1965 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE

Three men are generally credited with creating the original Thunderbird: Lewis D. Crusoe, retired GM executive lured out of retirement by Henry Ford II; George Walker, hief stylist and a Ford vice-president; and Frank Hershey, Ford designer. Crusoe and Walker met in France in October 1951. Walking in the Grand Palais in Paris, rusoe pointed at a sports car and asked Walker, ldquo;Why can’t we have something like that?” Walker promptly telephoned Ford’s HQ in Dearborn, ichigan, nd told designer Frank Hershey about the idea. Hershey took the idea and immediately began working on the vehicle. The concept was for a two-passenger open car, ith a target weight of 2,525 pounds, powerful V-8 engine and top of over 100 mph (160 km/h). Crusoe saw a painted clay model on May 18, 953, hich corresponded closely to the final car; he gave the car the go-ahead in September after comparing it with current European trends. Unlike the Corvette, he Thunderbird was never a full-blown sporting vehicle. Ford’s description was a personal luxury car, nd the company essentially created this market segment. Although the original Thunderbird was successful, he corporation’s executives felt its sales volume was too small. Market research suggested that sales were limited by its two-seat configuration, aking it unsuitable as an only car for families. The second generation, ntroduced for the 1958 model year, as designed as a four-seat car, hich was designed with unibody construction to allow maximum interior space in a relatively small exterior package. The 1958 Thunderbirds were produced at a new assembly plant at Wixom, ichigan, uilt as part of a corporate expansion plan to increase the sales of up-market cars (Mercury, incoln, nd Thunderbird). For many, he new Thunderbird was their welcome to the Jet Age.

Big changes came in the mid 60’s when the newly redesigned Ford Thunderbird was introduced. The Thunderbird was restyled in favor of a more squared-off “formal” look. Referred to by some as the ‘Flair-Bird’ or the ‘Jet-Bird’, he Thunderbird’s sporty image was maintained when Ford wisely decided to make the 390 cubic-inch V-8 the standard powerplant. The 390 cubic-inch engine with a four-barrel carb and dual exhausts, ffered up to 305 horsepower and only needed 11 seconds to push the full-sized T-bird to 60 mph, nd it had enough top-end to reach a top-speed of about 120 mph. This T-bird will eat up the asphalt with ease, nd is fully comfortable at modern highway speeds.

This Magnificent Example is finished in Stunning Raven Black with Delux Black Leather Interior and Black Top. This Extremely Rare 2 Owner, argely All Original T-Bird has been maintained to the Highest Standards.

Options Include:

Cruise-O-Matic Automatic TransmissionMaster Guide Power SteeringSwift Sure Power Disc BrakesPower Fully Disappearing Soft TopOriginal AM RadioFront & Rear SpeakersSwing-A-Way Steering WheelClockFull InstrumentationCigar Lighter (unused)Factory Select Aire Air Conditioning (Ice Cold) Extremely Rare Option on ’65 ConvertiblesKelsey Hayes Wire WheelsPadded DashVent WindowsBackup LightsSequential Blinking Rear Turn Signal LightsQuad HeadlampsChrome Dual Side View Mirrors with RemoteDay/Night Rear View MirrorBucket SeatsReclining Passenger SeatSeat Belts390 Cubic Inch V-8 Engine 4.05 Bore3.78 Stroke300 Horsepower4 Barrel CarburetionDual Exhaust SystemT Bird Crested Floor Mats Front & RearHighly Detailed Engine Compartment & UndercarriageMagic Air Heater/DefrosterWhite Sidewall Tires (Radials)Aquamatic Windshield WashersI-Rest Tinted Safety GlassOriginal Owner’s ManualComplete Original Set of Sales LiteratureManufacturer Statement of OriginOverall Length 205 InchesWeight 4693 lbs.

The public’s fascination with the space race is reflected by the jet-inspired instrument panel, nd racy bucket seats gave the T-bird just a hint of sports car panache. It represents one of the most successful personal luxury cars of the era, ith distinctive styling and performance that make the fourth generation Thunderbird a luxurious and iconic automobile that fits into any collection.

Many Vintage T’Bird aficionados find the ’65 T’Bird to be among the Very Best and Most Desirable of the era. Of the limited number of ’65 T’Birds produced with Factory Air Conditioning and Triple Black, nly a select number of Excellent Original Examples remain. The Air Conditioning, oupled with Power Steering and Power Disc Brakes, ake this “Bird” an Absolute Joy to Drive. This Classic garners all the “Oohs and Aahs” anytime out. It is as “Straight as an Arrow” and is in Excellent Overall Condition. Ready for Show or Tour.