The Ford Thunderbird has had one of the great American romances in the automotive world, but that hasn’t been true for every iteration of the model. The 1967-71 “Glamour Bird” certainly has a following, but the restyled Bunkie Knudsen-era 1970-71 versions don’t seem to garner as much love. In regards to the two-door hardtop, its sleeker look is most certainly unique, which is a great reason to have this 1971 Ford Thunderbird two-door hardtop as our Pick of the Day. It is for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Downers Grove, Illinois. (Click the link to view the listing)
When the Glamour Bird was introduced in the fall of 1966, the big news was that the convertible was dropped, and a four-door was added. That gave the Thunderbird new appeal in the market. The two-doors were the standard hardtop and Landau, while the four-door was only available as a Landau. When the 1970s were introduced, the two-doors were noticeably sportier with a semi-fastback roofline — Ford claimed they were “SportRoof-styled.” However, for 1971, the two-door Landau was given a proper formal roofline like what was last seen in 1969.
Interesting options for the new two-doors included the Special Brougham Option, which featured high-back bucket seats, center console, three-spoke Rim-Blow steering wheel, cut-pile carpeting, rear center armrest, door pull handles, and courtesy lights; outside, you’d find auxiliary grille lamps (not unlike those on a Mercury Cyclone), color-keyed stone shield, radial whitewalls, color-keyed wheel covers, bodyside moldings, and wheel lip moldings. New for 1971 was the Cayman grain vinyl roof, which was available in blue, green, brown, white, and black.
According to the seller, this 69,452-mile 1971 Ford Thunderbird two-door hardtop was originally sold in Clearwater, Florida. Like all Thunderbirds of this vintage, is powered by the 360-horsepower 429 V8. “Original unrestored car,” claims the seller, though there is a 20-year-old repaint in code S Gray Gold that’s complemented by a brown Cayman vinyl top. A glance in the interior shows the Brougham Interior Option with quilted light gray gold cloth and vinyl bench seat with center armrest . . . and check out that wrap-around rear seat! Other features include AM/FM stereo radio, air conditioning, and Driver’s Control Console (power controls on the driver’s side door). “New Holley carb, rebuilt trans at 65,000 miles, updated 134A AC, new battery, and updated ignition and alternator,” adds the seller.
As it stands, this appears to be a nicely preserved 1971 Ford Thunderbird with recent maintenance to bring it up to snuff as a driver. Isn’t that the best kind of classic car? For $19,988, it’s a fine way to coddle yourself in personal-luxury comfort while taunting two-seat T-bird owners with your nifty rear seat. Maybe Bunkie’s favorite T-Bird was not bunk after all?
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
As I was growing up, that was one of my favorite cars. My dad‘s best buddy Joe works for Ford motor company and I always had a new Thunderbird. He had one identical to that one and I never knew whatever happened to that car but boy, I would love to have this one right here. 63 years old now be perfect for me. It would tickle me pink if someone could get a hold of me so I could get that car.
Why don’t you get a hold of the seller and buy the car?