1969 Ford Thunderbird Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 1969 Ford Thunderbird saw few changes from the previous models of the 'Glamor Bird' years. The rear end got a bit of a cosmetic makeover, with a move to individual taillights rather than the cross-chassis bar light. The other main tweak to the look of the '69 Thunderbird was the introduction of a sunroof option.
The T-Bird was still a bit lost, as a brand identity, in 1969. The hot-selling Mustang had displaced it as Ford's flagship two-seater sports runabout, and the folks in Dearborn had been nudging the TBird ever closer to the 'luxury car' market segment since its 1967 redesign and upsizing. Despite the suburban accoutrements, though, most of the people who sought out the '69 Ford Thunderbird were looking for a performance sports car with plenty of muscle under the hood.
And that's where the 1969 Thunderbird really shone. Ford shipped the '69 T-Bird off the line the big 7.0 liter/429 cubic inch 360-horsepower engine introduced as an option the previous year. The impact on the dragstrip and the stock circuit was immediate!
If you can find a 'Glamour Bird' today, you've got a project to content you for years. Some might even call it an obsession. In any case, the 1969 TBird is more than just a car: it's a gorgeous piece of American automotive history.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1969 Ford Thunderbird
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Nov 13, 2013
I can't part with it. The style is so futuristic plus it's comfortable, safe and extremely powerful.
I have over $10K invested in my Thunderbird and like many collectors, the investment far exceeds the value but I don't care. "Glamour Birds" as what the 67 - 71 models are know as, were built in the Lincoln factory in Wixom, MI and had very high quality control and very good materials.
Ford was the unchallenged leader in the personal luxury market at the time and the 1969 Thunderbird demonstrated a challenge Ford was not going to lose. Motor Trend magazine tested the 1969 Thunderbird, Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toranado and the T=Bird won hands down.
Just two model years into the Glamour Bird style, Ford didn't rest on their laurels by making cosmetic changes. The '69 Thunderbird included many changes that made it handle better (it was lower than the two previous years), had the mighty 429 4V Thunder Jet 360 hp engine and suspension tweeks.Nov 13, 2013
by Anonymous
Nov 22, 2010
I am interesed to find out if 20"x7.5" Incubus Virus wheels with +35 offset will fit both front and rear of my 1969 T-bird. It currently has 8.55"x15" tires on stock rims.please help have looked hard with no definite results.Nov 22, 2010
by Anonymous
Jan 26, 2008
AWSOME cars lost my first to accident in the early 80's just starting on my second knock on wood won't happen again.Jan 26, 2008
User rating:
by Anonymous
Nov 13, 2013
I can't part with it. The style is so futuristic plus it's comfortable, safe and extremely powerful.
I have over $10K invested in my Thunderbird and like many collectors, the investment far exceeds the value but I don't care. "Glamour Birds" as what the 67 - 71 models are know as, were built in the Lincoln factory in Wixom, MI and had very high quality control and very good materials.
Ford was the unchallenged leader in the personal luxury market at the time and the 1969 Thunderbird demonstrated a challenge Ford was not going to lose. Motor Trend magazine tested the 1969 Thunderbird, Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toranado and the T=Bird won hands down.
Just two model years into the Glamour Bird style, Ford didn't rest on their laurels by making cosmetic changes. The '69 Thunderbird included many changes that made it handle better (it was lower than the two previous years), had the mighty 429 4V Thunder Jet 360 hp engine and suspension tweeks.Nov 13, 2013
by Anonymous
Nov 22, 2010
I am interesed to find out if 20"x7.5" Incubus Virus wheels with +35 offset will fit both front and rear of my 1969 T-bird. It currently has 8.55"x15" tires on stock rims.please help have looked hard with no definite results.Nov 22, 2010
by Anonymous
Jan 26, 2008
AWSOME cars lost my first to accident in the early 80's just starting on my second knock on wood won't happen again.Jan 26, 2008
by Glenn M
Oct 17, 2007
The year was 1980, and I had the opportunity to buy one of these at a price of $1995. The mileage on that old-style odometer only showed 47,500, and I had no way of knowing if it was actual miles or +100,000 or even +200,000! (In retrospect, I believe it was assuredly +100,000.)
The exterior was a kind of light metallic blue and the interior was white leather. Very nice car, but it didn't have a lot of back seat room for the size.
The engine was the standard 429 4bbl with high compression, with factory-claimed 360 horsepower (gross.) It was a strong-running, torquey engine, but I recall that I very much doubted the 360 horsepower claim! However, I was aware the 429 had a good record for durability and was reasonably economical if driven right.
Due to my uncertainty about the actual miles, I passed on the car. I almost hated to do so at the time, but something about it just felt wrong. I guess we'll never know!Oct 17, 2007
by Anonymous
May 07, 2007
I always loved the style and the look of the front end of the 69!May 07, 2007
What users have asked
step by step instructions on how to replace the neutral safety switch on my 69 t bird?
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