Home Archive 1965 Ford Thunderbird

1965 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

The 1965 Thunderbird convertible marked the end of an era, as it would be the final year for ragtop T-Birds until 2002.
5Y85Z127720
390 CID FE V8
Engine
Convertible
Body
Wixom, MI
Plant
Muscle Car Era
Era
No factory image on file
1965 Ford Thunderbird

VIN Breakdown

PositionValueDecoded
Year Code 5 1965
Plant Code Y Wixom, MI
Model Code 85 Thunderbird
Engine Code Z 390 CID FE V8
Serial Number 127720 Production #127720

Basic Information

MakeFord
ModelThunderbird
Year1965
Body StyleConvertible
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
EraMuscle Car Era

Engine & Details

Engine390 CID FE V8
Cylinders8
Displacement390 CID
Horsepower300 HP
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Carburetor4 BC
TransmissionM & A
Assembly PlantWixom, MI
Plant CodeY
Pattern SourceFord
Confidence95%

Original Specifications

Weight4588
Height53.3
Width77.3
Length205.4
Front tread61
Wheelbase113.2
Rear tread60

Source: Historical automotive documentation (1960-1972)

Powertrain Details Enhanced Data

Axle Type Semifloating

Pricing & Production Enhanced Data

Original Base Price $4953.00
No. Produced 6846

Body & Style Enhanced Data

No. Doors 2

Dimensions Enhanced Data

Weight 4588 lbs
Height 53.3 in.
Width 77.3 in.
Length 205.4 in.

Additional Specifications Enhanced Data

Displacement 389.09 cu. in.
Compression Ratio-Std 10.1 :1
Valve Lifters Hydraulic
Rated Horsepower 52.41 hp
Torque 427@2800 ft/lbs
Type Cruise-O-Matic automatic
Colors Exterior Colors
Color Options (31)
Radiator Tubular and fin
Cooling System 19 Quarts
Battery 12 V
Cooling System Water pump
Fuel Type Premium
Exhaust System Dual
Ignition System Distributor and coil
Optional Equipment Power windows
Optional Equipment Power steering
Optional Equipment Power brakes
Optional Equipment Air conditioning
Optional Equipment Pushbutton Radio
Steering Gear Integral power
Front Suspension Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear Suspension Longitudinal leaf spring
Drive Rear wheel drive
VIN Location On tab attached to top right side of dash panel in engine compartment
Spare Location Trunk
Tire Size 8.15 x 15
Series Thunderbird
Make Ford
Model Year 1965
Origin United States
Body Maker Ford
Model Number 76A
Front Size 11.875 in.
Brake Size 11 3/32 in.
Emergency Rear service brakes
Service Power front disc rear self-adjusting drum
Fuel 22 gal.
Rear Differential 4.5 pt.
Transmission 20 pt.
Oil 5 qt.
Carburetor Own
Differential Hypoid
Differential Ratio 3.00 :1
Front Tread 61 in.
Wheelbase 113.2 in.
Rear Tread 60 in.
Lubrication Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Cylinders 8
Brake Horsepower 300@4600 hp
Type Downdraft 4-barrel
Type V8 Valve-in-head
Clutch Type Not applicable
No. Of Gears 3
B &s 4 3/64 & 3 25/32

Enhanced Data Note: The enhanced vehicle data shown above represents the base vehicle configuration as manufactured. Individual vehicles may vary depending on factory options and modifications made throughout the vehicle's history.