Lot 347: 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

Ford’s Thunderbird debuted in 1955 as stylish two-seater with good straight-line performance. Good looking and moderately quick, it was no sports car. Considering the absolutely dismal sales of Chevy’s Corvette, not being a sports car was a very good thing. Sales were strong, but product planners and accountants thought they could be stronger still—if only the car would seat four.

For 1958, gone was the original two-seat bird in favor of the “Square Birds.” Bigger, heavier and far more luxurious, sales just kept on climbing—they were up 77 percent in their first year. Purists who favored the delicate styling of the original 1955-1957 models were aghast, but the bean counters at Ford were delighted. It was no fluke when sales climbed another 78 percent for 1959. The Thunderbird had found its niche as a four-passenger personal luxury car as sales continued to climb.

Although the four-seat formula was set in stone, there was an all-new T-Bird for 1961 and another version in 1964. That fourth generation Thunderbird was to be the last built on a separate chassis and would continue through the 1966 model year. Styling of the 1964 models could best be described as crisp, with essentially straight sides relieved by several strategically-placed creases. The nose of the car was almost entirely chrome, with a heavy bumper assembly hollowed out for a grille. In fact, that nose was reminiscent of a catfish—only extremely attractive. Minor changes came along for 1965, but within the confines of the existing bodyshell, the effect of the restyle for 1966 was quite remarkable. Gone was the heavy chrome nose. It was replaced by a simple wrap-around bumper bar beneath the grille. The rear of the car was freshened as well, with taillights that ran across the entire back of the car. Side ornamentation was reduced as well and the ’66 was the cleanest looking of all the fourth generation T-Birds.

Like all 1966 Fords, the front suspension was independent and a live axle did duty at the rear. Drums were employed all around, although they were power-assisted. The base Thunderbird engine was a 390cid unit producing 275 horsepower. More power could be had by selecting the four-barrel version of the 390 or a choice of 427 or 428 engines.

The T-Bird was available in four versions: two-door hardtop, two-door town sedan, two-door landau and two-door convertible. Accounting for barely over 5,000 units (7.3 percent of production), the convertibles were the scarcest of all the 1966 Thunderbirds.

In 2005, this lovely maroon Thunderbird was treated to new paint, new chrome, new maroon interior and fresh tires on Kelsey Hayes wire wheels. Recently refreshed, the big 390 engine has covered only 9,000 miles. Press a button to drop the top, slot the gear selector into drive and step on the gas. This Bird is made for cruising.