1960 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 £8,000, then £400 is added, making the total amount payable of £8,400.

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 £350 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 very little history and no service records.

This Ford Thunderbird 2-Door Hardtop was built in Wixom, Michigan, in 1960.

Its chassis number is: OY71Y192082.

While we know virtually nothing about it and have not tried to start or drive the vehicle, it is clear to us that this T-Bird is in pretty decent condition – outside, inside and underneath.

We know that it was alive and well somewhere in California in 2008.

We know that it was bought for the vendor’s collection of static display vehicles in 2016.

And we know that its current mileage is 00,795, which we’re assuming means that the car has been around the clock and is in now on its 100,795th mile.

We could be wrong.

Overall, the bodywork on this beautiful big black bruiser is really very good.

The wheels are fine, and the chrome on the front and rear bumpers has held up well.

So, too, the lights and badging.

Viewed from a few feet away the black paintwork is reasonably good.

Get closer and a number of cosmetic issues begin to present themselves.

There is a split in the paint and various scrapes and scuffs along the top of the n/s/f wing.

Some bubbling can be seen at the bottom of both doors, and the bonnet, boot lid and o/s/f wing are playing host to a varied array of scratches and scuffs.

The chrome trim around n/s/r quarterlight is coming away and its counterparts at the bases of the ‘C’ pillars on both sides is heavily pitted (there are some rather less pitted replacements for them in the boot).

There are some cracks in the paint below the o/s ‘C’ pillar and a sizeable chip on the edge of the o/s door.

The exterior rubber trim is looking a little long in the tooth.

The interior is in really very decent condition.

The black leather (or vinyl) and beige fabric seats are excellent both front and back, and are comfortable, supportive and functional.

The door cards are equally impressive, as are the carpets and mats.

The vinyl on top of the dashboard is split, the headlining is coming away, the trim around the windows and doors is looking a little frayed and worn, and the rear-view mirror is tarnished beyond redemption.

The dashboard, instruments, gear selector and steering wheel all seem to be in decent shape.

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.

The boot looks fine and contains a spare wheel and a box of assorted spare parts and bits and pieces.

In general, the undersides of the car appear to have a decent amount of structural integrity, but there is some rust dust and flaking in evidence in a few areas.

Clearly, you’ll want to take a look for yourself.

The (massive) engine and engine bay look very clean and dry.

The car doesn’t come with any history or service records.

Currently, it has neither an MoT certificate nor a 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. Any paperwork shown in the gallery 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 example of a 1960 T-Bird.

If the engine, mechanicals and structural integrity all tick the right boxes, then this has the potential to become a very fine example of an iconic piece of automotive Americana.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £8,000 - £14,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £350 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’.