2025 AFD highlight – 1965 Thunderbird convertible

This year’s annual All Ford Day in Geelong celebrated 100 years since the foundation of Ford Australia. In acknowledgement of the centenary, Ford owners and fans turned out in record numbers to make it the biggest All Ford Day in the event’s 34-year history.

Fords on show covered the full gamut of Aussie production, with Model Ts, Model As, Mainlines, Falcons, Fairmonts and Fairlanes, plus the Territory and Capri on show. English Ford models, like the Zephyr, Escort and Cortina were also on show. Ford-based hot rods featured, along with Mercurys and Lincolns from the wider Ford family. There was a big selection of American Fords, too.

Of the latter, Thunderbirds were well represented, with the 1965 model pictured an outstanding example.

By 1965, the Thunderbird was in its fourth generation. What had started as a sporty, two-seat rival to the Chevrolet Corvette in 1955 had expanded to a four-seater by 1958, creating what became known as the ‘personal luxury car’ segment. The fourth-gen Thunderbird would be available from 1964 to 1966.

Convertible and two-door hardtop bodies carried over from the Gen 3 Thunderbird, and while the hardtop-based ‘Landau’ continued, the ‘Sports Roadster’ variation of the convertible was discontinued, although some of its elements could be dealer fitted.

Ford’s 390ci V8 that had been introduced with the 1961 Thunderbird, carried over for 1964, matched to a three-speed automatic transmission. A 428ci V8 was optional in 1966.

Styling for the fourth generation was new, but still recognisably “Thunderbird” and exclusive to the model. Some features intended to launch with the Gen 4 Thunderbird weren’t sufficiently developed by the time of introduction, so made their debut on the 1965 models instead. These included front disc brakes, sequential rear indicators and reversible keys, while the ‘Swing Away’ steering wheel that had been optional in 1961 was now standard.

The 1965 Thunderbird featured, one of 6,846 built for the model year, is well equipped with options, including wire wheels, whitewall tyres and power windows. To accommodate the Swing Away steering wheel, the ignition sits in the lower dash, with the radio, heater controls, convertible switches and window controls set into the asymmetrical centre console.

Raven Black paint outside is offset by a white vinyl interior that includes the stylish door trims and steering wheel.

In exceptional condition inside and out, this Thunderbird appears to have been restored, but this is not confirmed. Regardless of whether it was preserved or restored, this car was a worthy winner of the ‘Best USA Ford’ trophy at the 2025 All Ford Day.

To see JUST CARS’ report from the 2025 All Ford Day, click HERE.