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1964 Ford Thunderbird

The Thunderbird moniker was used from 1955 to 1997 and from 2002 to 2005 over eleven model generations and more than 4.4 million examples were built. Following an across-the-range revamp brought about a new 4th generation Thunderbird for the 1964 season wearing deeply sculpted sides and two large rectangular rear light pods fitted within a large bumper. The main design differences from the previous models were a shorter roofline and a longer hood. Its appearance earned it the sobriquet, 'Sculpture Bird'. The Sculpture Bird changed little during the course of its three-year lifespan, apart from the acquisition of front disc brakes for 1965 and a re-style for 1966. The interior contained bucket seats and the driver was surrounded by levers, buttons, dials, and a swing-away retractable steering wheel. The interior was described as 'begadgeted and bedazzling' while the Ford advertisements read, 'Flight Plan Cleared – Proceed to Thunderbird...'

The Thunderbird was publicly unveiled in February of 1953 as a concept, and rapidly developed into prototype form, being unveiled to the public a year later at the Detroit Auto Show. The two-seat design had a detachable glass-fiber hardtop and a folding fabric top. Production began on September 9th of 1954, and sales begin on October 22nd of that year. The first generation was produced through 1957, followed by the second generation of 1958 to 1960 which had seating for four. This struck a chord with buyers and sales increased dramatically, spawning a new market segment known as the personal luxury car. Both hardtop and convertible body styles were available, albeit the convertible was not introduced until June of 1958, five months after the hardtop.

The third generation of the Thunderbird had a bullet-like body side appearance and was equipped with a new 390 cubic-inch FE V8 engine that was, initially, the sole powerplant. An upgraded version of the 390 CID V8, known as the 'M-Code' was introduced a year later and was equipped with three two-barrel Holley carburetors helping to produce 340 horsepower. The M-Code V8 Thunderbirds were very rare with just 200 examples built between 1962 and 1963.

Ford collaborated with Disney to build the Magic Skyway exhibit at the 1964 World's Fair in New York. Various Ford models were displayed on turntables and others were attached to a moving track (Magic Skyway). Visitors to the exhibit would sit in the car of their choice and ride the magic Skyway. These cars had been delivered to a local Ford dealer where their drivetrains were removed and large diameter holes were drilled into the radiator mounts and undercarriage to be used as attachment points to the track's ride mechanism. After the World's Fair, the cars were returned to the dealer, drivetrains reinstalled and sold as used cars. Several of these cars remain in modern times.

The fourth-generation Thunderbird rested on a 113.2-inch wheelbase, had quad headlights, a squared-off appearance, and was powered by the 390 CID FE V8 with 300 horsepower and backed by a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. The engine had five main bearings, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, 10.1:1 compression, a cast-iron block, and overhead valves. Standard equipment included power steering and power brakes.

Body styles included a hardtop coupe priced at $4,490, a Landaulet at $4,590 and a convertible at $4,850. The Sports Roadster of the previous generation was no longer offered from the factory. Options included air conditioning, power windows, AM/FM radio, deluxe wheel covers, white sidewall tires, leather seats, and power seats.

The Thunderbird exemplified the jet-age era with its long and sleek appearance, simulated hood scoop, sculpted front end, and cockpit-themed interior. Sales increased over the previous year, with 60,552 examples built of the hardtop coupe, 22,715 of the Landaulet, and 9,198 of the convertible. A total of 92,465 examples were built in 1964, falling to 74,972 units a year later.

The fifth generation of the Thunderbird, introduced in 1967 and produced through 1971, moved the Thunderbird farther away from the 'performance' persona as that image was being handled by the newly introduced Mustang. The Thunderbird grew larger and became more luxurious, with amenities similar to its Lincoln sibling.


by Daniel Vaughan | May 2019

Related Reading : Ford Thunderbird History

The Ford Thunderbird is an American automotive icon first introduced in 1955. During the early 1950s, military men were returning from fighting in World War II. In Europe, the style of the vehicle was very different from the Detroit American car. The graceful but sporty MG, Triumphs, and Jaguars, to name a few, had found their way into the hearts of many of these American soldiers. In the U.S.,....
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1964 Ford Thunderbird Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$100-$4,485
1964 Thunderbird
$4,851-$17,800
1964 Ford Thunderbird Price Range: $4,485 - $4,851

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1964 Ford Models
$1,985 - $2,660
$2,180 - $2,600
$2,368 - $2,612
$2,611 - $3,485

Thunderbird - Fourth generation

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
92,465
113.20 in.
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 330.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 410.00hp
$4,485 - $4,851
74,972
113.20 in.
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 330.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 425.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 616.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 657.00hp
$4,392 - $4,850
69,176
113.20 in.
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 275.00hp
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 315.00hp
8 cyl., 390.00 CID., 335.00hp
8 cyl., 428.00 CID., 345.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 410.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 425.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 616.00hp
8 cyl., 427.00 CID., 657.00hp
$4,393 - $4,843

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