ENCAPSULATED IN TIME T-BIRD, LOW OWNERSHIP, ALL-ORIGINAL, 460 V8, AUTO, LOADED!!

Description

This 1973 Ford Thunderbird is one of those rare time-capsule cars that has been properly stored, beautifully maintained, and just plain loved all its life. It's like the elderly guy next door who only backs it out of the garage long enough to polish the chrome and maybe go to the store, then carefully tucks it away until he needs it again. And that's exactly the kind of car you want to own if you're a fan of survivors.We're frankly shocked by how nice this car is. As far as we can determine, that's original white paint on the bodywork, and it's remarkably well-preserved. Not only is it still shiny, but it has very few signs of use aside from one or two very minor marks that are due to age as much as anything else. Of course, you already realize that the sheetmetal underneath is original and in exceptional condition, with doors that close effortlessly and gaps that are just where the factory put them more than 40 years ago. You can tell at a glance that this 'Bird is more closely related to the Lincoln Mark IV than to the small, personal luxury coupes of the past, but it's imposing and substantial, not some cheap car, and for that, this '73 will probably land on future collectors' wish lists. The vinyl top is beautifully preserved with no rips or fading, the chrome sparkles, and all the plastic lenses are bright and clear. If we didn't know better, we'd think this car was 2 years old, not 42.That vibe continues inside where the white vinyl upholstery is very well preserved. For 1973, the colors are appropriate and the thick carpets define the era, but there's 1970s luxury everywhere you look. A split bench feels more like buckets and makes for an all-day comfortable highway cruiser and for a personal luxury car, the back seat is bigger than most sedans built today. A sporty instrument panel with round dials tries to recapture some of the T-Bird's sporting mojo, but things like the wood paneling and long list of luxury options says this is pure luxury car. The A/C blows cold and still uses R12 refrigerant, the power windows move smoothly, and the AM/FM stereo radio still sounds decent. Even the massive trunk is fully upholstered and includes what might just be the original spare tire and jack assembly.Big block power was still on the menu in 1973, and this Thunderbird packs Ford's biggest, a 460 cubic inch V8 topped by a 4-barrel carburetor. There's no doubt that this is the car's original engine and it runs the way great survivors do: smooth and polished. The engine bay is nicely maintained and needs little more than a deep cleaning to be ready for preservation-class judging. Ford Blue engine enamel looks great and only routine maintenance items have been changed, which is definitely a good thing. It starts easily and purrs smoothly through a new dual exhaust system with X-pipe and mellow-sounding mufflers, and the C6 3-speed automatic shifts almost seamlessly. The suspension is cushy and smooth, just like you remember, and with tall 2.73 gears out back, it's still a great car for getting away for a weekend. Stock hubcaps are a simple, clean look and it rolls on narrow whitewall radials for a period-perfect look.Survivors are red hot, and this car delivers everything that makes all-original cars special. You probably won't find a better example and it's only a matter of time before these become the next big thing. Call today!