1965 Ford Thunderbird

Vehicle Description 1965 Ford Thunderbird $28,700 1965 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop - Rangoon Red, Factory A/C, Western History, Documented Restoration Offered here is an exceptionally well-presented 1965 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop, finished in its factory-correct Rangoon Red over a striking White leather interior with Red appointments. Powered by Ford's 390-cu. in. 4-barrel V8 and Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, this Thunderbird combines the dramatic styling of Ford's mid-1960s personal luxury flagship with an unusually attractive factory color combination, desirable equipment, and a documented restoration. An especially interesting part of this Thunderbird's history is its western background. The factory data plate identifies DSO 72, the San Jose District Sales Office, documenting that the car was originally delivered through Ford's Northern California sales district when new. According to our seller, the Thunderbird remained in the western United States for the majority of its life before eventually making its way east. That history is particularly desirable on a unit-body automobile of this era and is consistent with the sound presentation visible underneath the car today. The Thunderbird was restored more than ten years ago, and a photographic album documenting the restoration is included with the sale. The quality of that work has held up exceptionally well. Its Rangoon Red finish remains deep, smooth and highly reflective, with excellent overall presentation across the expansive body panels that define the 1965 Thunderbird. Inside, the factory-style White with Red appointments creates a dramatic contrast with the exterior. The cabin remains beautiful and shows only minimal evidence of use. The Thunderbird's distinctive wraparound rear seating, full-length center console, aircraft-inspired instrumentation and swing-away steering column create one of the most memorable interiors of the 1960s. Under the hood, presentation is equally impressive. The engine compartment has been carefully restored and detailed with an emphasis on maintaining its factory-correct appearance, including the proper-style Ford blue engine components and air-cleaner assembly. It is clean, orderly and appropriately presented for a Thunderbird of this quality. Factory comfort and convenience equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, power driver's seat, power steering and power-assisted front disc brakes. The power seat presently requires attention and is noted accordingly. The five-digit odometer currently shows 6,925 miles. Our seller represents that this mileage is believed to have been accumulated since completion of the restoration more than ten years ago. Total mileage from new is unknown. The factory data plate further documents the Thunderbird as follows: VIN: 5Y83Z174497 5 " 1965 model year Y " Wixom, Michigan assembly plant 83 " Thunderbird two-door Hardtop Z " 390-cu. in. 4-barrel V8 Body 63A " Thunderbird Hardtop Color J " Rangoon Red Trim H5 " White leather with Red appointments Date 07G " July 7, 1965 scheduled production date DSO 72 " San Jose District Sales Office Axle 1 " 3.00:1 rear axle Trans 4 " Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission The 1965 Thunderbird represented Ford's personal-luxury concept at its most distinctive, with sequential rear turn signals, deeply sculpted bodywork, a formal roofline and an interior that was unlike virtually anything else offered by an American manufacturer at the time. What makes this particular example stand apart is the combination of its factory Rangoon Red/White-and-Red leather color scheme, San Jose delivery, long-term western history, desirable factory options, documented restoration, excellent cosmetic presentation and carefully finished engine compartment. This is not simply an average surviving Thunderbird. It is an exceptionally attractive example that should appeal equally to the collector seeking a correctly presented car and the enthusiast wanting a Thunderbird that can be proudly enjoyed at cruise nights, local shows and fair-weather touring. VIN: 5Y83Z174497 $28,700 Please visit www.classicauto-showplace.com for more pictures and info.