An Iconic Name in a Surprising Ride
The names Ford and Shelby are synonymous with high-performance, heart-racing vehicles, especially when combined with the word Mustang. Carroll Shelby was an iconic figure who ensured his brand left a mark on Ford’s performance offerings. What is lesser known, however, is Shelby’s occasional deviation from fire-breathing machines to more luxurious rides, such as the 1966 Ford Thunderbird.
A Unique Piece of Automotive History
Currently up for sale on Bring a Trailer, this particular ’66 Thunderbird served as Shelby’s company car, right around the time his team was developing the legendary GT40s. This fourth-generation Thunderbird stands in stark contrast to the original two-seater; it’s a personal luxury coupé equipped with a cushy suspension, standard automatic transmission, and an array of high-end options. Yet, it carries a robust 428-cubic-inch V8 engine capable of producing 345 horsepower and 462 pound-feet of torque.
Features and Modifications
Ten of these Thunderbirds were initially ordered as part of a promotional deal, shipped to Shelby American in Los Angeles. This vehicle includes heavy-duty suspension, air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, leather seats, and an AM radio with a power antenna. The total price back then was $6278.13, equivalent to approximately $65,000 today. Shelby’s modifications were minimal, mainly involving 15-inch Shelby-Cragar alloy wheels to accommodate the factory brakes of the Thunderbird.
A Classic Restored to Perfection
After its period as Shelby’s demonstrator car, it was sold to the father of one of the company’s accountants and later acquired in an estate sale in 2018. The car has been extensively refurbished, with notable cosmetic work to bring it back to its former glory. Its 57,000-mile odometer reading suggests that this gem can still be driven leisurely on weekends. This auction ending on September 8th offers someone a unique opportunity to own a piece of Carroll Shelby’s personal automotive history, blending elegance and high performance in one refined ride.
