Car of the Week: 1967 Ford Thunderbird 4-Door

Story and photos by Richard Lentinello

Indeed it was unique. In fact, few automobiles wowed the public upon its release as did the fifth-generation Thunderbird. Here was an automobile with individual styling all its own, the likes of which had never been seen before—it was both luxurious and sleek; distinctive, yet practical. No wonder this Thunderbird caused a sensation.

When Ford introduced the four-seat “Squarebird” for the 1958 model year, everyone was shocked, yet it was exactly what the public wanted. Without question, Ford had its finger firmly on the pulse of American buying habits and desires, so they were quite confident that a Thunderbird with four doors would be a success. And they were right... again.

Yet, unlike previous years, the new four-door Thunderbird wasn’t the sole body style, rather it was a supplementary model created to help attract those buyers who needed, and preferred, four-door cars over two-doors; on the downside, this was the first year that no convertible Thunderbird was offered. Again, Ford was right. Some 77,956 Thunderbirds were sold that first year, with the luxury-looking Landau coupe being the most popular with 37,422 examples sold, yet the four-door Landau sedan attracted 24,967 buyers. This was a respectable production number, especially when compared to the now-iconic two-seat 1957 Thunderbird that sold only 21,380 units.

Interested buyers who walked into Ford showrooms, picked up the Thunderbird’s lavishly illustrated brochure, and read its persuasive words were convinced that this was the car they long dreamed of owning. “Now, an historic first four-door Thunderbird joins the classic two-door for 1967. Totally new, but more Thunderbird than ever. Enter Thunderbird’s Private World, where styles start and trends get set.”

Few American automobiles, before or since, have had that rare combination of luxurious classiness and striking sportiness in the same package, which the 1967 Thunderbird has in spades. Its signature form is as unique as any, with a profile that simply cannot be mistaken for any other car.

Its hallmark shape is long, slender and low, and quite aerodynamic looking for the period. And the way the rear-hinged back doors contain part of the wide C pillar helped intensify not only the car’s matchless style, but boosted its wow factor. Yes, the 1967 Thunderbird really did break new ground.

While its shape was novel, its underpinnings clearly were not. For the 1967 model year, Ford reverted back to a body on a separate frame, foregoing the Thunderbird’s unibody construction since the introduction of the 1958 model. The four-door models’ wheelbase, a lengthy 117 inches (2 inches longer than the two-door model), was strewn across a stout perimeter frame incorporating two large side rails that united with equally strong torque boxes front and rear. This essentially formed a one-piece chassis. And with extra stiffening ribs stamped into the floor pan, along with thick cross members made of heavy-gauge sheet metal, its stiff structure and coil-spring suspension empowered the Thunderbird with an incredibly smooth ride coupled with a reassuring, solid feel. And although its cornering ability isn’t that of a sports car, assisted by a front anti-roll bar and a lateral track bar in the rear, it isn’t the "Leaning Tower of Pisa" that other large American sedans of the period suffer from.

As luxurious as its exterior appears, the Thunderbird’s interior is even more lavish. The individual front seats with wraparound console, embroidered tufted upholstery, deep-pile carpeting and woodgrain accents on the doors and the instrument panel combine to indulge its occupants with a level of embracing luxury, the likes of which other cars in the Thunderbird’s category did not provide. Oh, and let’s not forget the Thunderbird’s unique impact-absorbing Tilt-Away steering wheel with its nine different driving positions. It adjusts up and down and automatically moves out of the way to ease exit from the cockpit. Absolutely brilliant! And when you factor in the optional six-way power-assist front seats, few cars of the period could provide drivers the opportunity to create such a personal driving position.

Another unique feature is the articulated windshield wiper system that virtually eliminates unwiped area, thus providing drivers with a broader span of visibility—they were offered with either two speeds or variable speeds—and, of course, the headlamps that retract at the flick of a switch. And to everyone’s delight, the Thunderbird’s now-signature sequential taillamps made a return engagement.

With a curb weight of around 4,590 lbs., a powerful engine was needed to get the Thunderbird moving, so Ford equipped it with a base V-8 engine of 390 cubic inches and a 10.5:1 compression ratio. It had a 3.78-inch-long connecting rod stroke that allowed it to produce 315 hp at 4,600 rpm along with a usable 427-b.-ft. of torque at a very desirable 2,800 rpm.

For buyers who desired more excitement every time they mashed the accelerator to the floor, there was a 428-cid big-block V-8 with a mighty 345 hp on the option list. Ford said it best: “… 428 cubic inches of engine that will power you right to Thunderbird Country. . . where exhilaration begins at dawn.” Regardless which engine buyers chose, all transmissions were Ford’s C-6 SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic; this heavy-duty three-speed transmission handles upwards of 475 lbs. of torque!

In addition to its handsome styling and powerful drivetrain, the Thunderbird was desirable due to its long list of standard equipment. It included an illuminated ignition switch with “keyless” locking; center console with illuminated ashtray; power steering; power front disc brakes; electric clock; a map lamp; courtesy door lamps; AM radio; illuminated glovebox; a rear center folding armrest; a lined and illuminated trunk; full wheel covers; and underbody sound deadening.

If that wasn’t enough, there was a long list of options, many of which the feature car is outfitted with. They include black vinyl roof; the overhead Convenience Control Panel; white sidewall tires; power windows and driver’s seat; automatic trunk release; air conditioning; AM 8-track stereo; power antenna; and tinted glass. The options available were leather-and-vinyl upholstery; two-tone paint; limited-slip differential; heavy-duty battery; reclining passenger seat and headrest; shoulder harness; the SL interior trim package; and cruise control aptly named Highway Pilot Control.

This particular four-door Landau resides just north of Boston with Mark Hunter, its devoted long-time owner. The Thunderbird is equipped with the 390-cid four-barrel V-8 and dual exhaust, and out of the 20 different exterior colors that Ford offered, it’s one of only 570 painted Pebble Beige. And its special combination of black cloth-and-vinyl upholstery instead of the standard all-vinyl interior renders it one of only 59 Thunderbirds ordered this way.

Mark’s enthusiasm for his Thunderbird is clearly obvious by his unbridled passion when talking about it. He told us: “There are things that make this car stand out. First and foremost are the “suicide doors.” They are the attention getter, and what everyone who sees the car gravitates to. I completely understand that, and I love it, too! But for me, there is so much more to this car, and it’s the little things that add up and bring the entire package together. The black vinyl Landau roof with the shape and slope fits the car perfectly and helps bring out the doors. Then there’s the turquoise Thunderbird emblems, the hubcaps, the hidden headlamps and full-width taillamps. Although people are drawn to the four doors, after a closer look, they quickly appreciate all the smaller details that make this Thunderbird so unique.

Being the exceptional automobiles that they are, the 1967-’69 Thunderbirds offer a level of individuality rarely found in other cars, especially those built during the same period. Their owners are passionate about them and appreciate them with total devotion, not to mention just how affordable these cars are.

Even the car magazines of the day were smitten by the 1967 Thunderbird. A road test was conducted by Car Life magazine, and at the conclusion of the article it stated: “…the entire car is slicker, quieter, smoother and more comfortable than its predecessors. In truth, the 4-door Thunderbird seems more smallish limousine than overly-ample personal car.”

As for Mark, this car is a mobile memory machine.

Author Richard Lentinello is the publisher of Crankshaft, a quarterly journal featuring a variety of collector vehicles. Learn more at www.crankshaftmagazine.com.

Love T-Birds? Here are a few more articles for your reading enjoyment.

SHOW US YOUR WHEELS!

If you’ve got an old car you love, we want to hear about it. Email us at oldcars@aimmedia.com