1965 Ford Thunderbird 6.4L Petrol · FDS 153C

Running costs for this vehicle will be significantly higher than a modern car due to the 6.4L petrol engine. Fuel economy will be low, and the vehicle will likely fall into a high tax bracket, although it may benefit from historic vehicle tax exemptions depending on its exact registration status.

Insurance will be based on an agreed value rather than a standard group, which can be costly for a classic of this scale. Maintenance will require specialist knowledge of 1960s Ford V8 engines, and parts may need to be sourced from overseas, increasing the annual upkeep budget.

Although the MOT records from 2022 to 2024 show no defects, you should physically inspect the underbody and chassis for corrosion, which is a common issue for vehicles from this era. Pay close attention to the suspension bushings and steering linkages, as these heavy vehicles put significant stress on their front-end components.

Check the engine bay for any signs of oil leaks and verify the operation of all electrical components, including the lighting and dashboard gauges. Given the 6.4L engine size, check the cooling system for any signs of overheating or leaks, as these engines generate substantial heat in UK traffic.