1964 Ford Thunderbird – 390ci V8 – Auto

Vehicle Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Auction Type: Reserve
Mileage:107307
Engine: 390ci V8
Transmission: 3 Speed Automatic
Exterior: Maroon
Interior: Black
VIN:
Party: Private

This 1964 Ford Thunderbird might just be the most affordable way to take home a comfortable cruiser that also turns heads the moment it leaves the garage. In fact, with a reliable 390ci V8, automatic transmission, and this is a classic coupe that you won’t be afraid to take out any day of the week.

A beautiful T-bird from this generation is the perfect blend of aggression and elegance. After all, items like the shark-like nose and hood scoop artfully blend with the fender skirts and vinyl roof for a terrific total presentation. And the B-pillar ornamentation signals this is a Landau roof model – nearly three times rarer than the standard ’64 hardtop. The bumpers are some of the best integrated forms ever put on a vehicle. The front has a swoopy design the frames the headlights and surrounds the grille. In the rear, it’s a mirror-like endcap for one of the most interesting trunk lines to ever hit the road. And the the factory wheels only increases the attention this coupe commands.

Personal luxury really meant something in 1964, as the tasteful bucket seat interior offers plenty of eye candy for both driver and passengers. The factory-correct black seats have a well-coordinated contrast with the darker areas of the interior. A center console was standard equipment, and the way the faux wood paneling is laid out reminds us all the driver is king. And with style a priority in these T-birds, the swing-away steering wheel was also standard. The gauges have that 60s-cool setup that is so intricate that we know no factory would ever dare try in modern times. The ribbon-style speedometer sits on top, and four fashionable individual round pods finish the gauge package.

The big block 390 cubic-inch V8 was the only motor available in ’64, and that’s because it had the horsepower and torque to keep everyone happy. This one is in the original formula. This includes the correct blue paint on the Ford block, and a four-barrel carburetor to keep the V8 breathing deeply. It fires up easily and makes a nice sound out of the dual exhaust – it’s not like a muscle car, but instead, a confident and mature rumble. A three-speed automatic spins a limited-slip rear end with 3.00 gears, making this coupe an easy driver in all situations. Add in the power steering, and modern tires, and this is an ideal all-day cruiser. There are a couple things that will need addressed or looked at, the brake lights, thermostat, and gas gauge will need attention.