Flying Low - 1961-1966 Ford Thunderbird

Sleek. No other word more accurately describes the shape of the Thunderbirds that Ford created for the 1961 to 1966 model years, although other adjectives such as "striking," "alluring," "fascinating" and "sensational" certainly do apply as well. These are truly fantastic automobiles with a distinct style.

The 1960s dawned with renewed vigor, excitement and hope, and the new Thunderbirds tapped into that positive atmosphere like no other car at the time. They reflected the public's perception of renewal and a look towards the future. This perception was surely strengthened when a new 1961 Thunderbird took part in John F. Kennedy's inaugural parade, then further enhanced a few months later when it paced the field at the Indianapolis 500.

As successful and attractive as the 1958-'60 Thunderbirds were, upon the introduction of the redesigned 1961 models, the "squarebirds" instantly looked dated. The new 1961 models were within an inch the same size as the squarebirds, but they looked lower, longer and wider, with an exciting-looking body featuring all sorts of jet aircraft styling cues. They simply looked fast even when they were standing still.

Known as the third-generation models, the 1961-'66 Thunderbirds have a following all their own, which is usually split into two groups: the sporty 1961-'63 models and the more formal-looking 1964-'66 versions. Under their exterior skins, however, they were fundamentally identical, yet with each year's models sporting new subtle unique details, each has its own admirers.

1963

1961-'66 THUNDERBIRD PRODUCTION

* Includes Landau models; no breakout available

1964

1961

FROM THE FAR REACHES OF ITS POINTED FRONT FENDERS rearward to its jet-inspired round taillamps, the profile of the new Thunderbird is spear-like in its form. And just like that man-made tool, it slices through the air like few automobiles have even done before--it begs to be driven.

Stylistically, it has a shape that truly is unmistakably Thunderbird; everything about its design is purposeful. Its lissome stance is sports-car low, and with just the right amount of front and rear overhang, its proportions are near perfect--a veritable masterpiece of design.

Some of this model's many unique features include a grille with a horizontal lattice pattern, two long, raised ridges on each side of the hood scoop, a Thunderbird emblem on the hood's leading edge, door handles that were part of the side trim, four distinctive, thin horizontal metal strips on the quarter panel, and a flap in the rear bumper that concealed the gas tank filler.

Notable options were the famous Swing-Away steering column for an extra $25.10, Equa-Lock differential for $38.60 and Tu-tone paint for $25.80.

All engines were V-8s displacing 390 cubic inches, and there were four stages of tune available. The ultimate was the Q Code, which sported three two-barrel carburetors and a 10.6:1 compression ratio that allowed it to develop a muscular 401 horsepower and 430-lb.ft. of torque.

1962

THE BODY REMAINED THE SAME, EXCEPT NOW THERE WERE FOUR distinct models to be had: the standard Hardtop, the formal-looking Landau Hardtop, Convertible and the Sports Roadster.

Up front, the grille was changed to a lace-type design incorporating small squares; gone were the raised ridges on the hood, a Thunderbird script was now placed on the leading edge of the front fenders and the decorative quarter panel trim was changed to three rectangular bars that simulated a jet's exhaust. The Swing-Away steering column was now standard.

The new Landau Hardtop model gave the Thunderbird a more upscale appearance, with its black leather-grained vinyl top and S-shape landau bars. But the model that stole the show was the sexy Sports Roadster. With its fiberglass tonneau cover sporting twin headrests that matched the outline of the adjoining seats ahead of it, its appearance was that of an exotic high-performance sports car. The tonneau cover was removable to permit use of the rear seats below.

All Sport Roadsters were equipped with Kelsey-Hayes chromed wire wheels, which did not allow use of the rear fender skirts due to clearance issues.

Engine choice was now down to two: the base 300hp, 390-cu.in. V-8 and the tri-power-equipped version that put out 340hp.

One new interesting feature was a small brass plate that was to be affixed to the instrument panel with the buyer's name inscribed on it, yet not many cars were so fitted. And the remote-controlled driver's-side exterior mirror was now standard.

1963

FORD STYLISTS TWEAKED THE THUNDERBIRD'S EXTERIOR WITH A subtle reference to the old squarebirds by adding a similar-looking sculptured line down the side. Other changes that differentiated the '63 model from the two prior years were the addition of three decorative metal hash marks on the door, a new grille with an intricate vertical pattern, and a small chrome grille guard in the center. Other than those minor updates, plus the deletion of the "Thunderbird" script on the front fender, the 1963 model was essentially the same car.

Four models were available just as in 1962, with this being the last year for the Sports Roadster. There was also a Limited Edition Special Landau model honoring the Principality of Monaco; only 2,000 examples were built with each car fitted with a brass nameplate with the car's serial number inscribed on it. All were painted white with a maroon vinyl top and white leather interior.

