#65 thunderbird car driver

This system was intended to be used on the 1964 models, but was delayed until 1965 it needed to be approved in all 50 states in order to be legally compliant.ġ965 Ford Thunderbird ad image (Robert Tate Collection)

#65 thunderbird car driver

As an automotive historian, one of the features I liked about the 1965 Thunderbirds was the “Sequential Taillights.” When the driver would engage the turn signal, the three bulbs allowed each to light individually in a sequential pattern. The Thunderbird also offered “Silent-Flo” ventilation for a comfortable, smooth ride. Ford advertising dubbed the interior “The Private World of Thunderbird.” The interior featured a swing-away steering wheel along with a future-thinking console that traveled downward and rearward between the front seats. The 1964/1965 Thunderbirds offered a cockpit-style passenger compartment with bucket seats. The 1964 Thunderbird models were priced at $4,590 for the hardtop and $ 4,955 for the great looking convertible. The word “Thunderbird” was in script lettering which had appeared on the fender. The car’s traditional emblem was a newly styled oval at the center of the bar. The vinyl-covered top was available in black, white, blue and brown.ġ965 Ford Thunderbird ad (Robert Tate Collection) 1964 Thunderbird hardtop designs offered the consumer the Landau Roof model, which featured a durable fade–resistant padded vinyl top over the formal hardtop roof. The 1964 Thunderbird models were great looking vehicles, and the public thoroughly enjoyed the new features, which included a sculptured body and rectangular taillights that were set inside a massive bumper for extra safety. The larger Thunderbird was introduced as a 1958 model and met with quick public acceptance and huge success.

Many Thunderbird buyers were asking for two seats in the back, so they could show their vehicle off to more passengers, so a four-seater model was developed. Despite the immediate success of the small classic car, Ford product planners realized early that design changes would need to be made. The Thunderbird was created to fill a need for a personal car in the American automotive market during the early 1950s. The 1964 models were the fourth in the Thunderbird line to be completely redesigned.ġ964 Thunderbird ad featuring the interior (Robert Tate Collection) Some automotive historians have referred to the 1964 Thunderbirds as the sculptured look because of its side view design. Thunderbird offered the consumer a longer hood and a shorter roofline that most consumers had admired. The all new Ford Thunderbird was completely restyled for the 1964 model year. Images courtesy of the Robert Tate Collection/Ford Motor Company Archivesġ964 Ford Thunderbird Landau (Robert Tate Collection) By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher