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1964 Ford Thunderbird

$15,997 $16,997

Vehicle Details

Make

Ford

Model

Thunderbird

Year

1964

Mileage

32,584 miles

VIN

4Y87Z100377

Body Type

Coupe

Transmission

Automatic

Engine

390/300 HP V8

Description

1964 Ford Thunderbird Why This Car Is Special Drenched in sophistication and power, the 1964 Ford Thunderbird is an epitome of classic luxury and performance. With its distinctive styling that captures the essence of the 1960s Jet Age, this Thunderbird offers a timeless design integrated with a blend of power and technological advancements that make it a standout choice for classic car enthusiasts. Features List 390 CI 300 HP V8 engine 3-speed automatic transmission Power steering Power brakes Swing-away steering wheel Classic white exterior and interior Luxurious leather interior Full of period-correct features Sequential tail lights Original Thunderbird badging and insignia Mechanical Under the hood lies a robust 390 CI V8 engine capable of producing 300 horsepower, a mark of true muscle embedded within the sleek frame of this vintage model.

Mated to an efficient 3-speed automatic transmission, this Thunderbird promises a smooth and dynamic driving experience. The meticulous upkeep is visible in the clean and well-maintained condition of the mechanical components as seen in the provided image, signaling the care bestowed upon this classic beauty throughout its life. Interior The interior of this 1964 Thunderbird is a pristine showcase of classic automotive luxury, featuring immaculate white leather upholstery that is both comfortable and stylish.

The elegantly designed dashboard and the unique swing-away steering wheel enhance both form and functionality, offering ample space and ease of access. Details like the chrome accents and original dials maintain the classic feel, while modern upgrades subtly incorporated ensure reliability without compromising the vintage aesthetic. Exterior The exterior portrays a brilliant white finish, beautifully preserved, illustrating the car's bold contours and distinctive 1960s styling.

The sequential tail lights and the full-length chrome accents on the body highlight the attention to detail characteristic of this era. The car's undercarriage, as seen in the photographs, shows the solid and rust-free foundation that supports its remarkable condition, making it not just a pleasure to drive but also a proud piece to showcase. Conclusion This 1964 Ford Thunderbird is more than just a classic car; it's a piece of history, a symbol of a bygone era that celebrated innovation and luxury.

Perfect for collectors who appreciate the blend of performance and elegance, or for anyone looking to experience the thrill of driving a legendary American icon, this Thunderbird is a testament to the craftsmanship and prestige of its time. We invite you to explore the beauty and finesse of this remarkable automobile further. Feel free to call us at 941-254-6608 for more information or to schedule a viewing appointment.

Embrace the opportunity to own a part of automotive history! Disclaimer Information found on the website is presented as given to us by the owner of the car, whether on consignment or from the owner we bought it from. Some Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Skyway Classics does not warranty or guarantee this information. Skyway Classics is not responsible for information that may incorrect or a publishing error.

The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the vehicle or by a professional inspection service prior to offer or purchase being made.

Classic Ford Thunderbird Buyer's Guide

Full guide

Mike Sullivan

Muscle Cars

1955–1979

~5 min read

Updated Apr 2026

Definitive buyer's guide for classic Ford Thunderbird 1955-1979. Two-seat Baby Bird era, Square Bird, Bullet Bird, and personal luxury generations, rust hotspots, current market pricing.

This guide covers

✓ 10-point inspection checklist

✓ Common issues & what to avoid

✓ In-person inspection guide

✓ Market pricing by year & condition

✓ 5 FAQs answered

✓ History & fun facts

Read the Full Thunderbird Buyer's Guide

Ford Thunderbird Market Overview

Based on 208 Ford Thunderbird listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

208

Listed Now

$34,225

Avg. Asking Price

1950–1994

Year Range

Price Position on Our Site — Below Average

This car: $15,997

Low: $2,200 High: $128,995

Transmission Distribution

Automatic 69% ◄

Manual 8%

Condition Distribution

Excellent 13%

Good 9%

Fair 4%

Poor 1%

Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 208 listings →

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Classic Ford Thunderbird Buyer's Guide

