Older Thunderbird questions
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Wichita, KS
Older Thunderbird questions
Paid off the house this month, looks like I'm changing jobs this next week which will mean a pretty good raise too. So I told my wife, I'm going to buy myself a toy, a reward for being such a good boy 
. I want a 1970s Thunderbird. Haven't decided what year, that's what I'm asking now. Only thing definite is that I want either a 351 or a 429.
I see T'birds of all years listed for sale with 351Cs. I'm guessing they're actually 351Ws, but I suppose it could also be 351M? I've also seen some '73 T'birds listed with both 429s and 460s.
So....I want something that I can put on the interstate and cruise at 70-75. Cruise control and air conditioning are a must. The late-70s will have smaller engines and more emissions controls, but I'm guessing a 351W would still do this. The older ones will probably be a little harder on gas but more fun to drive.
Which year do you all prefer, and is there anything I need to stay away from?
. I want a 1970s Thunderbird. Haven't decided what year, that's what I'm asking now. Only thing definite is that I want either a 351 or a 429.I see T'birds of all years listed for sale with 351Cs. I'm guessing they're actually 351Ws, but I suppose it could also be 351M? I've also seen some '73 T'birds listed with both 429s and 460s.
So....I want something that I can put on the interstate and cruise at 70-75. Cruise control and air conditioning are a must. The late-70s will have smaller engines and more emissions controls, but I'm guessing a 351W would still do this. The older ones will probably be a little harder on gas but more fun to drive.
Which year do you all prefer, and is there anything I need to stay away from?
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,043
Likes: 4
Get on e-bay and look a few up. It's a good way to see what's out there and how they are equipped. The T-bird was sort of a luxo-barge in it's day so many options were available way back. I've seen late 60's models with power windows, brakes and cruise control. Some actually had 4 doors. The rear two were suicide style. Personally I like the 67-69 birds with the headlight covers and bulging fenders. Check them out.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
'70-'71 'Birds had the heavy "vee nose" grille in 2-door and 4-doors (I love the idea of a 4-door T-Bird). '72-'76 the 'Bird shared its platform with the Mark IV, and '74 thru '76 the 460 was standard ('70-'73 had 390s, 428s, 429s and 460s). '77-'80 the 'Bird was built on the Torino platform; the price went way down and the sales went way up.
If you're looking for collectiblility and return on investment, a '70, '71 or '72 are your best bets. Excellent quality, great motors, no emission problems. '73-'74 are tough because of lousy emissions, '75 and '76 are much better because of catalytic converters. '75-'76 could be sleepers value-wise, as not many people are looking for them. I know a lot of people like the looks of the '77-'80, but you have to face the fact that they're glorified Torinos; to a collector, these are not REAL 'Birds. '70-'76 were built on the Lincoln assembly line, so the quality is superior to the later models.
If you're looking for collectiblility and return on investment, a '70, '71 or '72 are your best bets. Excellent quality, great motors, no emission problems. '73-'74 are tough because of lousy emissions, '75 and '76 are much better because of catalytic converters. '75-'76 could be sleepers value-wise, as not many people are looking for them. I know a lot of people like the looks of the '77-'80, but you have to face the fact that they're glorified Torinos; to a collector, these are not REAL 'Birds. '70-'76 were built on the Lincoln assembly line, so the quality is superior to the later models.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 964
Likes: 1
From: Roseburg, OR
I'm something of a Tbird fanatic, and my dream is to someday find (and subsequently be able to afford) a low-miles '77 Diamond Jubilee edition.
At one time, I've owned an '83, '87, and a '90, all had their own personalities. Still have my '90, I just love the concept of a big, 2-door cruiser.
At one time, I've owned an '83, '87, and a '90, all had their own personalities. Still have my '90, I just love the concept of a big, 2-door cruiser.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Originally Posted by F2504x4
ive got a 64 jet bird and it has a 390 the 65-66 have 429's and they can cruise at 70 plus all day long with the A/C going 
Negative.........no 429's in nothing in 65-66. (po' grammer is for efx only)
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
Likes: 1
From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
The '66 could be had with a 428. I had one- a triple black Town Landau. 
To me, '61-'66 were the golden years of T-Birds, with a swan song in '70-'71. These are waaay complicated cars, though- a thirty yr old car with power everything can cost a small fortune to keep on the road.
To me, '61-'66 were the golden years of T-Birds, with a swan song in '70-'71. These are waaay complicated cars, though- a thirty yr old car with power everything can cost a small fortune to keep on the road.
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