The 1968 Ford Thunderbird, a classic American luxury car, embodies the style and power of the late 1960s. This particular example, a Landau sedan, has been tastefully updated and mechanically rebuilt, making it a compelling blend of vintage charm and modern reliability. With its freshly rebuilt 429ci “Thunder Jet” V8 engine, striking gold exterior, and comfortable black vinyl interior, this Thunderbird is ready to cruise in style and turn heads wherever it goes. This classic is located in Coventry, Rhode Island.
This 1968 Thunderbird Landau sedan, originally finished in Gold Metallic (Y), has been repainted in a similar gold hue, showcasing the car’s elegant lines and distinctive styling. Exterior details include a driver-side mirror, hideaway headlights, sequential rear turn signals, reverse-hinged rear coach doors, a black “Alligator-Grain” vinyl roof with landau bars, and chrome-finished bumpers. Recent updates include replacing the passenger-side headlight shaft seal, installing a replacement electronic sequential turn signal relay and an aftermarket electronic turn signal sequencer kit, and fitting the taillight assembly, front turn signals, and corner lamps with LED bulbs, enhancing visibility and safety.
The car rides on silver-finished 17″ wheels, reportedly sourced from a later-model Crown Victoria, adding a touch of modern flair while maintaining a classic aesthetic. These wheels are wrapped in 235/55 Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 tires, offering a balance of performance and comfort. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, providing reliable braking performance. A wheel alignment was recently performed, ensuring optimal handling and tire wear.
The interior is upholstered in black vinyl, creating a comfortable and stylish cabin. While a crack is noted on the dashboard, the interior presents well overall. A JVC CD stereo with Bluetooth connectivity provides modern entertainment options, while Kenwood speakers in the rear deck and a RetroSound dual-voice component in the dashboard enhance the audio experience. Recent updates include replacing the headlight switch, heater core, and heater valve. A manual shut-off valve for the heater core has been installed. A modern AC retrofit has begun and will be completed prior to delivery. The following has been fitted to the engine, original AC Compressor mounts, water pump pulley and idler pulley, new York AC Compressor, rebuilt AC Clutch pulley, new parallel flow condenser, new AC Dryer, new Lines and switch. New Fan Clutch and 6 Blade Fan. A Trunk Mount Vintage AIR Unit will be fitted prior to delivery and is included with the selling price.
The two-spoke steering wheel frames a 120-mph speedometer, an analog clock, and supplementary readouts. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows 51,000 miles, approximately 250 of which were added under current ownership. LED backlight bulbs were fitted to the dashboard in preparation for the sale, improving visibility of the gauges.
The heart of this Thunderbird is a freshly rebuilt 429ci “Thunder Jet” V8 engine. The engine was recently overbored and rebuilt with a re-ground crankshaft, .030″-oversized pistons, .010″-oversized main bearings and rod bearings, SBI valves and valve springs, Sealed Power valve lifters, and a Melling camshaft, oil pump, timing chain, and timing gears, as well as Felpro gaskets and freeze plugs. An Edelbrock 1411 carburetor has been installed. Additional work includes re-coring the radiator, repainting the air cleaner assembly, intake manifold, and valve covers, and replacing the thermostat, fuel pump, fuel filter, distributor vacuum advance module, vacuum lines, PCV valve, oil pressure switch, V-belts, and battery cables. This comprehensive engine rebuild ensures reliable performance and adds to the car’s value. This 1968 Ford Thunderbird, with its combination of classic styling, modern updates, and a freshly rebuilt engine, is a true classic ready for the road.
Summary/Specs List:
- Model: 1968 Ford Thunderbird Landau Sedan
- Engine: 429ci “Thunder Jet” V8 (freshly rebuilt)
- Transmission: Automatic
- Mileage: 51,000 miles (odometer reading)
- Exterior Color: Gold
- Interior Color: Black vinyl
- Wheels: 17″ Crown Victoria wheels
- Brakes: Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes
- Features: Hideaway headlights, Sequential rear turn signals, Reverse-hinged rear doors, Black vinyl roof, JVC CD stereo with Bluetooth, Aftermarket speakers, AC Retrofit
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation for any specific vehicle. For more information on this specific car, you can reach out to the seller.
Source: hemmings.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
