I bought my first house in 1977. The co-developer of the little subdivision lived in the (larger) house across the street. He had a pristine brown metallic 1970 T-Bird, in which I always assumed he had installed some unique aftermarket rear window brake lights. Now I know the truth! You never cease to inform.
@ronjacobs56676 ай бұрын
1970-71 are my favorite Thunderbirds, love the stylish sleek roofline and that powerful 429 under hood. An all around great car.
@donreinke58636 ай бұрын
The 385 series 429 became the only engine offered in Thunderbirds starting in the 1968 model year. It was a huge improvement over the just adequate 390 which was standard from 1961-67, although the 428 FE engine was available in 1966 and 67, and it has been reported that a small number of 1964-65 Thunderbirds were equipped with the 427 FE engine. In 1963, a special "M" code 390 was installed in approximately 140 cars, it had the 3 2-barrel carburetion arrangement of 62-63 390/406 used in Galaxies. The 1960 Thunderbird was available with a 430 ci MEL series engine used in Lincolns as an upgrade option from the standard 352. The 429 was phased out during 1973 being replaced by the longer stroke 460.
@danielventura80736 ай бұрын
My favorite also. I had a 70 yeare ago
@marko78436 ай бұрын
@@donreinke5863Fortunately however, that 429 and it's heavier duty 370 version would soldier on for many more years in heavy duty Ford trucks...
@dwightdhansen6 ай бұрын
They look great from the rear & equally ugly from the front.
@jamestcallahanphotographer6 ай бұрын
Me, too…my fav. 😎
@Mike-jv4rz6 ай бұрын
One of the most impressive tail light assembly's of ANY car ever...
@randallbates90206 ай бұрын
Personally speaking i believe that the 1970 model year for American automobile manufacturers was simply the Pinnacle of design and power across the board. Every brand had some gorgeous designs. Im a Mercury guy, i have owned at least 8 1970 Mercury Montego MX , Brougham and a 351 Cleveland 4 speed Cyclone. I regret letting any of them get away. My Dad had a 1970 2 dr Bird and the backseat was just so cool, he bought it used in 1972, I was 8 years old. That began the love affair with FoMoCo products and 1970 cars of all brands. Great video and thanks for the memories it brought up. P.S. that Tbird would screw, one bad hombres.
@shannonkohl686 ай бұрын
"turned your Ford into a bordello". Now that is an option I would pay for.
@Michael-lk4oh6 ай бұрын
I wonder how many people who are now in their early fifties were concieved in the back seats of T-Birds.
@stevespatola7636 ай бұрын
I have added the 3d stop lamp to all my cars, including pickups.
@Porsche996driver6 ай бұрын
Haha you’re pimpin’! 😅
@rickwitt57356 ай бұрын
I don't know that I've ever seen a '70 Thunderbird, which feels weird. That is such a cool car...
@rickfromthecape31356 ай бұрын
Just what I was thinking.
@philhamilton87316 ай бұрын
I don't think I have either, oddly. I was born in 1970 into a car loving family, but we were all GM. Even so, I know I have seen plenty of '70 Torinos and LTDs, but not a 1970 or '71 t-bird, especially a four door. I don't think I would have forgotten that beak on the front. I distinctly remember the '72s and later as they were still kicking about in the late '70s and early '80s when I really got interested in cars. Maybe they were not popular where I am from.
@mattskustomkreations6 ай бұрын
If you’ve seen “Diamonds Are Forever”, the baddies drive a ‘71 T-Bird.
@wilshiregreen57462 ай бұрын
Most of them were already junked by 1980 due to rusting issues and "punks" (such as myself) at that time screwing them up.
@douglasrizzo92106 ай бұрын
The 70 and 71 Thunderbirds were just beautiful and unique! That Torino-esque roofline, the 429 V8 and all the different levels and trims. I had a 71 Special Brougham Sports roof with the Hopsack cloth trimmed buckets and console, and it was fantastic. Fewer than 200 cars were so equipped with those tail lights.
@jimlubinski47316 ай бұрын
I always thought they looked like a giant Cougar. Loved them (and the contemporary Cougars).
@jasonfrodoman13166 ай бұрын
I bought a 68 4 door was I was 18 years old. That was 1978. Burgundy with white vinyl top and black interior. Buckets and console. 429. Beautiful cars. I would sit in my folks living room at night to admire it parked under the streetlight at night. I was obsessed with that car.
@desiderium32435 ай бұрын
A 68 with bucket seats and console would be a dream for me. So happy you were able to enjoy. As someone who wants to own a 68 (possibly even a 67 or 69 even though those are a little different) what would you say would be good tips for maintenance and ownership?
@jasonfrodoman13165 ай бұрын
@@desiderium3243 As a high-school kid, the only maintenance I ever did was put gas in the tank. I owed the car for about 2 years. Sold it due to poor fuel economy and to help pay for college. But it was all great while it lasted.
@desiderium32435 ай бұрын
@@jasonfrodoman1316 seeing as I am a college student currently and already get very annoyed having to wait in the long Costco lines for cheap gas like it’s 1973 all over again. I complain about my modern bronco being thirsty so I can’t imagine being stingy with the 429. I’ll have to search the couch cushions for extra quarters next time 😣.
@jasonfrodoman13165 ай бұрын
Well. I hope you find yourself one in good condition. Believe me, you will love it. They are very cool cars.
@AlexanderCrump6 ай бұрын
Fords of this era also had front AND rear side marker lamps wired to the parking-turn circuit in an alternating ground fashion, so that they flashed in synchrony with the turn signals when the parking lamps were off, and in opposition to the turn signals when on. GM started this in the '70s. All Fords that did this had the exact same generic recessed square side marker lenses (Maverick, Torino, Thunderbird, Montego). Honda used this in the '80s but stopped doing it sometime in the early to mid '90s.
@josephgaviota6 ай бұрын
8:30 That rear ¾ view is FABULOUS.
@user-bh9zm7fn1v6 ай бұрын
I received one of these '70 T-Bird sport coupes in 1975 for my 16th birthday. Apparently I'd been a very good boy!!! I had miles and smiles of fun in that car! It was white vinyl over gorgeous chocolate brown with the brown tufted cloth interior. How I loved that car!
@user-bh9zm7fn1v6 ай бұрын
I finished it off with Keystone Classic mag wheels. 😁
@desiderium32435 ай бұрын
In my opinion the 70 and 71 T birds are really the only few cars I’d like in yellow or brown
@DavidHall-ge6nn6 ай бұрын
My dad had a four-door '70 T-Bird. Absolutely gorgeous and incredibly fast. The interior was white leather and the back seat was a wraparound work of art. Spectacular car.
@MarinCipollina6 ай бұрын
Adam just said they weren't able to pull off the "wrap around" rear seating arrangement on 4 door versions.
@DavidHall-ge6nn6 ай бұрын
@@MarinCipollina It's been a minute, but I think they managed an approximation. I do recall that it made an impression on me as being different from the garden variety sedans of the time.
@Jerry-up8bk6 ай бұрын
The 4 door Thunderbirds had suicide doors! Where the back doors opened from the front!
@DavidHall-ge6nn6 ай бұрын
@@Jerry-up8bk And you definitely don't want to open one on the freeway to stop a wind noise. Learned that one the hard way.
@iraagans31446 ай бұрын
My grandfather always had a LTD in the 70s , always a great car to ride in
@brober6 ай бұрын
We had a 70 with the suicide doors. Us kids would love to watch the sequential turn lights.
@phillittle93216 ай бұрын
This brings back memories! I bought a fully optioned black '70 Sport Coupe from a Ford engineer. It had been used as a test car by the Advanced Car team he managed to test various window seal and sound deadening materials. In order to get a good baseline, they disassembled the car and refit the body panels, windows and doors to exact design standards. When I bought the car from him, it would run as silent as a tomb at 80 - 85 mph. Sadly, as was common for cars of the era, especially in southeast Michigan, it succumbed to rust. I'd love to have that car back.
@LakeNipissing6 ай бұрын
Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd approve of this car !
@Clyde-20556 ай бұрын
To hell with Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd …
@smurfguy776 ай бұрын
I love the James Bond reference!
