What makes the 1971 Ford Thunderbird certainly one of right this moment’s rarest and hottest basic vehicles? Ford tried one thing completely different for his or her massive, sporty, two-door luxurious trip for 2 mannequin years.

The Fifth Technology Thunderbird: Lengthy, Lean, and Luxurious

When the primary Thunderbird launched in 1955, its two-door styling hinted at lazy evenings parked on the drive-in together with your date leaning in your shoulder. However by 1966, avid followers of the mannequin demanded extra. Thus, the fifth technology had a 113-inch wheelbase, and its bodywork prolonged its size to over 205 inches.

They added a beak nostril and grill that banished reminiscences of the bulbous fenders of the 50s. This outsized coupe would simply slot in with parades and sluggish cruises down the coast.

4 Doorways on a T-Chicken? It Occurred

Whereas the Ford Thunderbird was conceived as an upscale two-seater, by the mid-60s, drivers have been on the lookout for additional room to chauffeur VIP friends round city. So, for the 1970 and 1971 mannequin years, the Thunderbird added a sedan choice to the lineup. Higher but, they stole the fashionable suicide doorways from the Lincoln Continental.

Solely 6,553 of the four-door variations have been ever offered. Because the frames constructed within the 70s have been topic to rust and decay, discovering certainly one of these birds on the public sale block right this moment is a really uncommon achievement.

A Landau Roof to Flip Heads on the Nation Membership

Everybody swooned over the power-retracting convertible high on the 1966 mannequin yr. Nevertheless, Ford needed to supply one thing aside from its T-bird sedan with that space-consuming characteristic. As a substitute, they opted for the basic landau roof (these vinyl-covered rooflines that includes a trim that mimicked the look of a hinge from an old-timey carriage).

The landau roof turned the Thunderbird right into a trip that simply slot in with probably the most discerning crowds.

Clean Cruising with an Computerized Transmission

Whenever you popped the large hood on the ’71 T-bird, the monstrous 6.4L V8 engine stared again. The outsized trip demanded 320 horsepower to navigate crowded highways simply. However whenever you ordered a luxurious sedan, you needed to spend much less time working the gears. Ford added the three-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission. The pilot solely needed to choose Low or Excessive, and the automotive took all of the stress out of the commute.

Upscale Choices for a Bespoke Construct

Since Thunderbird was now focusing on white-collar executives, you had the chance to customise your car on the dealership. No two ’71 T-birds might be precisely alike.

Patrons might choose premium hand-stitched leather-based seating, add energy home windows, air-con, and even an 8-track tape participant. Lush carpeting, a touch that welcomed touches, and a velour headliner rounded out the choices.

So Dazzling, Neiman Marcus Put It in Their Want Ebook

What collectors will bear in mind probably the most when reviewing headlines for the ’71 Thunderbird is that luxurious retailer Neiman Marcus listed a pair of his n’ hers rides for a mere $25,000. The 1970 Christmas Want Ebook stated mother and pa might have a tape recorder and phone mounted into the customized centre console of their uncommon rides.

What’s the Highest Value Paid for a ’71 Thunderbird?

Whereas the 1971 T-bird sedan could also be a uncommon collector automotive, additionally it is one of many extra inexpensive rides for the muscle automotive period. Over the previous 5 years, one offered for $72,000. The typical sale worth is round $12,000, making it an attainable addition for many collections.

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