1969 Ford Thunderbird

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to the lower rate 5% import tax if the car is to remain in the UK & purchased by a private individual. The 5% is calculated on the final selling price. For example, if the car sells for £7,000, then £350 is added, making the total amount payable of £7,350.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable.

A company buying the car will have to pay VAT on the hammer price, as well as duty + VAT.

Lastly, there will be a nominal administration fee of £250 for processing the NOVA application, and payable direct to the shipping company. A completed and processed NOVA will provide you formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK and thus allow you to register the vehicle with the DVLA

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be delighted to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, this car comes with no history or service records.

This LHD auto 1969 Ford Thunderbird has the chassis number: 9J87N161956.

It is powered by a 429 Thunder Jet 7-litre V8 engine developing 268.5 kW / 365 PS / 360 hp (SAE gross).

We know that it was bought for the vendor’s collection of static display vehicles in 2020.

We know it was living somewhere in South Dakota when its mileage was 13,071.

And we know that its current mileage is 13,072.

In general, this enormous, mint green 1969 T-Bird looks very decent indeed and presents pretty well from every angle.

The bodywork is largely free of any dinks, creases, ripples or folds of note, aside from a couple of very shallow dents on the chrome strip at the front of the bonnet.

The panel gaps and shut lines seem acceptably consistent and even.

The paintwork is broadly good, too, although it is notably flatter and duller on the n/s doors than it is elsewhere on the car. There are some tiny flecks of what looks like black paint below the windscreen.

The chrome work, wheels, lights, badging and exterior rubber trim are also broadly fine.

There are some paint chips on the n/s/r door and the leading edges of the doors and bonnet.

There are also chips and some flaking paint on the o/s/f and o/s/r wings, and a patch of blistered paint below the rear screen on the o/s.

There appears to be a fair amount of bubbling in evidence under the vinyl roof – particularly the sun roof section.

The interior of this T-Bird is like taking a trip back in time to the year of Woodstock and Neil Armstrong taking his small step.

As far as we can tell, everything is very original and authentic.

The black vinyl and green velour seats have held up pretty well and, aside from a bit of loose carpet at the bottom of the rear bench (which needs reattaching to its base), all the upholstery needs is a thorough clean.

The door cards have endured the passage of time with commendable fortitude, as have the carpets, mats and headlining.

The dashboard looks fine and the steering and instruments seem to be in good order.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t tried to start the vehicle.

Underneath the section of green carpet on top of the dashboard (!) you’ll find a split in the vinyl.

The boot is massive and in good condition.

There’s a little bit of entirely standard rust dust underneath but, as far as we can see, everything looks suitably solid and sound. Obviously, you’ll want to look for yourself and make your own judgement.

The engine bay is clean and dry and everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The car doesn’t come with a service history or any record of work done.

Currently, this car has neither an MoT certificate nor a current V5.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this. The Arabic document shown in the gallery is a facsimile and in no way constitutes any kind of licensing or registration certification.

With the proviso that we can’t vouch for the car’s mechanical and electrical status, we think this is a very handsome and honest example of a 1969 Ford Thunderbird.

If the engine, mechanicals and structural integrity all tick the right boxes, then this glorious piece of iconic automotive Americana looks set to provide its next owner with a great deal of fun.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £7,000 - £10,000 plus Bonhams bond payment and £250 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’