@andrewhigdon83466 ай бұрын
“Does the carpet match the drapes?” “That’s a whole lot of nothing you’ve got on there”
@komradkolonel6 ай бұрын
Those full width tail lights were more or less a Thunderbird trademark from 1970 through 1982. You could always spot a Thunderbird at night just by the tail lights.
@scottlogan29716 ай бұрын
The full width taillights actually made their debut on Thunderbird's in 1966.
@jimlubinski47316 ай бұрын
. Was going to point that out, too. I have 2 1966 T-Birds.
@scottsmith15256 ай бұрын
A friend of mine's parents had some nice cars. When he got married, I got to drive their '64 T-Bird in the wedding. That car was like driving a cloud......A 23 year old tuxedo clad young man in a '64 T-Bird. I felt like Dean Martin. 😆
@jimlubinski47316 ай бұрын
Dean Martin drove a 1966 Town Landau in Murderers Row!
@LakeNipissing6 ай бұрын
In 1970 Ford Thunderbird magazine ads, they liked to position the 1970 Thunderbird in front of the new Boeing 747, stating 1970 is a "year for new birds" or something like that.
@z06rcr6 ай бұрын
I can remember admiring the 1970 T-Bird with the iconic Bunkie Nose as a kid when it first came out…. And still recall my Dad contemplating how it would fare in challenging parallel parking maneuvers in the city.
@Flies2FLL6 ай бұрын
In 1971 I was 6 years old, and I remember going to Gorno Ford on Fort Street in Wyandotte to look at Fords. They had a red four door Thunderbird in there, and I remember the red color and the red interior. I opened the door and the number of chrome buttons on the drivers door armrest was amazing! I also remember that nasty beaky grill that stuck out in the middle.... Great video!
@phillittle93216 ай бұрын
Gorno Ford was on W. Jefferson in Trenton, and later on Allen Rd. in Woodhaven. I went to high school with the late George Gorno.
@Flies2FLL6 ай бұрын
@@phillittle9321 The Ford dealer that my dad bought the '72 LTD was on Fort Street, in Riverview. I thought it was Gorno Ford? Perhaps I am wrong, but there was a Ford dealer there near the "Federals" department store. There was also up the street a defunct fast food place called "Red Barn". I just looked it up on Google Earth and now the place is called "Michigan Vehicle Services", and the former Federals is now a Kroger Marketplace-
@drippinglass6 ай бұрын
I never knew of those on a ‘70 T-Bird. I do remember the ‘71 Toronado as a kid. 👍😀
@mr.b21076 ай бұрын
Those are so rare now, especially the 70 and 71 coupe with that lower roofline.
@eligershkovitch22316 ай бұрын
The 1941-1948 Lincoln Continental also had a center mounted third brake light. Like the 1942 Chrysler, the Continental’s third light wasn’t high, it was pretty much in the middle of the Continental kit, but it was a huge improvement over the two minuscule tail lamps on the rear fenders.
@eddstarr21856 ай бұрын
I've always found the '70/'71 Thunderbird particularly striking in white, with the coordinated wheel covers. In addition to the "Bunkie Beak" front end, the 1970 Thunderbird appears to have no front bumper, just chrome trim highlighting the grille and headlight pockets. The front pan below the "bumperettes" was usually painted body color, but I did see one 1971 Thunderbird 4-door with the lower pan chromed giving the front end a rather odd appearance. Unusual styling considering federal bumper standards were just three years away. Thank you, Adam.
@MrTonyPiscatelle6 ай бұрын
My uncle owned Tbirds from 1970 on thru 1976 great riding cars
@Flies2FLL6 ай бұрын
-I read that the high mounted brake lights on the '71 and later Toronado's caused the government to issue the edict that '86 and later cars had to have a third high-mounted brake light. Insurance adjusters noted that these cars had FAR fewer rear end collisions and came to the conclusion that these lights were responsible.
@joellamoureux79146 ай бұрын
Tbirds went from one extreme to the other in terms of looks. Love some hate some. Absolutely love the sport coupe in this video. Drop dead sexy!
@MegaRetr6 ай бұрын
One of the most impressive tail light assembly's!!!
@jsmurd6 ай бұрын
My parents had a black 1968 Thunderbird coupe with a 429 cubic inch V-8 with a Burgundy leather interior.
