Few cars captured the optimism and plenty of early-1960s America quite like the Ford Thunderbird. By the time the fourth-generation model arrived in 1964, the Thunderbird had evolved from a two-seat sports car into a symbol of personal luxury.
Sleek, self-assured and serenely refined, the V8-powered Thunderbird offered effortless motoring for successful Americans.
This example, finished in its original Patrician Green paint over Light Turquoise vinyl trim, will be offered for sale by Iconic Auctioneers on 9 November 2025, as part of The Classic Sale at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
Back to bare metal
Restored over five years and imported to the UK in 2021, this hard-top Thunderbird has been treated to a comprehensive rebuild from the ground up.
Its body was stripped to bare metal before receiving new rear quarter panels, rocker ends and floor sections, plus a full respray.
Rebuilt power steering and new shock absorbers help to provide a relaxed and cosseted driving experience.
Torque of the town
Beneath that vast bonnet sits Ford’s 390 cubic inch (6.4-litre) V8, paired with the brilliantly named three-speed Cruise-O-Matic auto transmission. The engine’s smooth, torquey delivery suits the Thunderbird’s character, and is enhanced by a custom Pipecraft dual-exit exhaust.
Inside, the Light Turquoise vinyl trim and teal carpets create a glitzy, somewhat kitsch cabin that could only have come from Detroit’s golden age.
The front seats have been retrimmed with fresh foam and OEM-spec materials. Chrome ‘roulette’ hubcaps and whitewall tyres also fit with the car’s period-correct finish.
An XL slice of Americana
The Thunderbird’s history file is comprehensive, including the original 1963 Ford Division Bill of Sale, build sheet, shop manual, restoration invoices and more than 900 photographs documenting the work carried out. Together, they provide an honest account of the car’s restoration.
For us, this Thunderbird is a reminder of when American cars had real gravitas. If you want an authentic slice of mid-century Americana, it offers exactly that: style, grace and a V8 soundtrack that still speaks of freedom on the open road.
The 1964 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop will be sold by Iconic Auctioneers at the NEC Classic Motor Show next month. Its estimated hammer price is between £12,000 and £15,000. Compare that to the price of many ‘European’ classic Fords and it looks like a bit of a bargain…
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