The new Firebird line (a name suggested by Dietrich) was introduced in the spring of 1963. In addition to its daring new offset wing look, Gibson gave the T-bird new and powerful humbuckers, made from freshly designed molds from earlier lap-steel pickups. Dietrich agreed, and developed what became known as the Firebird series. McCarty was so inspired by Dietrich’s speech on design concepts that he asked him if he’d be interested in making a guitar. While at Chrysler, he was responsible for many classics, including the Airstream. Dietrich was known for drafting car bodies for Lincoln, Ford, Packard, and Duesenberg in the 1920s, and working for Chrysler in the ’30s. He happened to hear Ray Dietrich-a prominent car designer who had recently retired to Kalamazoo, where Gibson was based-give a lecture in town. The SG series in 1961 had helped sales, but McCarty wanted something even more exciting. Thunderbirds have always represented style, but this one also presents good value for a feature-filled classic driver.In 1962, Gibson president Ted McCarty was searching for new guitar ideas to compete with his company’s main rival at the time, Fender. Add in the power steering, front disc brakes, and modern BF Goodrich tires, and this is an ideal all-day cruiser. ![]() A three-speed automatic spins a nine-inch rear end full of 3.00 gears, making this coupe an exceptional long-distance runner. It fires up easily and makes a nice sound out of the dual exhaust – it's not like a muscle car, but instead, a confident and mature rumble. ![]() This includes the correct blue paint on the Ford block, and a four-barrel carburetor to keep the V8 breathing deeply. This one has been upgraded with some nice Edelbrock brightwork on the air cleaner and valve covers, but it still doesn't stray from the original formula. The big block 390 cubic-inch V8 was the only motor available in '64, and that's because it had the horsepower and torque to keep everyone happy. With style a priority in these T-birds, the swing-away steering wheel was also standard. The ribbon-style speedometer sits on top, and four fashionable individual round pods finish the gauge package. A center console was standard equipment, and it includes controls for the air conditioning (now running modern R-134a.) The gauges have that 60s-cool setup that is so intricate that we know no factory would ever dare try in modern times. The tan seats are in good shape and showing wonderful contrast with the darker tan areas of the interior. Personal luxury really meant something in 1964, as the tasteful bucket seat interior offers plenty of eye candy for both driver and passengers. ![]() The addition of Cragar wheels only increases the attention drawn to this coupe. These Thunderbirds had brightwork that could be measured in acres, and so it's great to see that this one is complete from the shark nose to the wide emblems in the taillights. Not only does the b-pillar ornamentation look like the perfect jewel to top the gold paint, but it also is a model that's three times more rare than the standard '64 hardtop. But the real irresistibility factor comes from the Landau roof design. It's big golden T-bird from that perfect few years where the design somehow was able to blend the square second generation and rounded third generation into an artful and iconic design. In fact, with a reliable V8, automatic transmission, and ice-cold A/C, and this is a classic coupe that you won't be afraid to take out any day of the week. This 1964 Ford Thunderbird might just be the most affordable way to take home a comfortable cruiser that also turns heads the moment it leaves the garage. RARE LANDAU ROOF, 390 V8, COLD AC, PS, PB, TASTEFUL UPDATES, DRIVES EXCELLENT!
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