Story and Photos by Mike Spicer
One of the best parts of getting an old car is “The Hunt". Meeting interesting people, going to places you could never imagine just to see a car. After looking at several 1964-66 Thunderbirds I stumbled on a blue 1966 Ford Thunderbird Landau at the Portland swap meet.
I was pretty inexperienced but could sense there was a buzz around
this car. People were all around checking it out as I sat alone in the
driver seat with the doors closed going through the aircraft inspired
interior. When I emerged from the car I walked past the swarm of people
up to the owner and in an adrenaline infused state of temporary insanity
I said “I’ll take it”.
Filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty I drove the car
out of the swap meet catching smiles along the way and headed home. I
was experiencing a very new feeling and I liked it.
Bought new in Portland Oregon the original owner’s son brought the car to the swap meet since his dad couldn’t drive any more. After owning the car for a while I noticed how well it had been cared for. I was pretty lucky stumbling on an incredibly original car in amazing condition with no car buying skill at all.
I enjoyed driving the Bird for years. The rear seat is referred to
as “the lounge” and you can see why. I often thought of the original
owner as I babied it and made sure it was parked indoors at all times.
After 22 years of enjoyment I decided to let her go. You never
forget your first love and every time I see a 1966 Thunderbird I feel
like a kid again ready to take the blind plunge into classic car
ownership, and it feels good.
Story courtesy of Spicer Collector Car Profile
See story on Jalopnik here.
Story courtesy of Spicer Collector Car Profile
See story on Jalopnik here.
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