Mechanically, an alternator replaced the old-style generator, the windshield wipers were now hydraulically operated via the power steering pump, and a mechanical hood latch replaced the old cable mechanism. Other changes included stylish metal-clad brake and accelerator pedals, courtesy lamps on the interior doors, and revised upholstery patterns; leather upholstery was an option. One of the most popular options was the new AM/FM push-button radio.

The base 390-cu.in. V-8 was unchanged and put out the same 300hp as before, as did the M-Code tri-power V-8 with its 340 horsepower rating; this was the last year that the six-barrel powerhouse was offered.

1964

THE FIRST MAJOR RESTYLE OF THE THIRD-generation Thunderbirds was introduced on the 1964 models, giving them a more formal, upscale appearance. With the body-length chrome strip running atop the fenders and doors now gone, the hood was raised to match the flattened fender tops, and standalone door handles were added. The headlamps, now trimmed with chrome bezels, were relocated towards the outer edge of the fenders, like most other cars of the day, and small bullet-shaped ornaments were added to the top of the front fenders. The hood scoop was now wider and a bit lower in profile, and individual letters spelling out "THUNDERBIRD" were fitted to the leading edge of the hood.

In the rear, wide rectangular taillamp assemblies replaced the signature round taillamps, with the trunk lid's shape mimicking the taillamp's "bowtie" outline. It was then capped off with a bumper surround that frames it all. In the center of each taillamp there's a Thunderbird emblem, and the name is spelled out in the center panel, just above the license plate.

The interior had some big changes too, with the primary change being the replacement of the three round gauges with a horizontal speedometer, and the ancillary gauges fitted within four small round balls. The Swing-Away steering column remained standard, but the bucket seats were given new contours that were slimmer looking. The top of the console between the seats was padded and seatbelts were now standard. Rear seat passengers now had the luxury of a center armrest with the seatbacks curving into the door, and the optional radio speaker was positioned at the top between the seat backs.

Engine choices were now down to one: the same 300hp four-barrel 390-cu.in. V-8 as the year before; the Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission was unchanged, too, although larger 15-inch tires replaced the 14-inch tires of the previous three years.

1965

MINOR EXTERIOR DETAILS SEPARATED THE new 1965 models from the prior year's version, with the most obvious being the addition of stylized simulated fender vents aft of the front wheels. At the front of the hood, a Thunderbird insignia replaced the individual letters, and a redesigned insignia with a rectangle in the center was attached to the hardtop's pillar. The "Thunderbird" script was relocated to the far end of the quarter panel, and the previously optioned rear fender skirts were now standard. Another option offered for the first time were power-operated vent windows.

In the rear, the horizontal taillamps now incorporated six individual square lenses on each side, and were sequential in their operation. The small center panel between the taillamps now featured the Thunderbird emblem in place of its name being spelled out.

The interior remained essentially the same apart from some very minor changes, such as the metal trim surround on the brake and accelerator pedals, and the instrument panel was now trimmed in vinyl that had a ripple grain to it; Landau models were given walnut-grained trim. Another first was the optional reclining seat for the front passenger, and a vacuum-operated release for the trunk lid.

Power was provided by the identical 390-cu.in. V-8 as in 1964, and still with the same 300 horsepower. The Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission was the same as well.

One new model this year was the Special Landau; a standard-looking hardtop model with what Ford called an Ember-Glo exterior finish, which was also applied to the instrument panel; only 4,500 examples of this bronze-colored model, with its parchment-colored vinyl top, were produced.

1966

BEING THE LAST YEAR OF THE THIRD-GENERATION SERIES MEANT CHANGES were few. Up front, the thick bumper that framed the grille was deleted, giving this model Thunderbird a cleaner, sharper appearance. The grille itself was of a new mesh design featuring little rectangles, and a flat decorative metal panel replaced the individual chrome headlamp bezels. The hood scoop was lower in height and had a sharper point to its shape.

The rear taillamp lenses appeared as a single lens, yet still functioned sequentially when the turn signal was activated. The previous small panel in the center was deleted, making the entire rear taillamp assembly look like one large single unit; the Thunderbird insignia in the center was redesigned as well. The "Thunderbird" script on the rear section of the quarter panel remained the same.

Although the seat upholstery pattern was changed, as it had been every year, for the most part nothing was really new. There were modified brake and accelerator pedals, and this was the first year that a stereo tape player was offered as an option. There was an overhead Safety Panel in the ceiling that incorporated warning lights such as "low fuel," "door ajar," and a seat belt reminder, and six-way power seats were now optional.

The big and welcome news was the addition of front disc brakes. Replacing the old-style drums were 11.87-inch-diameter ventilated discs with four-piston calipers.

For the first time, there were two different size V-8 engines available. The standard engine was the 390-cu.in. V-8, which now made 315 horsepower, but to compete with the popular muscle cars of the day, a 345hp big-block V-8 displacing 428 cubic inches could be had for only $64.77. The Cruise-O-Matic remained the sole transmission.

This was also the last year for a convertible model Thunderbird, at least until the retro-looking Thunderbird of 2002 came out.