1965 Ford Thunderbird Special Landau – 390ci V8 – Automatic – Rare Original, Unrestored Car

Vehicle Location: Weatogue, CT 06089
Auction Type: Reserve
Mileage: 72,000
Engine: 390
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior: Embargo
Interior: Parchment
VIN: 5Y87Z158860
Party: Private

This 1965 Ford Thunderbird (1 of only 4500) is a Special Landau coupe and is a rare original, unrestored car. It is finished in Emberglo Metallic over Parchment vinyl upholstery. It is powered by a 390ci V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. This is car has been recently judged by the Antique Automobile Club of America and was awarded Historic Preservation of Original Features designation. Equipment includes rear fender skirts, power-assisted steering and brakes anddoor locks, and a push-button AM radio. Car has been retro fitted with front and rear parking sensors.

The car is finished in Special Edition only Emberglo Metallic (V) and features the original Parchment vinyl roof with chrome Landau bars, driver and passenger side mirrors and electronic sequential taillights. The exterior paint is factory original withno rust or body filler. There are a few chips and scratches that can only be seen close up. Touch up paint is included. All of the original chrome inside and out is smooth with clear reflection. No pitting or other aging.

The car comes with extensive documentation and reference materials including owner’s history and listing of parts and work done on it after it came out of storage in 2014. Documents also include a Marti Report and listing of all work done since purchased by the current owner in January 2023. The original buyers name isengraved on the Special Edition nameplate on the dashboard.

Steel 15” wheels wear Special Edition only chrome wheel covers and are mounted with whitewall radial tires that are said to have been installed in 2017. The car came from the factory with front disk brakes and stops easily. The automatic brake release is operational. No leaks or seepage.

The cabin houses front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in Parchment vinyl upholstery along with matching door panels and copper carpeting. Special Landau specific faux-woodgrain accents are found on the center console, dash, and door panels, and amenities include a push-button radio, a swing-away steering column, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and vacuum-operated door locks and convenance option (flasher, low fuel light, door ajar light) The air conditioning runs and has refrigerant, but the air is not very cold. The seller does not us AC. The cruise control was disabled during prior ownership. The vacuum operated trunk release is notworking but the trunk opens easily with the key.

A two-spoke steering wheel has no cracks and fronts a horizontal-sweep 120-mph speedometer and set of gauges for oil pressure, fuel level, coolant temperature,and amperage. All dashboard light bulbs have been replaced. The five-digit odometer shows 72K miles and is believed to correct. The 390ci V8 starts easily and does not burn any oil. There is no record of it being rebuilt. It is quiet with no clatter. The engine is fitted with a gold-painted air cleaner cover and valve covers in addition to a Pertronix Ignition and electric chokeconversion. Recent replaced parts include a new starter and speedometer cables.

This car is show level and has been condition rated at 2- to 3+. If there is a specific picture you want, please advise the seller.

Decoding the door tag reveals the following information:
Body 63B = Two-door hardtop with Landau
Color V = Emberglo Metallic
Trim XD = Parchment vinyl w/Emberglo accents
Date 15D = April 15th build date
DSO 52 = Des Moines Iowa, ordering district
Axle 1 = Open differential with 3.00:1 gearing
Transmission 4 = Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic

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