Sold Survivor! 1968 Ford Thunderbird 4-Door Landau w/ 28,500 original miles

[msclassiccars]

1968 Ford Thunderbird 4-Door Landau w/ 28,500 original miles

This special 1968 Ford Thunderbird 4-door Landau “Survivor” has only 28,500 original miles and is part of the MS CLASSIC CARS “NO RESERVE” COLLECTION. This Ford took a bold step in redesigning the Thunderbird in 1967. Added to the T-Bird range this year was a four-door sedan model, with forward opening “suicide” rear doors which included part of the roof. Even more drastic, the company dropped the convertible from the Thunderbird lineup for the first time. Underneath, the car began to utilize body-on-frame construction instead of a unibody setup. Despite what purists must have thought the move was an attempt to broaden the car’s appeal and sell more units which was easily accomplished. Ford sold nearly 10,000 more Thunderbirds in 1967 than it did in 1966. As the Deluxe Marti Report that’s included documents this example was built on June 18th, 1968 in Wixom, MI. It was ordered with a Diamond Blue exterior and Blue Vinyl Bench Seat interior. It’s one of only 919 with this paint code and one of only 394 with this paint and trim code. It was also ordered with the following options: trim variation, blue vinyl roof, 8.45 x 15-4 ply rated white sidewall tires, power side windows, power driver seat, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo radio, tinted glass and styled wheel covers. The car was ordered and delivered to Garten Ford, INC located in Fall River, MA. It was sold to Dr. Grant who lived in Tiverton, RI. Dr. Grant purchased the vehicle for his wife Doris Grant who adored the car especially because of the rare color. Doris only used the car sparingly mostly to the grocery store and church. When Doris passed the car was willed to her housekeeper and caretaker who also lived in Tiverton, RI. From that point the car was parked in a garage but wasn’t used for many years. On June 1st, 1999 it was purchased by Antonio Pavao who lived in Fall River, MA. As the current title indicates at the time of purchase it had 27,876 original miles. The car once again was parked and not used for many years. In September of 2022, it was purchased by Carl Almeida of Euro Auto, INC located in Fall River, MA. Carl also works part-time for MS CLASSIC CARS. Carl has known about this car for many years and wanted to bring the car back to its glory days and make Doris Grant proud. Carl found four original build sheets that are laminated and included. Carl removed the entire engine and transmission for a complete recondition. He also went through the rest of the car mechanically. Upon completion in August of 2023 with 28,461 original miles he sold the car to MS CLASSIC CARS. The exterior of this car is in very nice original condition throughout with the perfect amount of patina. It retains 100% of its original factory paint which was tested with an electronic paint meter by MS CLASSIC CARS. The paint was recently detailed and looks really nice considering its 55 years old. The vinyl top is in very nice original condition. The car sits on Firestone FR440 white wall 225-75-15 tires that were replaced new in 1999 which is documented with an invoice that’s included. The original blue vinyl bench seat interior is also in very nice original condition throughout. The headliner, dash, door panels, seats and carpeting reflect the original low mileage. The wood trim on the dash and steering wheel add the extra touch of class. The air conditioning was in working order but recently failed so it will need some additional servicing. The trunk compartment is in very nice original condition and home to the original spare with jack tools. The engine compartment shows very well throughout. The original matching numbers 429 4-valve V8 engine was recently pulled for a completely gone through including a re-seal, service and repaint. It was outfitted with a new fuel pump, water pump and thermostat. The engine is cooled by the original radiator which was re-cored. The transmission was also completely gone through by well-known Georges Transmission in Coventry, RI. The original undercarriage is very clean throughout. Some of the recent service work included a new fuel tank, rear shocks and brakes. This car runs and drives beautifully down the open the road. The original owner’s manuals, Garten Ford emblem and miscellaneous items are included. This car is fully serviced, detailed and ready to enjoy.

[Steve Shauger]

That is an amazingly well preserved car, and optioned very nicely. I never notice these cars but they have fantastic look. GLWA!