Lot Ended
Description
From a deceased estate; ex-Arizona; imported to the UK in
2002 and just two owners since; fabulous interior; wonderful V8 exhaust
note; an exuberant slice of Sixties Americana!
Originally designed to compete
with Chevrolet's sensational Corvette, Ford's advertising emphasised the luxury
and comfort of their new 1954 Thunderbird above its outright sportiness and the
tactic paid off in spades: it outsold the more spartan Corvette by a factor of
23:1. The
cars only got plusher as time went on and the fourth generation
T'birds, produced from 1964 to 1966, were the last to retain a properly
sporting look before it became just another luxo-barge from 1967 onwards.
This 1964 two-door hardtop is
presented in its original (but faded) Rangoon Red paint and striking red
vinyl interior with lashings of Space Age chrome and flamboyant bucket
seats. Not to mention the impressively loud 300bhp 6.4 V8 engine mated to
three-speed Cruise-O-Matic auto transmission.
Most of the
American history is unknown, although it is clear from the file of invoices that
it was maintained in Arizona during the 1990s and then imported to the UK by the
previous owner in 2002. It remained with him until 2018 when it was
purchased by the current keeper, who sadly passed away
recently.
A hand-written invoice on
file from what looks like 1995 shows evidence of what seems to be a new 390
block, crank and rods so we imagine the engine had a good overhaul then,
although the invoice is hard to read. Further invoices continue until it reached
Herefordshire in 2018 when it seems it was treated to a service with a
number of parts supplied by US Automotive including gasket set, filters,
ignition parts, plugs and senders etc.
Further work included
replacing the fuel pump, brakes, manifold and fuel filters. Steering issues can
be a problem on these we understand so bidders should be aware that a steering
gear seal kit was also fitted in 2019. The following year the starter motor was
renewed and another fuel pump fitted.
Sounding phenomenal when we
started it up in our showroom, it has been seen at various shows but now
needs a new owner to enjoy and maintain it. If exuberant
Sixties Americana is your thing, this attention-grabbing T'bird has road
presence in spades and will definitely get you noticed!
Contact
- toby.service@brightwells.com
* All charges are subject to VAT