What is the difference between the 1964 and 1965 Thunderbirds?
The Ford Thunderbird is an iconic American sports car that has undergone numerous design changes over the years. Two of the most notable model years are 1964 and 1965, which feature distinct differences in their styling and features.
Exterior Design
The 1964 Thunderbird had a more rounded, aerodynamic design with a longer, sloping hood and a shorter deck lid. The front end featured a prominent grille and quad headlights. In contrast, the 1965 Thunderbird had a more angular, squared-off design with a shorter hood and a longer deck lid. The front end featured a more prominent grille and dual headlights. The 1965 model also had a more pronounced "Coke bottle" shape to the body, giving it a more muscular, aggressive appearance.
Interior Features
The 1964 Thunderbird had a more traditional, luxury-oriented interior with plush seating and a more conservative dashboard design. The 1965 model, on the other hand, featured a more modern, sporty interior with bucket seats and a more driver-focused dashboard layout.
Mechanical Changes
- The 1964 Thunderbird was powered by a 390 cubic inch V8 engine, while the 1965 model offered a more powerful 428 cubic inch V8 engine as an option.
- The 1965 Thunderbird also featured an updated suspension system and improved brakes, providing better handling and performance compared to the 1964 model.
Overall, the 1965 Ford Thunderbird represented a more significant redesign and performance upgrade compared to the 1964 model, reflecting the evolving trends and preferences of the American sports car market in the mid-1960s.
What is the difference between a 1964 and 1965 Ford Falcon?
The 1965 Falcons retained the same basic body styles as the 1964 models. Exterior trim treatments and other minor revisions were the basic visual changes. One noteworthy difference on the Futura models in '65 was the use of stainless steel side trim.
How much is a Thunderbird worth now?
Prices for a used Ford Thunderbird currently range from $6,995 to $39,995, with vehicle mileage ranging from 2,713 to 140,258. Find used Ford Thunderbird inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
What is the rarest Ford Thunderbird?
1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged
The rarest of all 1957 Ford Thunderbirds is the 1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged. One of 15 hand-built for Ford Competition at Ford Headquarters, and one of eight known to survive today.
How much is a 1965 Thunderbird worth today?
The value of a 1965 Ford Thunderbird can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $16,067 for a 1965 Ford Thunderbird in good condition with average spec.
What is the difference between the 1964 and 65 Thunderbird?
In styling, the 1965 naturally resembled the 1964. The grille was busier with its six new vertical bars bisecting the thin horizontal bars of 1964; the 1965 also had dummy side louvers and new "turbo style" wheel covers. The drivetrain was unchanged and the 300-bhp 390 engine remained the Thunderbird's sole powerplant.
How to tell the difference between a 1964 1/2 and 1965 Mustang?
The first thing to check is the hood of the car. '64-and-a-half Mustangs have what's commonly referred to as a “stiffening skirt” along the edges of their hoods. This gives it an edge that's very different from the more rounded edges of the '65. This skirt necessitated a matching beveling around the headlights as well.
How rare is a 64 1/2 Mustang?
The '64-1/2 Mustang isn't any more rare than one of its '65 counterparts. In fact, there are no '64-1/2 Mustangs at all; that title was coined by enthusiasts. The '64-1/2 Mustang is simply an early-production unit without the refinements that came later.
What engine did a 1964 Thunderbird have?
Those second-generation cars were a bit clunky, styling-wise, so Ford made up for it with the 1961–63 models and their sleek, chrome-clad elegance. In 1964, another new Thunderbird generation bowed, this time with a more formal roofline and the same 390 FE V-8 as its predecessor.
What is the rarest Thunderbird?
The rarest of all 1957 Ford Thunderbirds is the 1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged. One of 15 hand-built for Ford Competition at Ford Headquarters, and one of eight known to survive today.
What year is the most desirable Thunderbird?
The 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster M-Code is a rare classic car and one of the most sought-after Thunderbird versions.
