Highlights 

• A second-generation Ford Thunderbird fitted with the 7L MEL V8 power unit 
• A well-presented example in a highly original looking condition  
• Complete with a wealth of charming period details and accessories  

The Appeal 

This example hails from the last year of production of the second-generation car and benefits from the fitment of the bigger 7L, 350bhp V8 engine. This example looks to be in a fine overall condition, offering stacks of interesting period details. This big slice of automotive real estate should prove an exciting opportunity for 1960’s car and American culture lovers.

The History and Paperwork 

• This example was produced in 1960, the last year of Gen II production 
• This example was produced with the MEL V8 and mated to a three-speed auto gearbox 
• The car appears to have spent its first 44 years in the USA 
• We know the car was imported to the UK in 2004 
• The car was first registered in the UK in September 2004 
• The first UK owner retained the car for around 3 years 
• The second enjoyed the car for 11 years up until 2018 
• The current owner acquired the car in October 2018 
• At that time the Thunderbird was showing around 3,100 miles 
• Shortly after acquisition the owner had the car recommissioned by specialists 
• The car comes with its current V5 registration document in the name of the owner 
• This classifies the car as an Historic Vehicle 
• As such it is considered MOT and VED exempt in the UK 
• The invoices detailing the 2018 inspection are included 
• An original Ford data sheet is also on hand, detailing the car’s specifications 

 

The Interior 

• This Thunderbird’s interior is finished in original “Morocco Grain Vinyl” 
• This presents in trim code “57” which is “Dark Turquoise / Light Turquoise” 
• The seats are stitched into vertical box pleats and the condition looks good 
• Some patina is evident, but no rips, tears or holes were noted 
• The rear cabin features a bench formed into two individual seats 
• This is identically trimmed and appears to be in an excellent fettle 
• The side panels and door cards are finished in light turquoise vertical pleats  
• The front door cards feature arm rests and chromed door furniture 
• The impressive dashboard is finished in dark turquoise trimmed foam 
• This is sculpted into twin binnacle shapes each side 
• The driver’s side is finished with a ribbed chrome panel 
• Into this are set a number of large black on white dials 
• These sit behind a white and chrome three spoke steering wheel 
• The passenger side binnacle houses the chrome fronted glove box 
• Between these is fitted with the original, push button radio 
• Below this is a very 60’s circular air conditioning control unit 
• Other features include a factory sunroof and control handle for exterior spot lamp 
• The huge boot is finished in a dogs’ tooth checked fabric 
• A spare wheel is housed here, and the original jack is in evidence 

The Exterior 

• This example presents very well indeed in its bright Corinthian White (M) paintwork 
• The condition of the paintwork looks generally good 
• A high shine emanates from all the panels and the finish appears thick and smooth 
• Some imperfections are noted and have been photographed 
• These include some chips and some paint cracking 
• The body work looks good overall and the panel gaps tight and symmetrical 
• There is lots of complimentary chromed brightwork present  
• This all appears to be bright, shiny and lustrous throughout 
• There is some stunning period detail to drink in here, too 
• This includes the rear fins, mock spare wheel cover and Thunderbird script and emblems 
• This car rides on a set of aftermarket Rota Wheels spoked alloy wheels 
• These are finished in an anthracite shade and appear to be in fine condition 
• The open architecture of the wheels allows a view of upgraded vented front disks 
• The wheels are shod with a matching set of 255/45 radial type tyres 

The Mechanics 

• In keeping with this mammoth car, a huge 7L V8 engine is fitted 
• This is the so-called MEL (Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln) engine, originally with 350bhp 
• Power is fed to the rear wheels via a three speed, column shift automatic gearbox 
• In late 2018 the owner had the car thoroughly inspected and serviced 
• A full service was carried out together with a number of new parts fitted 
• The accompanying invoices fully detailed the work undertaken 
• Since this work no more than a few hundred miles have been covered 
• The huge engine bay of the Thunderbird presents very well 
• The inner panels appear clean and solid, and a battery cut off switch is fitted 
• The high-capacity battery looks to be a recent addition 
• The underside of the car looks to be well presented for the age of the car 
• A good level of preservative underseal seems to be present 
• A couple of minor holes were noted in one silencer and a single one in the other 
• It is understood that this is a car that is ready to immediately use and enjoy 

Summary