Make: | Ford |
Model: | Thunderbird |
Type: | Convertible |
Trim: | -- |
Year: | 1965 |
Mileage: | 32983 |
VIN: | 5Y85Z162504 |
Color: | Red |
Engine: | 390 V8 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Drive type: | -- |
Interior color: | White |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Local pick-up only |
We have long admired the 4th generation 1964-66 "Squared Bullet Birds" for their styling and awesome road manners, and this 1965 Ford Thunderbird convertible delivers an awesome look with a timeless color combination, as well as fantastic road manners befitting a top-of-the-line '60s ragtop. Quite honestly, you'll feel like a movie star whenever you drive this car. People will wave, honk their horns, and come up just to talk to you about it. The Squared Bullets are... like that. The 1965s stand out for their highly sculpted sides, including the ornaments on the front fenders, which give them a bit more interest than the smooth-sided earlier models. With handsome red paint (color change from the original code M White), this one will also stand out in a sea of black and white 'Birds in a good way, because this is a color that's very much back in fashion today. It's an older paint job that's been enjoyed properly, so it shines up nicely but there are a few minimal signs of use... a good buff and polish would really kick it up a notch. However, that shouldn't get you down, because none of them are really visible unless you get close and you'll be having too much fun from behind the wheel to really sweat it. You will note that this one is wearing its fender skirts, which provides the profile with a touch of elegance, especially when that big power top is all the way down. The white interior is in good order, too, wearing correct leather seat covers with some age on them but no splits or tears and they're still quite comfortable for long highway cruises. The wraparound cockpit is beautifully designed, and important details like the anodized aluminum trim that sweeps down onto the center console is in excellent shape. The gauges are bright and crisp in their individual round pods and the liberal helpings of chrome used throughout makes it look upscale and sophisticated. Other features include power windows, power seats, a power convertible top, R134a A/C, a tilt-away steering column, and a modern Retro-Sound AM/FM/AUX stereo in the factory dash slot. Thunderbird-logo floor mats look right and protect the red carpets that provide just enough contrast, and the back seat has a nice two-seater look, especially when the white power top is tucked away. And yes, that insanely complex top is fully operational and is in good condition overall. The standard engine you could get in your 1965 Thunderbird was a 390 cubic inch V8, but it's plenty for the low-slung ragtop. With 300 horsepower on tap and seemingly limitless torque, it moves the Thunderbird with the kind of ease that you'd expect. Not fast, but not slow, just perfect for a car that commands respect on the road. The engine bay is nicely detailed with a lot of authentic features, including the big air cleaner and gold details that dress the place up a bit. It's quite clean and the big V8 presents nicely, so get ready to show it off with pride. Power steering and power front disc brakes are mandatory on a car this size, and the 3-speed automatic transmission shifts cleanly (remember to use the green dot shifter position for best performance!). The underside is quite clean, showing the results of years of living in a warm climate. There's a newer H-pipe dual exhaust system (dual exhaust was an option, believe it or not) and with friendly gears out back, this is a fantastic highway cruiser. Those aforementioned Kelsey-Hayes-style wire wheels give it the Sport Roadster look without the price tag and carry Hankook whitewall radials all around. We like these cars a lot. Of all the Thunderbirds, the squared-off Bullet Birds seem to be the only ones that are still appreciating, making this a car that you can enjoy by knowing it's a smart buy. Call today!