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1964 Ford Thunderbird

The '64 Thunderbird? A classy cruiser! Its sleek lines and sporty profile, a departure from previous years, made it instantly iconic. A symbol of '60s cool, it cemented the T-bird's place as a stylish, powerful American classic. Think sophisticated curves and a hint of rebellion.

1964 Ford Thunderbird: A Journey Through Its Legacy

The 1964 Ford Thunderbird—now there's a name that instantly conjures up images of style, allure, and a whole lot of horsepower. Born in a time when Americans wanted not just a car, but a statement, the Thunderbird became a symbol of luxury and innovation. Who would've thought that this car, first introduced in 1955, would one day be nestled in classic car shows and movie sets, capturing our heart like a timeless Sinatra ballad?

History of the 1964 Ford Thunderbird

Let's take a trip back to 1953 when the Thunderbird was first unveiled as a concept vehicle. This was right around when Rock 'n Roll was making waves across the globe—and, just like Elvis, the Thunderbird was ready to shake things up. Initially, a two-seater with a hardtop, it transformed over the years, making a splash in the market with each new release. By 1964, it was so much more than just an automobile; it was a full-blown icon.

The 1964 model offered enhancements in both design and technology, like better braking systems and powerful engines. With a top speed of 135 mph, it wasn't just about looking good; it was about performance too .

What makes this beauty tick? Underneath that sleek exterior lies a powerful 390 cubic inch V8, pushing the boundaries of what a luxury car could do in its time. The Thunderbird managed to pull off the dual feat of being both a luxury cruiser and a performance vehicle.

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    Engine: 390 cubic inch V8 standard
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    Top Speed: 135 mph
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    Acceleration: 0-60 mph in six seconds

The car also boasted a spacious interior and additional safety features—ideal for those who wanted a bit of muscle with their comfort. Simply put, the Thunderbird was a kind of ironic masterpiece; heavy, yet fleet-footed .

Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird

1964 Ford Thunderbird Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Ford Thunderbird Worth?

Original MSRP :$4,953.00

Outstanding

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$41,400

Clean

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$32,100

Average

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$19,900*

Rough

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$12,800

1964 Ford Thunderbird Specs

Body Maker: Ford
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 76A
Length: 205.4 inches
Width: 77.7 inches
Height: 52.5 inches
Wheelbase: 113.2 inches
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Downdraft 4-barrel, Cruise-O-Matic automatic
Displacement: 389.09 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 3/64 & 3 25/32 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 9.7 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 300@4600
Horsepower Rated: 52.41
Torque: 427@2800
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Block Material: Special alloy iron
Engine Number Location: Plate on left front door pillar post.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Own
Type:
20 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Second:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Third:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
Not applicable
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.0 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Longitudinal leaf spring
Service Type: Power, self-adjusting
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Tire Size: 8.15 x 15
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 22 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 4Y85Z100001
Total Digits:11
Digits 1:Model year
Digits 2:Assembly plant
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6-11:Production number
Prairie Bronze, Dynasty Green, Silver Mink, Patrician Green, Caspian Blue, Rangoon Red, Diamond Blue, Cascade Green, Rose Beige, Arcadian Blue, Raven Black, Wimbledon White, Vintage Burgandy, Brittany Blue, All colors may not be available in all models., Samoan Coral, Florentine Green, Silversmoke Gray, Phoenician Yellow, Pagoda Green, Chantilly Beige, Skylight Blue, Academy Blue, Navajo Beige, Arlington Gray
Convertible: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Pushbutton Radio: Opt

Interested in buying a classic car or selling one?

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Popular Figures Who Own a Ford Thunderbird

Here's where things get juicy. Imagine turning heads in a car once owned by Walt Disney, or better yet, gliding down the street in a vehicle that the crooning Frank Sinatra once called his own. The 1956 model, in particular, was quite a hit in the celebrity circuit.

Frank Sinatra

Ol' Blue Eyes himself was a proud owner of a Thunderbird. You know how they say a car reflects one's personality? Well, Sinatra's Thunderbird screamed class, elegance, and a dash of bravado—much like his music.

Bing Crosby

Bing wasn't just dreaming of a white Christmas; perhaps he also dreamt of a beautiful white Thunderbird in his garage? His ownership of the car contributes to its exclusive charm.

