What was the top speed of the 1964 Ford Thunderbird?
The 1964 Ford Thunderbird was a popular American sports car known for its sleek design and impressive performance. One of the key specifications that many enthusiasts are curious about is the top speed of this iconic vehicle.
Top Speed of the 1964 Ford Thunderbird
According to the available information, the top speed of the 1964 Ford Thunderbird was approximately 120 miles per hour (193 kilometers per hour). This was achieved with the standard 390 cubic inch (6.4 liter) V8 engine that produced 300 horsepower.
The Thunderbird was available with several engine options, including a 428 cubic inch (7.0 liter) V8 that could further increase the top speed. However, the 390 V8 was the most common and widely used engine configuration for the 1964 model year.
Factors Affecting the Top Speed
The top speed of the 1964 Ford Thunderbird was influenced by several factors, including the engine power, aerodynamics, and gearing of the vehicle. The Thunderbird's sleek, aerodynamic design helped it achieve high speeds, while the powerful V8 engine provided the necessary acceleration and power to reach its top velocity.
Additionally, the transmission and gear ratios played a crucial role in determining the Thunderbird's top speed. The car was available with both manual and automatic transmission options, each with their own unique gear configurations that affected the overall performance and top speed capabilities.
Comparison to Other Sports Cars of the Era
When compared to other sports cars of the 1960s, the 1964 Ford Thunderbird's top speed was considered quite impressive. For example, the Chevrolet Corvette of the same era had a top speed of around 150 miles per hour (241 kilometers per hour) with its more powerful engine options.
However, the Thunderbird was not solely focused on outright top speed, but rather on providing a balance of performance, comfort, and luxury. Its design and features were tailored to appeal to a broader market, rather than targeting the pure performance enthusiast.
Conclusion
The 1964 Ford Thunderbird was a significant and iconic sports car of its era, known for its sleek design, powerful engine options, and impressive top speed capabilities. With a top speed of around 120 miles per hour, the Thunderbird offered a thrilling driving experience that captivated many enthusiasts at the time.
How fast is a 1964 Thunderbird?
The Thunderbird's sporty image had by that time become only an image. The standard 390 cu. in. 315 bhp engine needed nearly 11 seconds to push the heavy T-bird to 60 mph (96 km/h), although with enough room a top speed of about 120 mph (200 km/h) was obtainable.
How much is a 64 Thunderbird worth today?
The value of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird varies significantly, with a typical price for a good-condition car being around $13,000 to $18,000, but prices can range from as low as $4,500 for poor examples to over $85,000 for exceptional, rare models. Condition, mileage, options, and history are the main factors that determine the final price.
- Average condition: A 1964 Thunderbird in good condition with average specifications typically sells for about $13,000 to $18,000.
- Low-end value: Cars in poor condition or with significant issues will be at the lower end of the value spectrum, with some selling for as low as $4,500.
- High-end value: Exceptionally well-maintained or rare examples can fetch much higher prices, sometimes exceeding $85,000.
- Factors influencing price: The final sale price is heavily influenced by the car's overall condition, the number of miles driven, factory options like air conditioning, and the vehicle's history.
- Recent sales: A recent auction sale on November 12, 2025, resulted in a price of $14,700, which is a good indicator of a car in average condition today, according to Hagerty.
What made the 64 Thunderbird special?
The soft sprung suspension made it possible for the body to lean, indulge, and float considerably on curves and bumps. Contemporary testers felt the Buick Riviera and Pontiac Grand Prix were much more drivable cars, but the Thunderbird retained its leading market share.
What was the fastest stock car in 1964?
There's no doubt the 1964 thunderbolt was a very fast car, in its strip down form, but chrysler produce several versions of the strip down 426 cars, chevy with the strip down 409 car, and pontiac with its strip down 421 SD cars, each one producing massive underrated horsepower, each one being very fast on any given day ...
