Two very rare options:
. genuine black leather interior, instead of the usual vinyl
. 428ci engine (code Q), instead of the base 390 (code 8) with 265 hp, or the 390 (code Z) with 315 hp as a first option.
Serial number 6Y85Qxxxxxx, matching numbers, engine / gearbox / interior colour / exterior colour.
Other options (listed on the original order form in my possession):
. whitewall tyres
. 4 electric windows
. inclinable passenger seat with headrest
. cruise control
. unique steering wheel
. modern FM radio (styled to look like the original 1966, with Thunderbird logo)
. power antenna
. tinted windows
. Deluxe 5-spoke wheel covers
. removable rear wing mirrors (rear fender wheel covers)
Original features and 1966 Thunderbird specifics:
. front disc brakes
. power steering
. steering column offset to ease entry/ exit
. power-operated top
. sequential rear lights
. front wing tip indicators
Less than 8% of the last generation of Thunderbirds, i. e. 1966, were convertibles, and within that 8%, a very small portion had the 428ci option, not to mention the leather. A car that is quite rare to find, especially in this light blue, very close to the one seen in the famous film Thelma & Louise!
2022 appraisal report valuing it at €40, 000. I also have the original genuine Ford order form (not a copy) showing that the options are indeed present. I also have the Shop Manual, Owner Manual, and the Technical Supplement for the soft-top system.
Other follow-up documents: Title (previous US title), V5 (previous UK registration), MOTs from 2013 to 2016 (it belonged to a Brit), then the FFVE certificate of 2018, the date of its import into France. All of this helps trace the car’s mileage.
An interesting detail: it belonged to a Major in the US Air Force, and it still bears on the windscreen the original clearance stickers for driving on McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas.
Very recent servicing (carburettor overhaul, interior door panels, front and rear shock absorbers, wheel cylinders, etc.).
MOT less than 6 months old and valid for 5 years (classic car status).
NO PART-EXCHANGE, NO TRADE.