The Ford Thunderbird launched in 1955 as Ford's answer to the Chevrolet Corvette — a two-seat personal luxury convertible meant to position Ford as a maker of stylish, sporting cars. By 1958, Ford had pivoted the entire concept toward four-seat personal luxury, and the Thunderbird became the template for an entire genre of American automobiles. Across eight platform generations and 25 years of classic-era production (1955-1979), the Thunderbird represents one of the most varied collector markets in the American hobby — from the iconic two-seat "Baby Birds" to the personal-luxury "Square Birds," "Bullet Birds," and beyond. This guide covers what every buyer should verify before purchase across each major era.

What to Check Before Buying

✓

Order Marti Report for any 1967+ car over $25K — Marti Auto Works $25. Confirms original engine, transmission, axle, paint, options.

✓

Verify original removable hardtop on Baby Birds — 1955-1957 cars without original hardtop = 15-25% value reduction. Porthole hardtops add premium.

✓

Cross-reference VIN engine code with block casting — Y-block 292/312, FE-series 352/390/406/427/428, 351C, 460. Each has specific casting numbers.

✓

Inspect body-on-frame structure (Baby Birds) — X-member and body mount points. Probe with flashlight and screwdriver. Frame rust = $8,000-$15,000 repair.

✓

Examine unibody (1958+) at rocker panels — Rocker panels, floor pans, firewall, rear bulkhead. Universal rust points on personal-luxury era cars.

✓

For convertibles, inspect rear corners — Top mechanism mounts here. Structural rust compromises top operation and convertible value.

✓

Test all power options (1967+) — Power windows, locks, seats, climate control, AM/FM stereo. Failed systems = $2,000-$6,000 repair.

✓

For F-Code claims, demand specialist authentication — McCulloch supercharger setup commonly forged. Y-block specialist verification mandatory.

✓

Verify Sports Roadster tonneau cover (1962-1963) — Original fiberglass tonneau cover adds significant value. Reproductions reduce value vs original.

✓

Compression test all eight cylinders — Should read 145-180 PSI uniformly. Variance >15% = head gasket or worn rings.

Common Issues

Thunderbird rust patterns vary significantly by generation. Two-seat Baby Birds (1955-1957) rust at the rear quarter panels, the rocker panels, the floor pans, the trunk pan, the rear bumper supports, and at the cowl seam. The body-on-frame construction means frame rust at the front X-member and the rear cross-member is also a structural concern. Square Birds (1958-1960) and Bullet Birds (1961-1963) use unibody construction. Critical rust zones include the rocker panels, the lower quarters, the floor pans, the front and rear bulkheads, and the firewall. Convertible bodies on these generations add structural concerns at the rear corners where the top mechanism mounts. Mechanically, the Y-block 292/312 V8 (1955-1957) is bulletproof when maintained. The FE-series 352, 390, 406, 427, and 428 V8s (1958-1976) are similarly durable. Common issues include worn timing chain on Y-blocks, leaky valve covers and oil pan gaskets across all engines, and tired Holley or Autolite carburetors. The Ford-O-Matic and Cruise-O-Matic automatics are robust; the C6 (1966+) is essentially indestructible. Personal luxury era cars (1972-1979) shift to Ford 351 Cleveland and Cleveland-Modified V8s, plus the 460 big-block on selected models. Common issues from this era include vacuum-actuated headlight failures, climate control system failures, and worn door hinges on the heavy doors.

