This 1966 Ford Thunderbird still soars around the Southern California streets.
A 1966 Ford Thunderbird is an iconic piece of American iron. Thankfully, here in Southern California many of these classic "flair birds" are spared from the wrath of rust -- at least to the degree that cars in other parts of the country endure. This particular Thunderbird is in great shape, and we got a chance to chat with her owner to find out a little more.
Do you think this Thunderbird pines for the days when Lyndon B. Johnson was president and Lennon thought he was bigger than Jesus?
From the owner Tom Gross:
"The car is a 1966 Ford Thunderbird. I restored it 10 years ago, and then sold it to a friend. They kept it in storage for 8 years. One day they called me to see if I wanted it back.
"I said yes without hesitation.
"When I built the car we did everything new. The 390-ci engine was balanced and blueprinted, and had a larger cam than stock, as well as an electronic ignition that fits in the stock distributor etc. The car has power everything: steering, windows, A/C and disc brakes. I also added a larger front sway bar and a remote CD player in the trunk to keep things rocking inside. The very trick feature Ford added was the swing-away steering column. When you drive this car and hit the freeway, you can see and feel what it is all about ... power and luxury all in one. The car loves it at 90-95 mph all day long. For a 1966 car it is amazing!"
Tom is vice president of Uni Air Filters and seems pretty passionate about anything that has wheels (be it 4 or 2) and an engine. He mentioned he also has a blown 56 Chevy that I will try to get some pictures of.
Great car, Tom! Your 1966 Ford Thunderbird is beautiful, and I look forward to seeing your Chevy, even though bowties and blue ovals don't really go together …
See the
2009 Fords now on display at
NADAguides.com, the car authority since 1933.