1968 Ford Thunderbird

429

Automatic

8J84N149859

Clear

Gasoline

The Thunderbird was all-new in 1968, and with the Mustang nipping at its heels, Ford took the Bird upmarket, making it more luxury car than sporting personal coupe. Fortunately, cars like this lovely 1968 Thunderbird coupe also got a big horsepower injection to go with the increased size in the form of a thundering 429 cubic inch V8. . The all-new shape was thoroughly modern, with a jet-inspired intake that also carries hidden headlamps and a flush-fitting bumper that highlights the subtle layering of the front fenders. Finish quality is quite nice, with a great shine on the paint, which is a fairly authentic reproduction of the original hue. Theres also a padded landau top which is in great shape, showing none of the usual trouble spots. Out back, this Bird carries the now-famous full-width taillights, which operate sequentially in the best Thunderbird tradition. The luxury aspect of Fords personal/luxury coupe are most readily apparent inside, where the sumptuous gold leather upholstery looks 60s cool and is beautifully preserved. Lots of burled walnut appliques do a nice job of making it look elegant, and the instrument panel features five round bezels each of which give you something different to look at. The original steering wheel feels great in your hands, and things like A/C and power windows are part of the package. The dash vents will look familiar to anyone who has ridden in a suicide-door Continental, and theres an AM/FM stereo radio, which was cutting-edge tech back in 68. The trunk is truly massive, with full upholstery to reinforce the luxury image that the Thunderbird was aiming for. The standard engine in the bigger, better Thunderbird was the mammoth 429 Thunder Jet, which was rated at a stunning 360 horsepower. Remember, this is a car that was just designed to move quietly and confidently, but in reality it was a tire-smoking brute that could scare small-block Mustangs on the street. This one looks fantastic in bright Ford Blue with its original air cleaner and tightly packed into the engine bay. Note details like the tiny oil cooler for the power steering pump, the big A/C compressor, and the softly rumbling dual exhaust that creates just the right luxury/muscle soundtrack. The undercarriage is highly original and in good condition. This show-worthy, car has no structural rust or damage, the floors are shockingly clean, and it rides beautifully with that smooth luxury car attitude thats impossible to duplicate today. 15-inch wheels with original wheelcovers complete the original look. Big, comfortable, luxurious, and surprisingly quick, this big Bird is an unusual and unusually potent cruiser that represents a lot of performance for the money.