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.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest concern. Thoroughly inspect the floor pans, trunk floor, lower quarter panels, and the areas around the front and rear windows.
- Test all complex electrical systems. The sequential taillights use a complicated mechanical motor and switches in the trunk that often fail.
- For convertibles, verify the operation of the electro-hydraulic top. It uses a maze of relays, solenoids, and hydraulic lines that can be very expensive and time-consuming to repair.
- The 390 FE V8 is a durable engine, but check for signs of overheating, oil consumption, and leaks. Confirm the condition of the Cruise-O-Matic transmission, looking for smooth shifts and clean fluid.
Prices for the 4th Gen Thunderbird range from $200 for project cars to $73,000 for pristine, top-spec examples.
1,425 Ford Thunderbird 4th Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 238 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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