The most notable thing that the fourth-generation Thunderbird had in common with its predecessors was the 390 V8.
The V8 was still a potent choice for most buyers, delivering 300 horsepower on the 1964 T-Bird. Ford eventually offered more powerful choices, including 427 and 428 units, but the 390 was the engine that served its purpose brilliantly.
The V8 was also responsible for great T-Bird sales in the first model year of the fourth generation. Ford shipped close to 92,500 units in 1964, followed by nearly 75,000 units a year later. The sales dropped to 69,000 units in 1966, the last year of this generation.
A 1964 T-Bird landed on eBay earlier this week in an impressive condition, seemingly requiring only minor TLC to return to the road.
The vehicle still wears the original red finish, with only 47,000 miles on the clock. It’s unclear if it’s the original mileage, but the owner says the car spends more time sitting than on the road, so the reading on the odometer makes sense.
The original 390 is still under the hood, starting and running properly. However, the car requires typical maintenance and minor TLC to return to the road, including brake work due to a leak.
The Thunderbird has already received new belts, spark plugs, and a carburetor. It’s unclear how much of this Thunderbird is still original, but if you’re interested in bringing the car back to a factory configuration, make sure you ask more questions before committing to a purchase.
The T-Bird also needs metalwork, as it exhibits typical rust problems. The undercarriage isn’t wreaked, but it’ll need some attention, including on the rear passenger side.
The car passed the test of time well, and such a Thunderbird is rare. However, I believe its full potential can only be reached by bringing the car back to a factory condition, despite such a project not being aimed at the faint of heart, especially when the all-original setup is a priority.
The good news is the Thunderbird doesn’t cost a fortune, as you can skip the bidding part and buy the car without a fight by paying $5,000. It’s how much it costs to trigger the Buy It Now option, as otherwise, you’ll have to compete against other fellow netizens for a chance to take it home. The bidding starts at $2,500, but the owner also configured a reserve, and the chances are its value is close to the BIN price.
Meanwhile, you can see the car in person and hear the engine roaring by taking a trip to Tryon, Oklahoma. Seller nhancock5 will end the auction in approximately eight days, so you still have enough time to pick your next project.