@mewregaurdhissyfit77336 ай бұрын
I love the tail lights on this model. I've always loved the tail lights that take up the whole rearend of the vehicle.
@jwelchon24166 ай бұрын
My did worked in a Ford dealership in 1970. I don't remember ever seeing the high-mounted tail lamps. I remember they had a fabulous stereo radio which was quite the novelty at that time.
@kroge0076 ай бұрын
My Uncle had a new 1970 4-door Thunderbird in Competition Blue with a black vinyl roof. Loved the suicide doors and tail lights. That car was really fast with the 429. I agree with you Adam, that were a great ride and the back seat was like a couch!!
@richardconcaildi80676 ай бұрын
Loved the review. Check out the 1949 (and earlier) Plymouth! My father had one and check the web for images of the sloping trunk with a high mounted stop light in the middle of the trunk. Always liked that. Purchased a new 2003 "retro" T-Bird in Baby Blue years ago as my every day car. 100,000+ miles and going strong. Thanks for your work here!
@jetsons1016 ай бұрын
The 70 T-Bird, not counting the 57, is one of the best T-Birds ever......
@briankorner7506 ай бұрын
That 70 Thunderbird sport coupe was beautiful. Love your videos Adam.
@darrenp15496 ай бұрын
I had a 74 Riv as my first car! Red with black guts..... LOVED IT!!
@jeffsmith8466 ай бұрын
In 1973 I bought a 71 Bird two door Landau. The 70 hardtop that you showcased without a vinyl top is the best looking of the model. My Landau two door was the worst, both in looks and not being able to see out the rear as you back out of a parking spot. I owned the car for about three years and it was surprisingly quick and got good mileage with the high compression 429. I then bought a 72 Bird which had a much better air conditioner but lacked the power and fuel mileage because of the low compression 429. However, the 72 road much better than the 71. I have never heard of or seen the high mounted brake lights. I wonder if they ever were actually produced?
@halhenryg6 ай бұрын
I was not aware of this option for the 1970 Thunderbird I knew that it was mandated in 1986 for all cars. Great information and well delivered! Adam, Thank You.
@LakeNipissing6 ай бұрын
I bet the high level taillights are a very rare option on the 1970 Thunderbird. I have never seen one with them. However, growing up in the 1970s, I have seen many, many GM cars with them on each side under the rear window, as you showed in this video.
@MarinCipollina6 ай бұрын
I remember those on the Buick Rivieras in particular.. I never saw one on any Thunderbird.
@jeffrobodine85796 ай бұрын
@@MarinCipollinaMy 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado had them.
@ForbinColossus6 ай бұрын
1970 T-Bird trunk was worth a look inside. It's huge and 'sculpted'
@The_R-n-I_Guy6 ай бұрын
These are some great looking cars
@markdc11456 ай бұрын
Amazing find! Never knew the T-bird offered high mounted stop lamps as an option, and in 1970 no less. Never saw one, and I wonder how many cars were equipped with these. Whoever designed the front end was definitely not talking to the rear end designer.
@marcomoreno81886 ай бұрын
My fav T bird is the '69 with da peek a boo headlights
@hiitsstillme6 ай бұрын
Nice car for sure, thanks Adam. We've never ever seen or heard of these lights before on this year/model.
@donk4996 ай бұрын
beautiful from the rear for sure, not quite so impressed by the "beak" nose though. But, the 72 was surely "watered down"..
@LivingOnCash6 ай бұрын
1963 Studebaker Wagonaire had the tail lights mounted right above the belt line. It also had a crazy retractable roof in the back.
@Johnnycdrums6 ай бұрын
"Glamour Birds" are wicked sick, and although still heavy, lighter than a Mark III.
@marcomoreno81886 ай бұрын
❤
@MarinCipollina6 ай бұрын
Lighter? Not by much.. lol
@davidbolt51136 ай бұрын
The 74-76 Rivieras are underrated. A lot more interesting than opinions indicate.
