The fourth generation 1964 - 1966FordThunderbird models were not far remove from the third generation , retain the same basic understructure and whole - body interior stampings while wheelbase increased fractionally to 113.2 inches .
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But a complete reskinning immensely altered them on the surface . " There ’s a more powerful look which the stylists obtained by lengthening the hood and shorten the ceiling lines , " saidCar biography . “And there ’s a clean , potent rear , reach with two of the biggest tail end / turning / stop lamp ever seen on an auto . "
Theturn signalsof the 1964 were mean to be sequent , but Ford ran into hassle with certain Department of State ordinance and was forced to await a year while applying for the necessary permissions .
In detail , the 1964 retained a family resemblance to the 1963 but was obviously new . The pointed profile was still evident , but from front or rear it was whole alter . The quadrangle headlamps were moved to the uttermost edge of the pilot , where they thin into the face of the railway car in cant over ellipse cutouts .
The rearward close was the best plan element , set off by two oblong taillights surrounded by protective bumpers . A lower goat god , painted consistence colour , comprise the backup Inner Light . The decklid retained the " twin - pontoon " radical of earlier models . Under it was a new " inscrutable well " automobile trunk , which gave much more luggage space , carry the sparetirewell forward .
The 1964 roofline keep back the schematic melodic line of the past , but , taking reward of a low-pitched - insistence surface area behind the backlight , now feature Silent - Flo , the first window - close , flow - through respiration organization on an American car . With a console table lever tumbler , the driver could trigger off a vacuity servosystem that spread a outlet under the rearward window .
This helped blast fresh air through the car . menses - through ventilation system had been introduced by Mercedes on its 1954 300SL gullwing coupe , andMercuryhad used the centre - axe approach to make it with its retractable backlights in 1957 , but the Thunderbird ’s was an elegant , functional design , and was soon widely simulate .
couturier had create more elbow room in the 1964 Thunderbird , but it in all likelihood did n’t weigh . The typical Thunderbirder was a front - seat dweller . Nestled in a handsome vinyl radical bucket , restrained by a seatbelt extending from a retractable bobbin build into the seat edge , and surround by lever , button , dials and wheel , the driver was face with all the thingumabob at Dearborn ’s command .
It was an experienceCar Lifedescribed as " begadgeted and bedazzling … It should keep boys of all age occupy . " Ford ads repeat the slogan , " Flight architectural plan clear – proceed to Thunderbird . "
Continue reading to find out more about eventual excogitation and carrying out changes to the Ford Thunderbird .
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Continued
The 1964 , 1965 , 1966 Ford Thunderbird model represented a series of design and operation changes . The drivetrain was unchanged from 1963 , but the M - series ( 340 blip)enginewas eliminate , along with the old Sports Roadster example . gross sales were howling , overstep 90,000 – the best in Thunderbird history .
In styling , the 1965 of course resemble the 1964 . The wicket was busier with its six new vertical bar bisecting the thin horizontal bars of 1964 ; the 1965 also had dummy side louvers and Modern " turbo way " wheel covers . The drivetrain was unaltered and the 300 - bhp 390 engine persist the Thunderbird ’s sole powerplant .
A fourth model , the Limited Edition Special Landau , was impart to the line in March 1965 . Finished in Ember - Glo metallic , it had a parchment - colored vinyl top with matching carpets and upholstery . The possessor ’s name was engraved on a numbered plate on the console , and the cycle saucer were color - keyed .
imitate wood grain interior embellishments were done in a textile moderately productive than the standard Landau ’s . Yet the Special Landau cost only $ 50 more than the touchstone , which was a upright deal if you bump to wish Ember - Glo metallic .
shovel ‘em out the door , Ford Division sell near to 75,000 1965 thunderbird – not as good as 1964 , but still the rate to exhaust in the personal - luxuriousness car market . Despite grow competitor from the Oldsmobile Toronado and Buick Riviera , sales at virtually 70,000 remained excellent for the 1966 model , which in some way was the nicest of its generation .
The 1966 line of work included the usual hardtop , convertible , and " Town Landau , " plus a new " Town Hardtop , " using the plain metal roof expressive style sans padded vinyl or dummy Lev Davidovich Landau bars , and selling for $ 100 less than the Landau . Both Town models had a " prophylactic - Convenience " control panel mounted in the key forward ceiling , including a seatbelt monitor light ; all four model were available with a fresh stereo tape deck of cards .
Good news for performance - tending buyers was a new optional 428 V-8 which pop the question a rousing 345 bhp for only $ 64 redundant . The 428 shaved 1.5 seconds off the 0 - 60 fourth dimension and gave the Thunderbird a unfeigned 120 miles per hour capability .
The former John R. Bond summed up the pros and gyp of these Thunderbirds quite adequately in 1965 : " [ It bid ] more symbolization than height . Only the blessedly unlettered view it as anything more than a luxury - class gondola for those who need to present a dashing sort of image , who worry about diffuse girth and tighten up arteria , and who could n’t care less about penchant . "
Even when viewed in that light , however , the Thunderbird must be admired . It is exceedingly well done for its purpose . Its roofline , bucketful butt and console have exalt piles of lesser imitations , which , as the saying goes , is the sincerest form of flattery .
keep reading to learn more about the 1964 - 1966 Ford Thunderbird specification .
1964, 1965, 1966 Ford Thunderbird Specifications
The 1964 , 1965 , 1966 Ford Thunderbird specification in some car partisan ' sentiment were too heavily focused on design ingredient – elements that , in their opinion , did not act upon .
Specifications
locomotive engine : all ohv V-8 , 390 cid ( 4.05 x 3.78 ) , 300/350 bhp ; ( 4.13 x 3.98 ) 345 bhp
Transmission:3 - speed Cruise - group O - Matic automatic
intermission , front : upper and blue A - arms , coil outpouring
Suspension , rearward : springy axle , leaf springs
Brakes : front / rearward drums
Wheelbase ( in.):113.2
Weight ( lbs.):4,359 - 4,588
Top focal ratio ( mph):115 - 120
0 - 60 ( sec):9.0 - 10.5
