Each Generation of Ford Thunderbirds from 1955 through 2005 must have a nickname, it seems. For the Fifth Production Cycle offered between 1967 and 1971, T-bird enthusiasts have assigned the name Glamor Bird. The label is certainly appropriate, as this was the largest and most luxurious Thunderbird offered to date. In a further departure from the traditional Thunderbird image as a Personal Sport-Luxury Automobile, the Convertible body style was discontinued. In its place, a four-door model was added to the lineup, officially known as the Landau with a wheelbase of 117.2 inches. This longer T-bird sedan chassis was shared with the Lincoln Continental Mark III. Since they were both born in the same factory in Wixom-Michigan.
To add some more distinctive features, the rear doors were hinged at the rear and opened from the front, the arrangement famously known in the years past as "Suicide Doors". In most other aspects the four door T-bird was virtually identical to its Coupe sibling, with a luxury cabin and every available convenience gadget of the era. Priced in the $4800.- to $5500.- range, the Glamor Birds were far and away the most expensive cars in the Ford lineup, priced at a few thousand more than a comparable Galaxie or LTD.
For the 1970-1971 model years, all the Glamor Birds including the Landau Sedan received new front-end styling and tail light section as well. The prominent protruding nose a.k.a. "Bunkie Beak" and tail light lenses - resembling spread wings - was a favorite of then Ford President Semon E. "Bunkie" Knudsen. The '70-'71 model years were the best built Thunderbirds to date. Printed circuitry, introduced in 1968, continued to make the instruments reliable and accurate. Thunderbird's dignified ride was designed by computer. Their interiors were pressure tested at the Factory to check for air leaks. Since this body style had been around for four years, they left the Assembly Plant pretty much perfect. The Thunderbirds for 1970-'71 were the most elegant looking and very dependable due to a strong and smooth running 429 Thunderjet Engine with four-barrel Carb. paired to a C-6 Automatic Transmission, complete with a Dual Exhaust.
Perhaps at some point in the future, the question posed will be, "Whatever happened to four door Thunderbirds?" Already rare to begin with, when these cars are finally given the recognition they deserve, prices will go through the roof. For four-door T-bird Collectors today, their wisdom and insight will no doubt prove to be a prudent investment for them!
The beautiful four-door Landau made its final appearance for 1971, with a production number of 36000 total Thunderbirds produced. Of those, only 6500 were made as four-door sedans. This particular example has the bench seat, where only 2300 were created!
This desirable piece of Automotive Design and History is highly coveted and sought after by experienced Collectors and Investors alike as a Legacy to the Car Designers of the past! It is the rarest of all T-bird model years. This stunning specimen in particular, wears an exterior that is presented in a striking Burgundy Fire Poly with color matching disc hubcaps and captivating Onyx Black Metallic Roof, that accents the contrasting Landau Bars very well and spells Pure Class! This color scheme is paired to an inviting Cream Interior with plush Red Carpeting.
The car, though mostly original, has only been mildly restored to keep its authenticity. The undercarriage still has lots of "Ziebart" Rust Protection left. It comes with a new starter, brake booster, new battery, power window motors, new tires, complete new exhaust system (front to back) and all fluids changed and is ready to be enjoyed! Also included are two spare sets of hubcaps (dog dish and turbine style), rear window, windshield, grill, headlight bezels, cornering lights, chrome oil pan and a front bumper guard which was a rare option! Delivery in an enclosed Transporter, within B.C. and Alberta included in price! Loosing storage space for the upcoming Winter Season, therefore open to reasonable offers!
