1964 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop

Description

From a deceased estate; ex-Arizona; imported to the UK in 2002 and just two owners since; fabulous interior; wonderful V8 exhaust note; an exuberant slice of Sixties Americana!

Originally designed to compete with Chevrolet's sensational Corvette, Ford's advertising emphasised the luxury and comfort of their new 1954 Thunderbird above its outright sportiness and the tactic paid off in spades: it outsold the more spartan Corvette by a factor of 23:1. The cars only got plusher as time went on and the fourth generation T'birds, produced from 1964 to 1966, were the last to retain a properly sporting look before it became just another luxo-barge from 1967 onwards.

This 1964 two-door hardtop is presented in its original (but faded) Rangoon Red paint and striking red vinyl interior with lashings of Space Age chrome and flamboyant bucket seats. Not to mention the impressively loud 300bhp 6.4 V8 engine mated to three-speed Cruise-O-Matic auto transmission.

Most of the American history is unknown, although it is clear from the file of invoices that it was maintained in Arizona during the 1990s and then imported to the UK by the previous owner in 2002. It remained with him until 2018 when it was purchased by the current keeper, who sadly passed away recently.

A hand-written invoice on file from what looks like 1995 shows evidence of what seems to be a new 390 block, crank and rods so we imagine the engine had a good overhaul then, although the invoice is hard to read. Further invoices continue until it reached Herefordshire in 2018 when it seems it was treated to a service with a number of parts supplied by US Automotive including gasket set, filters, ignition parts, plugs and senders etc.

Further work included replacing the fuel pump, brakes, manifold and fuel filters. Steering issues can be a problem on these we understand so bidders should be aware that a steering gear seal kit was also fitted in 2019. The following year the starter motor was renewed and another fuel pump fitted.

Sounding phenomenal when we started it up in our showroom, it has been seen at various shows but now needs a new owner to enjoy and maintain it. If exuberant Sixties Americana is your thing, this attention-grabbing T'bird has road presence in spades and will definitely get you noticed!

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