1964 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

Ford produced 9,198 redesigned Thunderbird Convertibles in 1964. They were the top model of this fourth-generation personal luxury car. All '64 Thunderbirds have 85 as the third and fourth VIN digits and the majority of them, like this one, have Z engine codes signifying the 390-cu.in. V8, which was backed by the three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. The seller of this Phoenician Yellow 1964 Ford Thunderbird Convertible saw it at a car show and waited two years for the previous owner to relent and sell it. The car was and is very original, so changes/upgrades have been focused on maintenance and subtle improvements, as with the power top. Condition wise, the seller qualifies this '64 Thunderbird as a solid number two, with condition one indicating concours quality. The Z in the VIN indicates that this 1964 Thunderbird left the factory with a single-four-barrel 390-cu.in. V8 that was teamed with the three-speed Ford Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission.- the previous owner believed the engine was original, and it had 37,000 miles on it when this seller bought the car. - the engine doesn't burn a drop of oil and runs well. An electronic ignition has been installed and the carburetor was rebuilt. The engine mounts are new. Cold starts take two pumps of the gas pedal and then it starts instantly . There is no smoke on startup and no oil is needed between changes. The seller had the Cruise-O-Matic serviced when he bought the car, even though it wasn't having any issues. The transmission shifts smoothly but occasionally expels an odd drop of transmission fluid . The Phoenician Yellow paint quality is described as good , but he didn't say if this is the original paint. He did say the car is rust-free, but there are a few paint chips that have been touched up. The power convertible top had a repair, which is shown in the photos, and the rear plastic window was replaced two years ago. - the top functions flawlessly, because the original system of relays and solenoids has been replaced with a solid-state system from the Thunderbird Ranch. The top can be operated via a remote control from the Birds Nest. The front bumper has been re-chromed and the trunk weatherstripping has been replaced. - The black vinyl upholstery is in excellent shape , and the power-operated driver's seat works fine. There is some normal wear on the front carpet, but no holes. The rear carpet is good and the heater works . The stock radio was replaced with an AM/FM/cassette unit with Bluetooth capabilities, and there's a new rear speaker. - Normal lubrication servicing has been performed on the suspension components. New brakes and a new master cylinder were installed two years ago. The power steering doesn't leak and there is no play in the steering . New BFGoodrich Silvertown belted J28-15 tires were installed 2,000 miles ago, because the seller wanted the double stripes that weren't available on radial tires. - the tires are fine on normal highways, but they can wander on uneven pavement. This handsome yellow 1964 Ford Thunderbird Convertible was bought and upgraded with the intention of it being a keeper, but circumstances have changed so it's for sale. The sale includes documentation for the work done in the last two years, along with various reference books.