My interest in USA Cars started I suppose in 2 ways, why? well ever since I was about 13 years of age I have always been into the cult American car films, American graffiti, the Hot one (a film about a Corvette starring Mark Hamill of Star Wars fame I think ) Bullet, Dukes of Hazard etc.....My dad was also into Classic British cars so when he used to get the magazines and go to shows I would always be in the American vehicle display area and it was from here that I would always say one day I would have one of these vehicles.
I think its been a good experience from the point of view of ‘my career’ prospects because if there was ever a good reason to do well & get a good job that incentive was to buy an American car. Its the one bit of advice I took seriously from my Dad who said: 'You'll have to get a good job to afford one of those' I guess we've all heard that before eh lads?
Fast forward to September 2002, I was 27 yrs of age and unsure how Insurance cost would effect me, anyway I was looking at getting a car and after moving house was in a position to accommodate one. Just around the corner from where I live was this Ford Thunderbird for Sale, I believed it to be a 69 ish model and confirmed it was in fact of 1969 Vintage (i.e. no road tax to start with). After a test drive and a deal I bought my first yank which the 1969 Ford Thunderbird fitted with the 429ci Engine, 2 Door Landau roof model. I later discovered this particular Bird to be quite rare in this Country which only serves to add to my interest & enthusiasm for this particular car.
I have done extensive research into the manufacturing history of this car and the main point of interest is that when this year was in production the only engine available was the 429ci Thunder jet motor ,nothing more, nothing less!!.
 It is fitted with the Bucket seats and Electric windows (options then), it also has the split rear lights and not the one piece one fitted to the 67,68 models. The Landau roof is worth pointing out as it is also an option for 66,69 and 71. Now if you look at a 2 Door T-Bird fitted before or after you'll notice that it has the small quarter window where as with my car it does not. I am aware that 33,000 2 door T-Birds were made but how many Landau roofed ones ? I cant find out but I do know that just 900!!! yes 900, 2 door Landau roof T-Birds were made with Sunroof’s in 1969 i.e. pretty rare.
Since purchasing this car I have re-lined the Fuel tank with POR - 15 sealant and it is good, anyone whose used this product can vouch for it’s ability to do the job, it beats the £180 cost for a reconditioning job which is what is used by the them anyway to repair leaking units.
The next job to tackle was sorting out the Interior to make it half respectable I then Fitted a Pertronix ‘Ignitor’ Ignition system in place of the CB Points and Condenser & also while under the Hood replaced the rotted Battery Tray with a factory reproduction. The traction comes via Chrome Rallye Wheels shod with Goodyear Tyres.
The car was originally imported from Miami in 2001 where a lot of Engine work was carried out prior to shipping. It features an Edlebrock Carb and Rocker Covers, the main thing is the complete unit has been Reconditioned. With regards to any real!! Engine tuning being done I don't know but it really does go and a rolling road test / dyno test would give me an idea of it’s output but as yet I'm unsure.
 The gearbox has also been reconditioned and this car runs well. You will notice in the photographs that it has a slightly lower stance due to the shocks being replaced in the states prior to shipping. It does get looks everywhere especially when people ask what it is and you say it is a Thunderbird. The next comment is I didn't know they made them like that. The thing which I have noticed is that a lot of people have the early 60s T-Birds 62 64 66 being popular years but exactly how many 69 models are around is a bit of a tough one, any answers?
Generally its been tidied up & I have drove it up to Billing last April which was the furthest travelled so far (270) mile round trip.
I had it featured in may 2004 edition of Classic American in the readers rides page just so I could see my car in a magazine which is what everyone likes to see isn't it?
I'm looking forward to this years shows and generally looking forward to any day with a bit of sun. As much as people like to hear stories about trouble times etc and how they were overcome, I just have not had any bad problems with this car - I cant fault it.
Regards
Neil Gough
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