1968 Ford Thunderbird

Registration No: KCK 550F
Chassis No: 8J83N125387
MOT: Exempt

Motor Car Location: East Yorkshire

• Imported into the United Kingdom in 2019
• Restored in 2015
• Only one UK keeper with 112,000 recorded miles
• 429cu 7.0-litre V8 engine with 3-speed automatic gearbox
• Fitted with Edelbrock carburettor

Although built in response to Chevrolet's new Corvette, Ford's designers conceived the Thunderbird not so much as a sports car but as a personal luxury car and created a whole new market segment overnight. Unveiled to the public at the 1954 Detroit Auto Show, the first-generation Thunderbird was only available as a two-seat convertible, with unique styling features such as the 'porthole' circular windows in the hardtop roof. Ford's fifth-generation Thunderbird arrived in 1967, with yet another distinctive take on the personal sports coupe, complete with hidden headlamps and unusual grille treatment. Ford switched from unibody to body-on-frame construction for the 1967 model and these ornate cars are appropriately known as 'Glamour Birds' today. Dropping the convertible from the model line-up, a four-door sedan (with suicide rear doors) was added to the Thunderbird model line-up for the first time, with the ornate Landau roof treatment also available as a two-door coupé.

For those who found the 'Cayman Grain' (or fake alligator skin) vinyl roof and ornamental 'bows' on the C-pillars not to their taste; a plainer two-door was also available. Under the bonnet, the Thunderbird employed Ford's well-proven 390ci big-block V8 churning out either 275hp or 315hp depending on the state of tune. In addition, two high performance 427cd engines were offered and if that still was not enough power, there was always the 345 horsepower 428ci Thunderbird Special. The Thunderbird came with plenty of gadgets inside while safety was beginning to have an impact on designers, with side marker lamps Federally mandated, shoulder belts were fitted on the front seats and a high-level rear stop lamp was now an option.

This two-door coupe body style Thunderbird was manufactured in 1968, being imported into the United Kingdom in 2019 from Oregon, USA. Fitted with the 7033cc V8 Ford FE engine with a three-speed automatic ‘cruise-o-matic’ gearbox, the Thunderbird is finished in white with white and gold leather interior upholstery. With only one UK keeper since importation, the Ford shows a recorded mileage of 112,000 miles. Fitted with original electric seats and windows, the Thunderbird also features original functioning air-conditioning and power steering.

Restored in 2015, the Ford benefits from being fitted with an Edelbrock carburettor, although the original carburettor is supplied with the car. ‘KCK 550F’ received a service prior to importation, with a new timing chain and water pump fitted in 2018. Supplied with a current V5C, original owner’s and maintenance manuals, and a collection of invoices. Would benefit from a new battery in the next 12 months.

Vendor Condition Ratings:

Bodywork: 'Good’
Engine: 'Good'
Electrical Equipment: ‘Average’ (Two windows require attention)
Paintwork: ‘Very Good'
Gearbox: 'Excellent'
Interior Trim: 'Very Good'

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452