1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The AACA Museum at Hershey is truly America’s transportation experience. The 71,000-square-foot museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania, opened on 26 June 2003 and since then has displayed vintage automobiles in a truly unique way. Visitors walk through eight decades in time while traveling from New York to San Francisco with iconic settings revealing vehicles from generations of American motoring. The AACA Museum at Hershey ranks among the top automotive museums in the world and has been recognized by the Smithsonian as an Affiliate Museum. Hagerty Marketplace is again honored to offer this collection of exceptional and unusual vehicles from the AACA Museum at Hershey.  

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“Unique in all the world... Thunderbird for 1966.” The 1966 Ford Thunderbird marked the final year of the fourth generation of this iconic American luxury vehicle. Introduced in 1964, this generation of Thunderbirds emphasized a blend of performance and personal luxury, a concept Ford pioneered. The 1966 model featured a more refined design with a prominent egg-crate grille, sequential rear turn signals, and a sculpted body that gave it a sleek, futuristic appearance. 

Under the hood, the 1966 Thunderbird came standard with a 390 cubic inch V8 engine, producing 315 horsepower, with an optional Q-code 428 cubic inch V8 offering 345 horsepower, as on this example. Motor Trend reported that year, “Thunderbird’s ride is limousine-smooth, yet it corners with surprising agility for its size.” 

The Thunderbird was available in three body styles: a two-door hardtop, a convertible, and the distinctive "Town Landau" with a vinyl roof and decorative S-bars. Inside, it was known for its aircraft-inspired dashboard, wraparound rear seats, and high-end trim. Though sales declined slightly from previous years, the 1966 model remains a favorite since, as Ford indicated, the Thunderbird was still, “The personal luxury car that makes going somewhere an occasion.” 

Highlights 

• Final year of the fourth generation Thunderbird 

• Finished in Brittany Blue (Q) with white power convertible top 

• White crinkle vinyl (P2) with blue appointments and headrests 

• Q-code 428 cubic inch V8 rated at 345 hp 

• Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission 

• The Data Plate decodes as:  

  • Body: 76A – Two-door Convertible Thunderbird 

  • Color: Q – Brittany Blue 

  • Trim: P2 – White crinkle vinyl with headrests 

  • Date: 15L – Built 15 November 1965  

  • DSO: 73 – Salt Lake City District Sales Office 

  • Axle: 1 – 3.00:1 rear axle ratio 

  • Trans: 4 – Cruise-O-Matic  

• The chassis number (6Y85Q122113) decodes as:  

  • 6 – Model year 1966 

  • Y – Wixom, Michigan, final assembly plant 

  • 85 – Two-door Convertible Thunderbird 

  • Q – 428 cubic inch V8, 4-barrel carburetor (High Performance) 

  • 122113 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Factory options on this 1966 Thunderbird include: 

  • 428 4bbl Thunderbird V8 ($64.77) 

  • 815X15 4PR WSW Tires ($43.12) 

  • Power windows with power vent ($156.02) 

  • Reclining seat and headrest ($44.15) 

  • Power driver’s seat ($97.32) 

  • Selectaire air conditioner ($415.90) 

  • AM/FM radio with rear speaker ($98.68) 

  • Tinted glass ($42.09) 

  • Rear fender shields (32.01) 

• Unique sequential turn signals 

• Wraparound instrument panel with aircraft-style toggle switches and gauges 

• Deeply padded front bucket seats and a wraparound rear seat for a lounge-like feel 

• Tilt-Away steering wheel 

Known Imperfections 

• This 1966 Thunderbird has seen minimal use since joining the museum so an inspection for roadworthiness is recommended 

Included 

• Factory shipping invoice 

• Maintenance receipts 

• Owner’s manual 

• Factory shop manuals 

 Ownership History 

This 1966 Ford Thunderbird was sold new at Petty Ford in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was donated to The AACA Museum at Hershey in 2021. 

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: Donnie Gould   Phone: 954.647.0779    email: dgould@hagerty.com