What to Look For

Marti Auto Works build sheets are mandatory for any 1967-and-later Thunderbird priced over $25,000. The build sheet ($25 basic, more for elite reports) confirms original engine, transmission, axle ratio, paint, options, and dealer destination. For 1955-1957 Baby Birds, verify the data plate on the firewall. Cross-reference the body color, trim color, axle ratio, and accessory codes against the original equipment. The original removable hardtop is critical to Baby Bird value — cars missing the hardtop are 15-25% less desirable. Original porthole hardtops (1956-1957) carry premium pricing. Body and unibody inspection is the second non-negotiable. For 1955-1957 cars, inspect the body-on-frame structure at the body mount points and the X-member. For 1958-1976 cars, inspect the unibody at the rocker panels, the firewall, and the rear bulkhead. Convertible bodies require additional attention at the rear corners. Engine verification by casting numbers is essential across all generations. The Y-block 292/312 (1955-1957), FE-series 352/390/406/427/428 (1958-1976), and 351C/460 V8s all have specific casting numbers that verify originality. Cross-reference the VIN engine code against the actual block casting. Interior inspection on personal-luxury era cars (1967-1979) requires close attention. Power options were extensive — power windows, power locks, power seats, climate control, and AM/FM stereo were common. Verify all functions work; failed systems on these heavily-optioned cars are expensive to repair properly.

Price Guide

1955-1957 Baby Bird Thunderbirds remain the most collectible Thunderbird generation. Driver-quality 1955 cars run $32,000-$55,000. 1956 cars (with the optional Continental kit and porthole hardtop): $40,000-$70,000. 1957 cars (the most desirable, with the larger 312 V8 and refined trim): $45,000-$85,000. Documented original-paint, low-mileage Baby Birds: $75,000-$140,000+. 1958-1960 Square Birds: driver-quality cars run $25,000-$45,000. Convertibles add $10,000-$15,000 to equivalent hardtop pricing. 1961-1963 Bullet Birds: driver-quality cars run $22,000-$42,000. Convertibles: $32,000-$55,000. The rare 1962-1963 Sports Roadster (with tonneau cover): $40,000-$75,000+ for documented originals. 1964-1966 Flair Birds: driver-quality cars run $18,000-$35,000. Convertibles: $28,000-$48,000. 1967-1971 Glamour Birds: $15,000-$32,000 for driver-quality coupes. 1972-1976 Big Birds (the largest Thunderbirds ever): $12,000-$28,000 for driver-quality cars. 1977-1979 Personal Luxury era Thunderbirds (downsized) are the bargain entry: $8,000-$22,000 for clean drivers. The 1977-1979 cars share platform with the LTD II and represent the end of the classic Thunderbird era — the 1980+ Fox-platform cars are different vehicles entirely. Project Baby Birds: $15,000-$28,000. Project later cars: $5,000-$15,000. Rust restoration on a Baby Bird typically runs $30,000-$70,000 in body and frame work alone.

Did You Know?

The 1955 Thunderbird was developed in just 18 months as Ford's response to the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette launch. Ford's product planners deliberately positioned the Thunderbird as a "personal car" rather than a sports car, with creature comforts the spartan Corvette lacked: roll-up windows, a comfortable bench seat, and an optional removable hardtop. The strategy worked — the Thunderbird outsold the Corvette by more than 20-to-1 in 1955 (16,155 Thunderbirds versus roughly 700 Corvettes). The 1958 redesign (the "Square Bird") added rear seats and pivoted the Thunderbird from two-seat sports car to four-seat personal luxury. Ford's product planners had data showing many Thunderbird buyers wanted to bring family along — the four-seat configuration sold three times as many units in 1958 as the two-seat car had in 1957. The strategy created the entire "personal luxury" automotive segment that came to dominate American premium car sales through the 1970s. The rare 1962-1963 Sports Roadster featured a removable fiberglass tonneau cover that converted the four-seat convertible into a two-seat roadster appearance. Only 1,427 Sports Roadsters were built in 1962 and 455 in 1963. Documented examples now command significant premium pricing — $50,000-$95,000+ for 1962 cars and $60,000-$120,000+ for the rarer 1963 cars.

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1964 Ford Thunderbird

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Original Factory Colors

Official paint codes for the Ford Thunderbird.

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