Ford introduced the fourth-generation Thunderbird in 1964 after a significant facelift that ultimately led to great sales.
Nearly 94,500 T-Birds were supplied by the American automaker in 1964, with production rapidly declining in the generation’s final year. For a total of 236,000 Thunderbirds sold throughout the course of the generation, Ford sold over 75,000 units in 1965 and 69,000 units in 1966.
One of the most unexpected finds I’ve made recently is a 1964 Thunderbird coupe that has been parked in a basement for 41 years, still looking great despite spending so much time on the side of the road.
That the vehicle was parked in a basement, so theoretically, it never struggled with rain or snow. A basement should also be the home of reduced humidity levels, so I wouldn’t expect any major rust issues. However, potential buyers should put the T-Bird on a lift and inspect the undersides and the trunk floor.
Claims the body is very good, and the interior is nearly perfect, which makes sense considering the long time in storage. I can observe some rust issues on the lower parts of the body, but they don’t look very concerning, especially for someone with experience in the restoration business.
There aren’t many specifics available about the engine, but according to the owner, they were able to get it going “with no noises at all.” Although this Thunderbird has been laying off the road for many years, it will still require new hoses, belts, and a carburetor overhaul.
In 1964, the Thunderbird was offered with the same 390 V8 engine as its forerunners. Up until 1966, when Ford upped the output to 315 horsepower, the V8’s power output remained constant at 300 horsepower. The 1966 T-Bird also had a 428 as an option, increasing the maximum output to 345 horsepower.
Saving this Thunderbird looks like an easy project, especially considering its shape. The odometer indicates 35,000 miles (approximately 56,000 km), though it’s unclear if the odometer has rolled over. The low mileage makes sense, given the long time spent sitting in the basement. If you want to see it in person, you must travel to Cockeysville, close to Baltimore.