1976 Ford Thunderbird

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong.

The Generous Collection debuts with Part 1 offering over 200 cars in October, all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. Many additional lots will be offered in the coming months. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy. 

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The 1976 Ford Thunderbird marked the final year of the sixth generation of this iconic American personal luxury car. Introduced in 1972, this generation was characterized by its larger size and more opulent features compared to its predecessors. The 1976 model continued this trend, offering a blend of comfort, style, and performance that appealed to buyers seeking a luxurious driving experience.

The 1976 Thunderbird featured a 460 cubic-inch V8 engine, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a comfortable and effortless drive. The Thunderbird’s design included a long hood, formal roofline, and distinctive grille, embodying the classic American luxury car aesthetic.

Inside, the Thunderbird offered plush seating, advanced climate control, and a range of luxury options, including power windows and seats, and high-quality materials throughout the cabin. The emphasis on comfort and convenience made it a popular choice among buyers looking for a sophisticated and relaxing ride. “Thunderbird is one of the most silent, smooth riding vehicles on the domestic scene …” wrote Motor Trend magazine.

As the 1976 Thunderbird brochure boasted, “Because few cars offer the driving satisfaction we design into the Thunderbird 2-Door Hardtop, owning one may be the wisest move you could make.”

Highlights

• Offered from The Generous Collection

• Finished in Silver (1J) with Red leather (KD) interior

• 460 cu-in V8 engine with four-barrel carburetor and electronic ignition

• SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission

• The chassis number (6Y87A119957) decodes as:

  • 6 – Model year 1976

  • Y – Wixom, Michigan, final assembly plant

  • 87 – Thunderbird two-door hardtop

  • A – Engine type 460 cu-in V8

  • 111957 – Sequential production number

Features

• 15-inch wheels wearing 235/75R15 Hankook tires

• Odense grain half-vinyl roof

• Factory AM/FM/8-track stereo

• Factory SelectAire Conditioner

• Power windows

• Opera windows with Thunderbird insignia

Known Imperfections

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of cars in this collection it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present in the cars. 

• Paint peeling

• Small split in rear seat

Included

• Keys

• Owner's manual

• Spare tire and jack

Ownership History

• This 1976 Ford Thunderbird is offered from The Generous Collection of no reserve automobiles.

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: Frank Malefors Phone: 602-488-7888  Email: fmalefors@hagerty.com

Alabama Sales Tax Notice to Bidders: Because this car is located in Alabama, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama state sales taxes of up to 2% of the purchase amount, even if the buyer plans to register the car outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer is located in AZ, CA, FL, IN, MA, MI, or SC (capped at $500 in SC), and (b) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives the car or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer). Additionally, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama county or city taxes from buyers located outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer), and (b) the buyer fails to provide an executed Drive-Out Certificate for Nonresidents. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Alabama that are sold to residents of another state.  

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential, however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning to both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is.  

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite beginning Monday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 19. No cars can be retrieved prior to November 3 and any lots remaining after November 19 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.