Description
Extremely rare 1966 Ford Thunderbird convertible with big-block 428ci (7 litres) – Thelma & Louise!
Hello,
1966 Ford Thunderbird cabriolet
Ford 428ci engine rated at 345hp at 4, 600 rpm and 627 Nm at 2, 800 rpm
C6 automatic gearbox (1966 upgrade of the Cruise-O’Matic)
PMEC: 09/ 1966
Collector registration document, 40 CV, 4 seats
Colour: sky blue (silver mink, code E), black leather interior, white hood
It benefited from a proper restoration around fifteen years ago, strictly respecting the original specification, with engine rebuild, (matching) paintwork, interior, hood, suspension, brakes, etc., at 73, 900 miles. It currently has 75, 600 miles.
Two very rare options:
. black genuine leather interior, instead of the skaï (plastic/ vinyl) trim usually fitted
. 428ci engine (code Q), instead of the base 390 (code 8) rated at 265 hp, or the 390 (code Z) rated at 315 hp as the first alternative
Serial number 6Y85Qxxxxxx, matching numbers, engine / gearbox / interior colour / exterior colour.
Other options (listed on the original Ford order sheet I still have):
. whitewall tyres
. power windows (4)
. reclining front passenger seat with headrest
. cruise control
. unique steering wheel
. modern FM radio (with the exact 1966 original look, featuring the Thunderbird logo)
. electric antenna
. tinted glass
. Deluxe 5-spoke wheel covers
. removable rear fender skirts
Original features and specific equipment for 1966 Thunderbirds:
. disc brakes at the front
. power steering
. steering column that slides to make entry/ exit easier
. power-operated hood
. sequential tail lights
. turn-signal repeaters at the ends of the front wings
Less than 8% of the last “classic” Thunderbirds (i. e. 1966 cars) were convertibles, and within those 8%, only an extremely tiny fraction were specified with the 428ci option—never mind the leather. So this is quite hard to find, especially in this sky blue, very similar to the one from the famous film Thelma & Louise!
2022 valuation report: €40, 000. I also have its original official Ford order sheet (not a copy), which shows that the options are indeed present. I also have the Shop Manual, the Owner Manual, and the Technical Supplement for the hood system.
Other documents: Title (previous US registration), V5 (previous UK registration), the MOTs (UK CT) from 2013 to 2016 (it belonged to a gentleman in the UK), then the FFVE certificate from 2018, dated its import to France. All of this makes it possible to trace the car’s mileage.
Interesting detail: it belonged to a US Air Force Major, and it still has the original base-authorization stickers for vehicle permits on the windscreen at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas.
Very recent service (oil change, brand-new alternator, etc.)—everything works perfectly (except for the little dashboard clock).
Tyres are in perfect condition; no expense to be done. Capable of driving across France by road without any issues.
Folder of recent invoices (carburettor overhaul, interior door panels, front & rear shock absorbers, wheel cylinders, etc.)
Less than 6 months MOT and valid for 5 years (collector registration)
NO PART-EXCHANGE, NO SWAPS.
