You're looking at a very rare 1971 Ford Thunderbird four-door with the Landau trim option. This was the last year that any U.S. manufacturer built cars with the imfamous "suicide" doors. In fact, this was the only model that was sold with this type of door in 1971. Because of waning popularity in the four-door T-Bird, by this year (the last year for this body style), very few four-door Thunderbirds were produced.

This T-Bird spent the bulk of it's life in warehouse storage in northern Arizona in or near Bullhead City. In October of 2004 it was purchased by a collector in Florida who (unimpressed with the Maaco-type paint job) reportedly had it repainted by his Rolls Royce dealer. He was also responsible for having the interior redone to original specifications. The vinyl top appears to be original (due to its no-longer-available alligator-skin texture) and is in excellent condition. In April of 2006, the Florida collector sold the car to a friend in Natchez Mississippi. Other than general maintenance and replacement of the steering gear, no work was performed by this owner. I purchased the car from the Mississippi owner in October of 2007. The odometer currently shows less than 26.000 miles and this is believed to be correct although when the title was transferred to the Florida owner, it was marked as "exempt" because of its age. I do have service documentation from 2004 in Arizona indicating mileage at that time as being 21,500 miles. Since purchasing it, I've replaced the front and rear shocks, the alternator and the power steering pump, and other minor general-service items. The car had been so well maintained that there really wasn't anything else needed.

Overall condition is truly excellent. The paint is stunning. The interior is beautiful and the 429 Thunderjet V8 delivers a smooth rush of massive horsepower. This car turns heads and elicts endless chatter whenever I stop. You should have seen the reaction I got at the local Ford dealer when I drove it in to pickup my truck from the service department. I don't think any potential new-car buyers saw a salesperson for at least 30 minutes...they were all gawking at the T-Bird! Like any 37-year old car, this one has its flaws - but they are all minor:

VEHICLE CONDITION:
• Body: Nearly flawless
• Paint: Excellent with a few minor chips and scratches - one scrape at the right corner of the rear splash panel (under the bumper - see photo) that I didn't even notice until after I got it home. Aside from that, the worst of the paint flaws are chips/scratches on the left rear quarter panel from someone being clumsy in the garage.
• Exterior Trim: The chrome & stainless trim shines like new. The rear outer trim pieces around the tail light are dinged up, but I have good replacements. The rear bumper has a golf-ball size scrape on the bottom right. The lower center section of the front bumper has a curb dent (without scratches) that should be able to be pounded out without much trouble since it's thin metal - and I think it's stainless steel, so no rechroming would be involved.
• Interior: Excellent overall and very fresh. Small split on front passenger's seat (there's a yard or more of fabric leftover from when the interior was redone for such repairs). Dash has two cracks from front to back. The side-window rubber is dried out and makes for noticable wind noise.
• Mechanical: The 429 "Thunderjet" runs smooth and STRONG. Starts promptly whether warm or bone-chilling cold. Only known issue is a noisy power steering system despite recent replacement of the steering box, pump, hoses and flushing everything (including the hydraulic windshield wipers). Everything functions as it should, but it is still a bit noisy.
• Running Gear: The suspension and steering give a smooth plush ride with no noticable chatter, vibration or pulling to one side or the other. Documentation indicates (and a visual inspection shows) that the front suspension was rebuilt back in 2004 at 21,500 miles (new rubber bushings - which is to be expected after sitting in the desert for so many years). The brakes haul it down from speed quickly (a real feat for a car of this size) with no pulling, pulsing, vibration or squealing.
• Electrical: Everything works as it should (including the original AM/FM stereo) with the exception of the power antenna (switch knob missing) and slow power windows. The sequential turn signals function, but the outer bulbs do not light. A replacement module to remedy this sells for $95. The clock and ammeter are inoperative, but a working clock will be included.
• Features and Options: Power steering (noisy, but functioning). Power front disc brakes (excellent). A/C (blows cold). Power windows (a bit slow). Power door locks (vacuum operated).
• Tires: Firestones with maybe 2,000 total miles on them - they still have the nubs.
• Rust: Any car of this age is going to have rust, but all that can be seen on this car is a light "brushing" of rust over unprotected areas and items like bolt heads and exposed chassis parts. Note that this is NOT cancerous rust we're talking about. It is the kind of stuff you scuff away with steel wool and then etch prior to painting. There are no holes or paint bubbling on the body panels. There are no frame or structural members that have been eaten into. There is no rust pitting on the bumpers or trim. The worst of what rust there is can be seen in these photos. This exactly what you would expect to find on a car that has been garage/warehouse kept in a desert environment.

A winning bid is a binding contract - not an option to view the car before deciding to purchase. You are welcome to inspect this car before bidding (located 35 miles NNE of downtown Dallas), but once the auction is over, the winning bidder is obligated to complete the terms of the sale. Appropriate feedback will be left (positive or negative) once the transaction is complete. I reserve the option to cancel bids from eBay members with zero or negative feedback. If you're an eBay newbie with zero feedback, contact me prior to bidding.

A non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required within 72 hours of auction close. Final payment must be received via cash, personal check, cashiers check or bank transfer within 10 days of auction close. Checks (personal and cashiers) must clear my bank before the car will be released.

Transportation is to be arranged by the buyer. I will be available to meet with transporter of your choice when they come to pick up the car. If desired, I can trailer the car for you as far as 300 miles at a prepaid cost of $1.00 per loaded mile or up to 500 miles for $1.00 per loaded mile plus lodging. Personally, I would not hesitate to drive this car home from here (Dallas) to anywhere in the U.S.

Note that this car is up for sale locally and this auction may be cancelled at any time. However, once the reserve has been met, no off-eBay offers will be entertained and the auction will run its course.