@daleborchelt10162 ай бұрын
My father was a Ford salesman from 1960 to 1982 he would get a new demo car every 2 weeks, mostly country squires (LTD Station wagon), but occasionally, he would bring home a T-Bird, the smoothest ride ever. Once he came home with the black mariya (fully optioned black on black T-Bird), he gave me a ride to the roller rink in it for my eleventh (1970) birthday. I felt so cool.
@czechmate69166 ай бұрын
That’s a beautiful bird.
@TheArkDoc5 ай бұрын
My mom and dad bought a 1970 thunderbird brand new (candyapple red with a white vinyl top and ivory and black interior. Other cool features of the 1970 only: Antennae integrated into the windshield (two tiny wires) and the color coded front bumper (1971 had a regular antennae on the fender and stainless steel front bumper). Mom and dad gave the 1970 to me 20 years ago and it rests during the winter next to my 1964 Thunderbird convertible. I love my birds.
@bryduhbikeguy6 ай бұрын
I never cared for the 'nose' on those, nor had I heard of the brake lights.I Love the tail end of these, but will have to choose the 69 4-dr. Thank you,as always, for your videos.
@BillofRights19516 ай бұрын
Adam...i love that you've favorably showcased the "glamour" 'Birds. I've posted on prior videos my love for my parents' 1967 4-Door 428 model and 1968 2-door 429 Coupe (no vinyl top thank God)...they had their peccadillos but were very durable vehicles(zero issues with the engines or transmissions) that brought our family much delight. I miss the times and the cars very much.
@DSP19686 ай бұрын
A great episode, Adam! I have neve seen a car equipped this forward-looking feature in the wild either, though I have seen a lens for sale on eBay. FYI, the "Lamps, Supplemental Brake with turn signal indicators" option was available in the 1969 model year for $33.70, according to my Ford Manufacturer's Label Prices pocket guide dated October 7, 1968. Interestingly, There is also a black and white photo of the option in the 1969 Dealer Facts Book. in the January, 1970 version of the Label Prices book that I have, they are not mentioned, nor is a price given. Perhaps they were either discontinued due to a poor installation rate, or temporarily unavailable. And like you, I think that the Sepcial Brougham option available for the 1960 and 1971 two-door Thunderbirds was quite stunning. With respect to the fabric -- that hopsack cloth was very popular in home furnishings of the time.
@foreverxxchanges6 ай бұрын
That's great info, I'm glad you at least found a lens on eBay. I've never seen a 1969 or 1970 Thunderbird equipped with these either and I've loved the 67-71 T-Birds since I was a kid in the 70's, so over the years I've researched these cars a lot and come to assume this option was one of those items that appeared in the brochures and other literature of the time but perhaps never actually made it into production. Here's hoping somebody can find a car in the wild with these lamps actually installed and operating!
@DSP19686 ай бұрын
@@foreverxxchanges Like you, I've always been a Thunderbird lover. The thing to do for those truly interested would be to contact Kevin Marti @ Marti Auto Works and have him run a report from the Ford production database to see how many cars were so equipped. I don't know what he charges for that sort of research. The other thing would be to see the Marti Report of a car so equipped to get that information for that year/body style.
@foreverxxchanges6 ай бұрын
@@DSP1968 I agree, contacting Kevin Marti would be the way to go. If I were ready to buy one of these machines (which at the moment I am not) I think I would contact Marti Auto Works and spend the money to find out. There is a post in this thread where somebody remembers seeing a car equipped with these back in 1977 so between you finding a lens on eBay and a sighting 47 years ago I'm happy if I'm wrong in my assumption! I've sporadically shopped the 1970 & 1971 models online over the years and I do look for this feature on the 1970 models so I will keep hopes up of finding one equipped, and with the info you provided I'll start checking the 1969 models more closely too as they come up for sale.
@ChadQuick270W6 ай бұрын
Love that four door model. There used to be a light blue one in my town where I lived back in the 80’s and early 90’s.
@irritablearchitect6 ай бұрын
The C6 in these land-yacht T-BIrds is about as bomb-proof an automatic as can be.
@machpodfan6 ай бұрын
So many excellent new videos recently! Thank you for all the work you do. Things of beauty are a joy forever!
@alan10716 ай бұрын
Adam, this is one of my favorite videos you’ve done. Through the perspective of design, and the mystery of the high CHMSL, you not only revealed a greater appreciation for this chapter of Thunderbird styling for me than I have ever had before, but also applied to it a bit of Riviera/Toronado history and critical thinking that created an even fuller picture overall of the question and the evolution of the CHMSL. Thanks!
@OLDS986 ай бұрын
Thank you Adam. I did not know Ford was first in this respect. This was interesting to learn. I appreciated you showing the Oldsmobile Toronado and Buick Riviera with this feature. This 1970-1971 Thunderbird has styling and themes that appeared later on the 1980's Thunderbirds. You can see the influence. Thank you for sharing the design theme that went from the Cadillac design studio to Buick on the Riviera. GM did that a lot. I rode in the 1976 version of that Riviera with that same rear styling. That was a nice way of describing the 1977-1978 Buick Riviera. It was a dressed up LeSabre. Better things were ahead for 1979. I was told that front end styling on the Thunderbird was prompted by Pontiac. You have to give credit to Ford for that interior for the details.
@shopwithaaron6 ай бұрын
Had a Cougar XR7 from 72 blue with 1/2 white vinyl and striped cloth interior...CJ 351 auto and bias ply tires...quick and comfy just stay out of the back seat!! Thx!
@Iron_Grizzly_Heavy_Metal6 ай бұрын
1970 Thunderbird, My first car. I purchased it in 1982 for $800 dollars. I was 17 years old! Loved the big back seat and I'm telling you this car would cruise and burn rubber, lol. My next car was a trans am but thats another story, lol. Thanks for the memories.
@teebird946 ай бұрын
One of my Eleanor's..lol My Uncle Don had a triple black 70' with the Thunderjet.that car was soooo fast once it got past 20-25 mph..from a rolling start it was a rocket.
@mattskustomkreations6 ай бұрын
6:46. The safety gained from the high mount taillights more than makes up for the unbelted 6-yr old on Grandma’s lap.
@matthrivnak65726 ай бұрын
I liked the boat tail rivieras, they were revolutionary!
@Johnnycdrums6 ай бұрын
Ford did it right in my view. The FORDOR had a 5" longer wheelbase than the Coupe'. Tough decission if I had to choose.
@sampsonleevon1982Ай бұрын
The 1970 Tbird was the first car I fell in love with...and the first car I drew, Later I redesigned it numerous times...we called it the tank, imloved the beak, the beat seat, the tail lights and its presence.
@rhekman6 ай бұрын
While I own a 1991 Thunderbird, I hadn't been aware of the history of the full width tail lamps. The 89-93 models had separate left and right lenses that wrapped all the way over the license plate in the rear deck and met right in the middle. Even though they weren't illuminated all the way across, they do have reflectors under the plastic shell. It's neat to know the later designers were calling back to previous models with that little detail.
@tonyeverard33316 ай бұрын
Back when I was in school in the late 70s & early 80s, a friend of mines dad had a brown 2 door 70 t-bird. I thought it was just gorgeous!
@rickc3036 ай бұрын
That 1942 Chrysler definitely checks the CHMSL criteria considering the add ons on low slung 80s convertibles
@sandiwalch50936 ай бұрын
My best friends mom had a fiirst year mark iv had those high brake lights.....It was purchased new while displayed at the Detroit Auto Show.
@YS-fr6nu6 ай бұрын
Great video Adam I’d like the history. It’s kind of neat to learn all this thank you again and keep them coming.🇨🇦
@zacdrury56 ай бұрын
i love this car.
@garyruark95066 ай бұрын
There was a time in I believe in 1937 when Oldsmobile had high mounted tailights. They were mounted on the sides near where the roof and rear quarter panel met.
@TomSpeaks-vw1zp6 ай бұрын
The 39 Chevy also had higher mounted taillights.
@randallfrank56826 ай бұрын
Yes, the 70 Thunderbird Sport Coupe was a very good design. The view you have presented is great. I really like the wrap around rear seat especially in leather.
@Alan-lv9rw6 ай бұрын
I was born too late (1962). I was too young to buy all of these great cars from the 1960’s and 70’s.
@YS-fr6nu6 ай бұрын
Funny, you mention that I was born in 1960 and my sister says I was born too late. I love the music and all the cars. Everything was fantastic back then but I still like to reminisce.
