390ci V8/Receipts & Manuals/Cruise-O-Matic Auto/Swing-Away Steering/Solid Car

1964 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

In house for consignment, is this 4th generation T bird from Ford known as the “flair bird”.  This car was treated to a very much welcome color change over a mostly rust free body with a beautifully designed interior dripping of mid century modern.  A 300hp 390ci V8, a good runner, and survivor in many ways.  Some overall dirt, smudges and a few scratches and dings, but it's all there, comes with a multitude of manuals and repair receipts, so just turn the key and enjoy this classic drop top car.

Exterior
A color change to Phoenician Yellow, from the original Sunlit Yellow,  drapes the steel panels throughout.  Dual headlights reside within their own coves framed by the hood and lower bumper.  It takes on an almost mad look with the lines of the hood like scowling eyebrows.  The grille and bumper setup has a few areas of surface rust and staining on it, but remains shiny.  In lieu of any side trimmings this car has machined “skeg” lines extending through the doors into the rear fenders.  These are like mini awnings for the door handles and fender skirts on the rear quarters.  Panels are straight and have nicely managed gaps throughout but do show some areas of prior body repair and the starting of rust bubbles on the lower doors as well as some chipping on the rockers.  A scooped hood, and chrome trimmings for the glass on the greenhouse are highlighted up top by a tear free black canvas convertible top with a slightly clouded rear window.  Watching the top disappear into the trunk is akin to enjoying a ballet, with each step timed perfectly.  This is definitely a left over styling design taking from the retractable Ford's of the late 50's.  Bringing up the rear just below the thin designed rear quarters and trunk lid, is the rear bumper with dual horizontal rectangles housing tail lights with more bird badges in the centers of the taillights.  Standard T bird wheel covers available for the day with faux knockoff hubs are wrapped in thin white wall tires all around. 

Interior
Inside affords a look into the future, (from 1964 eyes), with sleek lines and well thought usage of ribbed vinyl, solid smooth panels, and a mix of plenty of shiny polished aluminum panels for the doors. This car has the unique swing-away moveable steering wheel.  The dual bomber styled buckets for the front seats are covered in black vinyl and have chrome trimmings, which like the passenger chair, is a low back stylized bomber bucket with tuck and roll and smooth black vinyl centers running through them and stitched in winged badges.  Nice chrome trimmings hold the buckets firmly in place.  Turning to the dash, all the modern stops were pulled out for this instrument cluster which includes a rolling line speedometer indicator, (pointers are so pedestrian!), and 4 round eyeball gauges in deep round bezels stretching across the bottom of the speedo.  The original steering wheel, looking all good, fronts the dash, and has the shifter on the tree for the automatic transmission.  A curved line stretches from door to door, and melts into a center console with plenty more polished and brushed aluminum throughout.  This part houses a modern AM/FM/Cassette radio, AC and heater controls, and the power window toggles.  Also, a large glove box is between the buckets within a futuristic styled center console.  In back a wonderful wrap-around rear seat in black tuck and roll vinyl and nearly perfect condition has a folding center armrest and side molded into the curve armrests are seen.  The design just does not get any more modern looking.  In front of the glovebox is a snappy sliding panel which reveals the cigarette station, lighter and ashtray.  Smoke 'em if ya got 'em!  Above hanging below the padded black vinyl dash is a center chromed bezel housing the futuristic temp toggles and a central clock.  Black carpet with a light degree of soiling floods the floors.  

Drivetrain
Underneath the hood is the original engine in 390ci form and it's backed up by the 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic  automatic transmission.  A 4-barrel carburetor is atop, and this engine specs out showing it will produce 300hp.  All surfaces have slight patina, and gold paint now covers the valve coverings and air cleaner housing.  Handling all those ponies is a Ford 9" rear axle fitted with 3.00 conventional gearing. A new fuel pump has been installed for reliable starting and motoring.

Undercarriage
Peering underneath, there is surface rust seen on some suspension parts, however the flooring, rockers and unibody remain solid under the black paint.  Some light oiling can be noted around the transmission and engine.  Power drum brakes are all around, and independent coil spring suspension is on front, and leaf springs for the rear.  Handling the big exhale from the 390 cubes is a stock style dual exhaust system.

Drive-Ability
A fast starter thanks to the new fuel pump, this car accelerated and put a smile on my face and handled like it was on a cushion of air, very smooth big car ride.  The power top worked, although the top retraction portion of the ballet did need some assistance to start its movement and as many of these cars exhibit, the shifter needs to be held "just right" to get the starter to engage.

A survivor if you will, with the showing of the passage of time, but all in a good way.  Nice clean surfaces throughout, and black vinyl for the interior is in beautiful condition.  Overall, this car is very good, and is a smooth driver and cruiser.  A clean look and nice straight lines give it the look of luxury and the exterior design plays off the sporty end.