Ford Thunderbird 4th Gen

The fourth-generation Ford Thunderbird, produced from 1964 to 1966, shifted the model further into the personal luxury segment. Dubbed the 'Flair Bird,' its squared-off styling was a departure from the previous generation's 'Bullet Bird' design. Standard power came from a 390 cu in V8, but Ford also offered a 428 cu in V8 in 1966. Unique features like the standard swing-away steering wheel and sequential rear turn signals (added in 1965) set it apart from its competitors.

Collectors appreciate the 'Flair Bird' for its distinct mid-century modern design and comfortable, cruising-oriented nature. Convertibles are consistently the most desirable, especially those fitted with the 'Sports Roadster' style fiberglass tonneau cover that gave the car a 2-seat appearance. While not a muscle car, its presence and style make it a popular choice for shows and weekend driving. It represents a specific moment in American automotive history when personal luxury took precedence over outright performance.

The market for these Thunderbirds is broad, with an average sale price around $16,000. This indicates that good, driver-quality examples are quite accessible for enthusiasts. The low end of the market consists of project cars needing significant work, while the top end, exceeding $70,000, is reserved for perfectly restored convertibles with desirable options. Overall, it's a stable market that offers a lot of classic style for the money.

Prices for the 4th Gen Thunderbird range from $200 for project cars to $73,000 for pristine, top-spec examples.