Highlights
- Restored car in very good, factory-correct condition
- Beautiful example of classic ‘60s Americana
- Thick history file with lots of ongoing maintenance
- 390CI V8 290bhp coupe with 2+2 practicality
The Appeal
The original Thunderbird practically invented the very American ‘personal luxury’ car. This was a sports car that was both quick and cossetting.
The restyled fourth generation from ‘64 stuck true to this formula but with a more formal, modern style. As usual, beneath the hood was a mouthwatering choice of potent V8s.
This 390CI 6.4litre Thunderbird was factory built in June 1965 and arrived in the UK in 1999. It is a reminder of just how magnificent these cars are, combining sleek, unfussy styling with some neat detailing.
This one is in very good condition with a thick history file attesting to sparing use and regular maintenance. There is also a useful factory specification sheet from Thunderbirds of England that shows the Wimbledon white paintwork is factory correct. Now fitted with a sumptuous red leather interior (code 25) it is hard to know whether to sit and admire it or drive and enjoy it.
Whichever you choose, this is a beautiful and much-loved example of one of America’s motoring greats.
History and Paperwork
- Manufactured on 15th June 1965
- First registered in the USA later that year
- First UK registered on 1st January 1999
- Eight registered keepers since arriving in the UK
- Vendor acquired the car on 5th June 2018
- Since purchase he has attended to minor paintwork repairs done and fitted a new battery
- He advises that a former registered keeper was the Marquis of Bute
- Stored in an air conditioned barn
- Original handbooks and parts catalogues included
- Thick history file with raft of older invoices
- Electrics attended to in 2019 and custom exhaust fitted
- Factory specification details provided by Thunderbirds of England
- Older MOTs to help buyer verify mileage
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle and therefore MOT and tax exempt
- Last MOT expired on 14th July 2017 with 45,950 miles showing and no advisories
The Condition
- Hard Top model finished in factory correct Wimbledon White
- Paintwork in good order with only light marks to note in photographs
- Bodywork presents well with only small area of bubbling to driver’s side rear wing
- Retains its factory fitted original exterior trim all in well kept condition
- Sits on whitewalls with chrome trims and red embellishers
- Tidy underside with no rust visible
- Older restoration that has held up well thanks to air conditioned storage
- Practical and spacious four seater configuration
- Beautiful interior finished in red that retains all its original features
- Red seat trim in good order with no noticeable marks
- Interior fittings are well kept and complete
- Fitted with a Thunderbirds-branded, period-style modern radio cassette
- We are told that all gauges are functional
- Vendor reports that the electric windows can be a little temperamental
- Fully trimmed boot with check finish showing light water damage
- Rear nearside indicator reported to be not working
The Mechanics
- 390CI 6.4litre 290bhp Ford V8 engine
- 3spd ‘Cruise-O-Matic’ automatic gearbox with column shift
- Vendor advises slight oil leaks from engine and transmission
- Reported to drive very well with plenty of power
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