Edward G. Robinson

Known for his intriguing roles in classic film noirs, Robinson had a green Thunderbird with a white top. Ah, the drama this car must've seen!

Learn more about a classic car: Get Build Sheet by VIN.

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Fun Facts about the Thunderbird

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    Appearances: The Thunderbird starred in "American Graffiti," driven by none other than Suzanne Somers .

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    Cultural Impact: An emblem of the 1960s cruising culture, the car became a status symbol, appearing in multiple movies and TV shows.

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    Musical Influence: Songs and album covers have featured it—it wasn't just a car; it was a muse .

Interested in Buying or Selling a Classic Car?

Before you exchange cash for classic metal, remember: knowledge is power. Get these in order to avoid any hiccups when buying or selling:

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    Accident Records: Understand any possible history of mishaps.

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    Theft Records: Ensure you're not purchasing stolen goods.

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    Loan & Lien Information: Search for any ongoing financial obligations on the vehicle.

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    Auction Information: Checking past auction sales can give indications of market value.

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    Salvage Information: Assess the vehicle's condition or damage history before settling on a price.

For all this invaluable info, check out the . Trust me, these details aren't just fun facts; they're your buying or selling compass.

1964 Ford Thunderbird Gallery

Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird
Photo of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird

Pre-1981 VIN Decoder

One question that often arises when dealing with classics is deciphering that mysterious VIN. It's like reading an ancient code that, once unlocked, tells you everything about the car's past. Before the 1980s, VINs weren't standardized to 17 characters, which makes owning a pre-1981 classic all the more intriguing.

For those with a or even a , help is at hand. Why not use a tool to learn more about your car's lineage and historical details?

Car Build Sheet by Classic Decoder

Knowing your vehicle's inner complexities is like understanding the inside jokes at a family reunion. The build sheet is like the vehicle's birth certificate. Want to uncover one? Look no further than .

The Thunderbird, much like a fine piece of art, has layers of stories embedded within its design, a narrative that continues to captivate us even today .

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Explore Ford Thunderbird from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The '64 Thunderbird? Man, that's a classic! It's easily recognized by its sleek, low-slung profile; those iconic, bullet-shaped taillights are hard to miss. Plus, you'll notice the unique, subtly curved roofline which is, like, the car's signature look, really setting it apart. Oh, and don't forget the sporty 'Thunderbird' script on the side—pure class, you know? It’s a head-turner, no doubt about it; a real showstopper if you know what I mean. The overall design is a testament to '60s styling at its best. A beautiful machine, to be sure.

Under the hood, you had a couple of choices; mostly, the standard 390 cubic inch V8, a real powerhouse for its time. That thing was a beast! It packed a punch. However, there was also a smaller 300 cubic inch V8 option available for those who maybe wanted something a tad more fuel-efficient (though fuel efficiency wasn't exactly top of mind back then, haha!). Either way, you're looking at some serious muscle under there; It's not your everyday econobox, put it that way.

You could get either a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission or a three-speed manual gearbox. The automatic was way more popular—you know, everyone wanted the automatic back then! But the manual option was there for the purists, the true gearheads. I mean, who wants to fiddle with a clutch all day? But some folks just loved that manual experience, it’s their personal preference.

The 1964 Thunderbird was primarily a two-door hardtop (which meant no B-pillar, making it look really smooth, it’s quite stunning). There wasn't a convertible option that year, which is a bit surprising, given that convertibles were pretty common in those days. Yeah, some folks were a bit bummed, but hey, the hardtop was a beauty, and that’s what we’re talking about here, the hardtop!

Production numbers for the '64 Thunderbird are around 95,000 units. Now, that's a solid number, isn't it? Not as rare as some other classic cars, but still a pretty desirable classic. That number seems low to me now, but it was pretty high for the time. I’m not certain, but a little bit of research can tell you definitively.

Oh boy, values vary wildly depending on condition, mileage, and options. You could find a decent driver-quality example (meaning it's in good running condition but might need some cosmetic work) in the $20,000 to $40,000 range, possibly even less; that’s a rough estimate, of course. But a concours-quality, mint-condition '64 Bird could easily fetch upwards of $70,000 or more. It's all about the details, man. So it really does change based on all of the specifics of the car.