1966 Ford Thunderbird Landau
Another new model for 1966, the Town Landau replaced the Landau for this one year only. Note the difference between this model and the Town Hardtop: the Town Landau features a Levant grain vinyl roof in Black, White, Parchment, or Sage Gold with color-coordinated S-Bars. The designation “Town” identifies only the rear quarter roof line; the designation “Town Landau” requires the additional trim, (vinyl roof, S-Bars, wood grain ,etc.), that are unique to the Town Landau only.
Showing in fair condition we have a sky blue respray Town Landau, complete with the Landau S bars on the rear B pillar, this is a low and cool boulevard cruiser. A fur coat for dad if you will. Now go pet the dog and grab the milk from outside. This find will need some TLC and upgrading, but it has all the basics ready for your loving hands to massage its back to full bore beauty.
Exterior
Getting more streamlined, we note less accoutrements and worthless adornments and more clean simple lines. From the dual headlights to the clamshell egg crate grille and hood intersection, the wrap around bumper all is presenting in fair condition. The headlight and grille are somewhat reminiscent of the Mustang with their coves and shape as it forms to the grille. Seen on the driver’s rear quarter and the passenger’s rear of the door panel as well as the rockers is some underlying rust bubbling through the paint, and a few cracks in the paint. Surface and invasive rust is noted on the rockers, where most of the cracking is occurring. The Levant grained roof is in good condition and presents in black. All badging is present and accounted for. The back with its jet age styling and a taillight that runs the length of the back of this beauty has a shiny bumper below. Standard T bird styled, and badged wheel covers are seen on all 4 corners.
Interior
Inside, the Town Landau has the same standard equipment and features as the Town Hardtop, with the exception of the door and roof consoles having a simulated wood grain appearance, as does the steering wheel (without speed control). Sage blue vinyl covered buckets with square stitched inserts in the seats, some stripes for the upper backs, shiny smooth bolsters flank a futuristic styled console glove box and power window switches. The rear bench has an interesting curvature to it and a center padded armrest area. On the dash 4 planetary style round gauges front the horizontal bar speedometer. A total midcentury design approach with the vent styling to the knobs and levers all space aged out and plenty of chromed plastic trim. Blue carpet floods the floors and is overall good condition. A leather grained vinyl headliner is seen, and it sports a central console including various warning lights on the ceiling aluminum ribbed upper console. A note to the attention to build details are on the b pillars with stitched square panels within the vinyl, just a nice extra 60’s touch with some texture. Noted this would be the last year for the Swingaway steering column, allowing for easy access and egress from this sporty vehicle.
Drivetrain
An unrestored appearing original 390ci V8 engine sits within an original looking engine bay. This mill is topped by a single 4-barrel carburetor and has a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. This puts all power rearward to a Ford 9-inch 3.00 rear.
Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust and some invasive rust as wells some rust repairs in fiberglass on the back of this car. The rockers have invasive rust, but not reminiscent of the exterior panels which have rust bubbling etc. Floor pans have some rust and rot present. Independent coil spring front suspension and leaf spring suspension for the rear, as well as power disc brakes up front and power drums for the back.
Drive-Ability
With the exterior in need of some work I slipped inside and gave it a crank. It idled smoothly and went into gear and gave me a nice cruise. I was warned that the front tires are severely dry rotted so to take the test drive easy. Here it ran and accelerated but several issues cropped up during my drive. Including but not limited to the power locks not functioning as well as the horn and radio not working. I also noted that it has a distinctive pull to the right under braking, and the brakes hung up and seemed to not fully release, with the brake pedal being fairly close to the floor when pressed.
Original interior, some work needed on the exterior, and undercarriage to remediate invasive rust. The front tires will need to be immediately replaced to safely drive it for any long period of time or mileage. However, a nice top and smooth runner for the Town Landau model this year only offering.
VIN DECODE
6Y87Z146372
6-1966
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
87-Thunderbird 2 Door Hardtop
Z-390ci 4bbl 315hp
146372-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 63D-2 Door Hardtop Blind Vinyl Roof
COLOR 2-Dark Turquoise Metallic
TRIM 27-Aqua Vinyl
DATE 28B-February 28th Build
DSO 16-Philadelphia
AXLE 1-Ford 9″ 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-C6 XPL 3 Speed Automatic
Price: $9,500
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