This site built by Mark Reynolds using Fle圎D. The color is similar to the early 352 valve covers. The correct color is TRW #630224 or Eastwood's "dark Ford blue." ** The blue used on 1966-1968 Ford engines is a darker blue than used on earlier Ford 352 valve covers. * The blue used on these engines is very similar to the lighter blue used on the late-'60s Ford engines. To help clarify this situation, we have created the following chart for reference. HIGHLIGHTS 390 CI V-8 engine, factory rated at 300 HP 427 ft/lbs of torque Rare Dark Turquoise Metallic paint color from the factory per data plate Power. Yes, Ford engines were painted blue - but not until 1966 and not after 1981. I have seen this on more than one occasion, but never on a car restored to the level of this Thunderbird, and it brings out a misconception apparently more common than you might expect. The air filter housing and valve covers were painted gold, and the block and heads were black. My second car was a 65 Mustang coupe with a 289 CID and 2bbl carb. Not wanting to offend the justifiably proud owner by questioning the engine color, I complimented him on the car and walked away. Natural cast iron appearance is the proper finish (paint is acceptable per MCA rules) for the exhaust manifolds. Unfortunately, all this outstanding detailing surrounded an engine painted "Ford Blue". All the proper decals and markings were in place, the hoses and belts were correct and held in place by the proper clamping, etc. The closer I studied the car, the more amazed I was by the attention to detail throughout the restoration, particularly in the engine compartment. Obviously, the combination of the sunroof and big engine made this one very desirable Thunderbird. Making this Bird even more rare was the fact that it was powered by the 350 hp, 430 CID Linclon engine. For the age of the car, it seems to be in good overall condition and if you were seeking out this particular color, it might be hard to find one this nice that hasn’t already been restored.I attended a large Ford show this past summer and encountered a beautifully restored '60 Thunderbird with the factory sunroof, one of slightly more than 900 so equipped. Perhaps unusual for a personal luxury car even in the mid-1960s, this Ford does not have air conditioning. The fender skirts are still in place and the car retains its “spinner” wheel covers. The body and paint are in okay condition, with a bit of rust in the trunk (typical to these cars?), and the chrome could use some polishing. The black interior is original, and the seller rates it as a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. This is a standard gold color, but not show-correct. Everything works except for the two rear windows (power-operated) and the AM/FM radio. Details Quality Aerosol Paint Ford Gold Color For the valve covers & air cleaner assembly. The car has been treated to a new water pump, battery, hoses and belts, tires, front suspension work, and dual exhaust. The 390 cubic inch V8, likely the 300 hp version, starts right up and we’re told it runs well at 119,000 miles and no mention of a rebuild is made. The seller tells us it was a “barn finds” when he got it, although no indication is made that it was actually found in a barn. This Ford is said to have lived in Southern California for its first 50 years (where some of the photos may have been taken). This is the original color on the seller’s car, although it was repainted in the 1980s. While it looks a bit like pink, the Thunderbirds wore it especially well, although the number of 1964 T-Birds painted in this color is unknown (total production would top 92,000 for the first time). It was the trade name for 1637 Bittersweet (Pink/Copper). Though apparently not unique to just the Thunderbird (some Galaxies got the color, too), Samoan Coral, color code “L”, was only offered in 1964. We’re told the ’64 Jetbirds were the only ones to have the name spelled out on the hood instead of the image of the Thunderbird. Although mostly unchanged platform-wise, the new shape of the cars had a more squared-off sharp look, a departure from the 1961-63s but similar to the 1958-60 T-Birds that were the first with seating for four. Styling updates to the earlier Ford Thunderbirds ran in three-year cycles (1955-57, 1958-60, 1961-63, etc.) and this was also true for the fourth generation. Located in Pompano Beach, Florida, this near survivor-quality automobile is available here on eBay for $19,750 (although you can submit an offer). This T-Bird sports that color and the car is in overall nice condition. The only thing rarer in 1964 than the Sports Roadster (maybe 50 made) was the one-year-only paint color, Samoan Coral – akin to pink to the naked eye. The public responded enthusiastically to the changes and sales increased by nearly 50% in the first year. The 1964-66 Ford Thunderbirds were treated to new sheet metal that would earn them the nicknames “Jetbirds” or “Flairbirds”.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |