1965 Ford Thunderbird low mile original survivor - very nice and excellent color

1965 Ford Thunderbird

Up for auction is a 1965 Ford Thunderbird in what I would call original survivor condition. Within the 1964-1966 “Flair Bird” run, the 1965 is considered by many to be “the” one to buy as it has the better looks of the ’64 and ’65 cars with the chrome front end where the 1966 by many is viewed as looking like a cost-reduced version of this series with the front end losing much of the chrome. Within the ’64 and ’65 cars, the 1965 introduced first year power disc brakes making a dramatic improvement in braking performance.

The odometer shows 46,xxx miles which appears to be correct (versus 146,xxx) due to the exceptional condition of the undercarriage, interior and body. For example, the drivers seat is original with no cracks or separating seams which is typical for this cars when they have some miles on them. This car has had repairs and maintenance performed over its 55 years but no restoration and retains all of its original interior including seats with no rips or tears or loose seams, headliner, door panels and carpet. The interior chromed pot metal parts are near perfect as is the exterior chrome and trim. The exterior shows ZERO signs of any corrosion with all original, un-rusted body panels. It has a repaint long ago but the repaint is so old it looks original again. The vinyl top is perfect, it’s unknown whether it’s ever been replaced or not.

Repairs within the past few years;

· Battery, cables and cutoff switch

· New front coils springs

· New rear leaf springs

· New shocks all around

· Carburetor rebuilt (stock Autolite 4100)

· Newer whitewall tires with 100% tread

· New heater and radiator hoses

· Shifter detent replaced

· Steering column bushings replaced

· Hubcaps detailed to restore the black details (tedious)

All electrical items are in perfect working order including lights, horn, turn signals, sequential tail lights, gauges, speedometer, etc.. The AM radio however works intermittently but is original to the car and does work sometimes. The previous owner converted the A/C to 134 before I purchased the car. The glass is all perfect and appears original. The windshield wipers are in perfect working condition too. Little known fact – they are hydraulically driven from the power steering pump! The Thunderbird trademark rear vacuum operated vents also work as does the vacuum operated parking brake release.

Options on this car are; A/C, AM radio, front power disc brakes, power steering, vinyl top.

The car starts easily and idles very smooth and quiet. It runs, drives, brakes, steers and handles as it should. This past summer I detailed under the hood and stripped and repainted the valve covers and air color in the proper shade of Ford Gold for 1965. At this time I also replaced the decals and added the Autolite battery topper to complete the original look. The radiator and heater hoses were replaced at the same time and proper tower style hose clamps used.

Summary – this is an exceptional example of a low mileage survivor that shows gentle use over the years and zero evidence of winter use or exposure to snow or salt. The undercarriage retains all of its original factory applied sound deadener on the floor panels, trunk pan, etc. and shows no brown or red rusty color on anything. I may regret selling this one as it would be very hard to find another one in this condition but I’m looking to fund another summer toy – a Corvette convertible. Judge for yourself then bid to win this one. This is a nice classic car that drives out fantastic and won’t nickel and dime you to death.

Lastly, ask all questions before bidding. 'll happily answer questions for serious buyers and will work with the winning bidder to be available for transport pickup is necessary. All funds including cashiers checksMUST clear my bank however before the car leaves my property. Until then it'll remain insured in my locked, heated and alarmed barn. Absolutely no exceptions. To avoid any delays we can do the transaction at a local bank in my area where we can do the transaction in cash.