1965 Ford Thunderbird Specifications
by Thomas WestDuring the 1960s, Ford Thunderbirds were redesigned every three years. The 1965 Ford Thunderbird was on the second year of the 1964 redesign. Although the 1965 model is similar to the 1964 Thunderbird, the 1965 version had several new features, including sequential rear turn signals, reversible keys and front disc brakes.
Standard Equipment
Although optional on all other years of Thunderbirds, rear fender skirts were standard for the 1965 models. (Skirts were an option again on the 1966 models.) Also standard on the 1965 model were a parking brake that automatically released when the car was put into gear, variable speed hydraulic windshield wipers and a Silent-Flo ventilation system on hardtop models. The 1965 Thunderbird also came with other items that were optional on other cars of the day, such as a remote control exterior rear view mirror, electric clock and full wheel covers.
Optional Equipment
The 1965 Thunderbird's option list was extensive, but some major items were power side and vent windows, AM-FM radio (an AM radio was standard), reclining passenger seat with headrest and SelectAire air conditioning. Other optional items included whitewall tires, color-keyed floor mats and passenger-side rear view mirror.
Exterior Dimensions
The 1965 Thunderbird had an overall length of 205.4 inches and a width of 77.1 inches. Its wheelbase was 113 inches. Overall height varied from 52.5 inches for the hardtop coupe to 53.3 inches for the convertible. Overall weight was 4,470 pounds for the hardtop coupe and 4,588 pounds for the convertible.
Paint Colors
Several paint colors on the 1965 Thunderbird were shared with Lincoln, such as Silver Mink, Pastel Yellow, Diamond Blue, Brittany Blue and Frost Turquoise. Several colors also were shared with the Ford Mustang, such as Raven Black, Rangoon Red, Prairie Bronze and Vintage Burgundy. Emberglo was used only on the Special Landau model.
Power
The 1965 Thunderbird came standard with a 300-horsepower, 390-cubic-inch V8 engine. This engine came only with a four-barrel carburetor and had dual exhaust as standard equipment. The only transmission offered was Ford's Cruise-O-Matic, a three-speed automatic unit.
Production
A total of 74,972 Thunderbirds were made for the 1965 model year. The most common model, at 42,652 units, was the hardtop coupe. Second in popularity was the Landau, at 20,974 cars. A total of 6,846 convertibles were produced, while 4,500 Special Landaus were made.
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