1966 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop Town Coupe

Here is a 1966 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop Town Coupe, another offering from the collection of “The Big Guy”. It underwent an exhaustive restoration in the early ‘90s and has mostly lived the life of a garage queen since, retaining its fine restored condition. Please see our gallery for a photo album detailing the restoration from the prior owner. To enjoy the car in his retirement, The Big Guy acquired it in 2017 and it is one of the cars following his passing that his family has decided to move along to another hobbyist. During the restoration, the Town Coupe was refinished in its original Tahoe Turquoise which is presented over an Aqua interior. Colour codes from the factory are set out in the included original brochure and the paint mix from the early ‘90s was also retained, photos of all appear in our gallery. The Flair Bird is powered by a 390 cubic inch V8 engine, with a three speed auto Cruise-O-Matic transmission getting the power to the rear wheels. Factory equipment includes the Town hardtop with the Thunderbird emblem shown, swing away steering wheel (demonstrated in our videos), power steering and sequential turn signals. Added since are a retro-look USA-1 AM/FM cassette and wire wheels, the original set of wheel covers is included. Going with the car will be the original owner’s manual, a photo album of the restoration, original broadcast sheet, judging sheet from a post-resto show where the car scored 987/1000, a car cover, and other items as shown in our gallery.

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The car was originally finished in Tahoe Turquoise (Ford Code “U” as on the included broadcast sheet). Other exterior features include badging on the closed Town hardtop, recessed “sleepy eye” headlights in a new-for-1966 front clip, fender-mounted indicator monitors, driver’s side mirror, chrome appointments, fender skirts and aftermarket wire wheels, with Thunderbird centres. Our gallery includes an appraisal performed for insurance purposes valuing the car at $32,500 in 2020.

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The 15” wire wheels house a set of Hercules Mega Touring LXT whitewall tires measuring 215/70R15 with an S speed rating. The original wheel covers are included and photographed on the wall behind the car in the indoor photos. The spare tire is housed in the trunk. Power steering is equipped with power brakes in place, discs up front and drums in the rear.

On the inside, there are bucket seats separated by a console with storage-equipped armrest. The upholstery in Aqua matches the Tahoe Turquoise paint with matching carpets and door cards complemented by black vinyl T-bird mats. The swing away steering wheel is a showcase period piece and the car is equipped with A-pillar mounted blue anti-glare lights. Another practical period feature is the inclusion of vent windows, which can provide ventilation when the air conditioner is not engaged.

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There is a two-spoke steering wheel in place fronting the sweeping 120 MPH speedometer and four prominent gauges. The shift lever has the dual purpose of operating the swing away steering wheel. The odometer reads under 36,000 miles, though without records from new, this car is TMU – true mileage unknown.

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With a four-barrel carburetor, the V8 displaces 390 cubic inches and was factory rated at 315 horsepower. This engine provided 427 lb.-ft. of torque when it rolled off the line in Wixom, Michigan. The powerplant drives the rear wheels through a 3-speed automatic transmission Ford called the Cruise-O-Matic. The appearance of the engine compartment reflects great care and detailing.

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This 1966 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop Town Coupe from the collection of The Big Guy is available from the family with owner’s manual, Spec and Feature Manual, photo album of the restoration, past appraisals, 1990’s judging sheet, current paint mix formula, 2 sets of keys, contained cassette tapes, car cover, and original wheel covers in Carp, Ontario.

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VIN Decoding, 6Y81Z130522:
6 – Production Year, 1966
Y – Assembly Plant, Wixom, MI
81 – Body Style, Thunderbird Town Hardtop Blind quarter-roof painted
Z – Engine Code, V8 390 CID 1-4 bbl.
130522 – Production Sequence, 130522
(The original broadcast sheet with option codes appears in our photo gallery.)

More videos and Photo Gallery appear below.

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