@jimo29836 ай бұрын
I own a 1970 Thunderbird and I was not aware of this option. Mine has the "Bordello" cloth interior with power seats and windows, AM radio and no cruise or tilt wheel. Marti report says 36,847 total were built.
@brianhdueck33726 ай бұрын
These t-birds were really nice and quiet cars. They were definitely a cut above the norm. Not a huge fan of the 72 front end and actually I liked the 77-79 Front view much better. They were indeed cheapened down but still a nice car. I owned a ‘78 and it really was a good car. I came from a ‘74 Monte Carlo and was amazed how much quieter, smoother, build quality and reliable the thunder chicken, (as I affectionately called it) was in almost every way, though handling was lesser.
@LakeNipissing6 ай бұрын
The 1977 - 1979 Thunderbirds might be some of the coolest looking "malaise-era" cars.
@mikejackson14106 ай бұрын
My family had a ‘71 coupe with the more formal roofline like the 4 door with the wraparound leather back seat. Wonderful car to drive and for road trips. Extremely comfortable. In the dark green that was so prevalent at the time. My uncle had same green in one with the sporty roofline and hopsack bucket seats. Just amazing cars that has no problem on Texas highways at 70 - 80 mph…. By the way, the front end/nose was a pewter type metal that cracked and fell away in an accident. The original impact bumper?? Learned all about that on day 3 when Mom got hit after dropping us off at school…
@Porsche996driver6 ай бұрын
Haven’t see any of these at any car shows or meets that I can remember! I can remember the wild modern advanced sequential turn signals on these. Somehow the broad shouldered trunk and the ====> signals were fantastic! I’d give the Toronado the credit on the taillights. Seemed odd then but definitely had a safety benefit!
@stevevogelman33606 ай бұрын
I agree. Man what a sharp car that black one is.
@jefferypease39206 ай бұрын
My friends brother had a 1970 Thunderbird it was like a second car for him so on the weekends he would let us use it loved interior that car also I love that big 460 engine that it had. At least I think it was a 460 and we had good times with that car.
@jimo29836 ай бұрын
The 429 was the only option in the T-Bird. The Mark III Lincoln had a 460.
@markbehr886 ай бұрын
I had a 74 Riviera. I miss it.
@richdorak15476 ай бұрын
Haven't seen one of these in 30 years . Not even in pictures . Pretty cool !
@Barry_Davis6 ай бұрын
You might want to look at the ‘55 and ‘56 Imperials with those “gunsight” tail lights mounted on top of the fins.
@TomSpeaks-vw1zp6 ай бұрын
With all due respect to you Chrysler people. I always thought those tail lights mounted on the top of the fenders were an afterthought and ruined the flow of the design. It’s almost like oh damn we forgot the tail lights and just stuck something on.😮
@marko78436 ай бұрын
Growing up, the neighbor behind us had a Beak-Bird with the formal roof and wrap around rear upholstery. Then the neighbor across the street bought one of the super fastbacks. Good times... 😌
@gregt86386 ай бұрын
Yes, in '71 T-Bird brought back the formal roof line on the coupe, which T-bird first had in 1966, then brought back in 69 and then again in 71. offering the buyer the choice the formal roofline or the roof line with the rear quarter windows for the back seat.
@sooverit55296 ай бұрын
The high-level window mounted stop lamps were for sure an option for 1969 and perhaps 1968. They are described and shown with diagrams, schematics and part numbers in the electrical section of the 1969 Thunderbird shop manual. They were only available on the 4-door Landau.
@michaelsimko76946 ай бұрын
The 1967-1971 Thunderbird is my second most favorite generation, after the legendary Aerobird. I love how it has the perfect styling of luxury, sportiness, and muscle. The all-new 1972 Thunderbird was a popular trend in the 70s. Exterior styling on cars like the Thunderbird went from a combination of luxury and sportiness in the 60s to plain luxury in the 70s.
@jeffaulik39806 ай бұрын
I seem to remember pics of a late 30's Graham or something equally obscure that had stop lamps/turn signals at the base of each C pillar that wrapped around toward the back.
@KO-pk7df6 ай бұрын
One of those T-Birds did remind me of the 1975 Couger XR-7. That is a very nice car I am waiting to see on the channel.
@joelabbe61856 ай бұрын
1994 I bought a 1976 Cougar XR7 from the original owner. All black, all original, floor mounted C4 and the 351W. Not especially fast until I did an engine rebuild in 2006 with mild modifications. When I say original, I mean that when I sold it in 2009 ahead of a costly divorce, it still had all its original headlights, original paint and original exhaust. Even the engine rebuild used all original bolts in exhaust and manifolds. Not a single one gave me trouble. The most beautiful car I've ever owned, despite the malaise era. Yes, I cried when I sold it, but enjoyed it for 14 years.
@KO-pk7df6 ай бұрын
Sorry to hear you had to sacrifice a beautiful car, I had to let go 68 SS 350 Camaro, a real SS not a clone or what they call a tribute. @@joelabbe6185
@Johnnycdrums6 ай бұрын
If you didn't like the Hopsack interior you could get leather or what the salesmen referred to as "Panty Cloth". I had panty cloth bench seats in a 1968 Fairlane with a 200 inline six, auto. I paid about $400 for it, the seats were very comfortable, and you couldn't kill that motor or tranny.
@drno-xc1yt6 ай бұрын
From the rear, these are great looking cars - almost Dodge Charger like. I don't care for the Bunkie Beak, as I think the hidden headlights and the "jet intake" front fascia of the 1967-69 Birds was a better look. In any event with the not-yet emissions choked 429 under the hood, these Birds had some get up and go!
@MarinCipollina6 ай бұрын
The 1970 T-bird looks like a Klingon bird-of-prey.. Vaguely menacing looking, but bloated and obese..
@darrendavis47316 ай бұрын
My mom had that bird. The 429 Thunderjet motor was harmonically balanced, and loaded with power.
@volktales70056 ай бұрын
The '67-'69 Thunderbirds looked great! The later ones? Can't get past that beak...
@NorlandBoxcar6 ай бұрын
My friend's dad had a 71' but regrettably it was a rust bucket within a few years. Albeit, I remember sitting in the back seat with my friend and was wow'd by the wrap around seats and luxurious interior..
@lelandcarlson16686 ай бұрын
Select shift was also available on the C4 transmission. We had a 66 Fairlane with that feature. My understanding was that allowed a softer start in snow and other slippery conditions.
@linkuhndave6 ай бұрын
I've never actually seen these lights on a 70 or 71 Thunderbird. I've seen the brochures. MyDad had a 65, 66 (2) 70s. Then an 83 and finally a 95. The center reverse light were also interesting. When the taillights were on the red light was pickd up through a multi prismed lense over the reverse light bulbs. This would make the reverse light disappear at night until you backed up. Great video. Brings back memories growing up. Thanks!
@OathTaker36 ай бұрын
I always wanted a 70-71 T-Bird but could never connect with one, but I did end up with a 68 2-dr, 429ci - 360hp "N" code engine, simply an awesome car.
@CSltz6 ай бұрын
I'm glad that you showed the GM cars that had the rear lights. I was watching about the Thunderbirds. (Which I haven't seen either.) I knew that I had seen them before. But I couldn't remember which ones they were. I thought that they were a great idea. Maybe not as noticeable as the sequencel lights. But still really nice. I remember they were on the hood also. Right behind the hood scoop.
@Sundancer2686 ай бұрын
All the Fords with the Cruise-O-Matic could be started in Second Gear by placing the selector in the D2 Position. Unfortunately, this was the first position on the selector and people would select this position and then complain that the Ford was a dog. The D1 position gave you all three gears and was the second position. If you was shifting from Reverse to Drive and just pulled the shifter down or back if a floor shifter, you would run into the stop where you had to pull the lever back to get into the L position. I loved the Ford Cruise-O-Matic Automatic transmissions and they made great snow cars due to the second gear start. The Cruise-O-Macic should not be confused with the older Ford-O-Matic which was only a two speed unit like the Chevy Slip & Slide Power-Glide. I believe the Ford-O-Matic was discontinued in the late 50s or maybe in 60-61.