1974 Ford Thunderbird
Registration no. TJU 587N Chassis no. 4Y87A135850

Bonhams MPH September Auction - Live Auction with Bidding in the Socially Distanced Room, Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding|20 September 2020, 13:00 BST|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1974 Ford Thunderbird
Registration no. TJU 587N
Chassis no. 4Y87A135850

Odometer Reading: TBA
MoT Expiry: TBA

*Two owners from new
*Said to be totally original and un-restored
*Reported to be running and driving well
*Fluids changed and MoT-tested recently

Looking very much like its more expensive Lincoln Continental MkIV sibling, the Ford Thunderbird continued the original T-bird's 'personal car' ethos and reverted to being available exclusively in two-door hardtop (with typically period opera windows) guise. This 1974 model has had two owners and has covered 50,589 miles from new, being bought by a Canadian who kept the car in the less harsh climes of Florida – a move that contributed to the car's preservation. An English ex-pat inherited the car before it crossed the Atlantic to Britain. Our vendor describes the bodywork as 'super straight and free of all but the tiniest of blemishes' and the white paint and off-white vinyl roof as original. The expansive bumpers retain their luster and are knock- and corrosion-free. The interior is original and shows no signs of wear or neglect, the cream seats being sagging-free and the dashboard devoid of cracks or fading. Before coming to the auction the vendor says all the fluids will be changed, a mechanical check-over carried out and a new MoT-test issued.

To Schedule a video condition report for this lot please click here

Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 60/100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 15/25
Body Work: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Glass: 3
Paint: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 12/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Seats: 3
Trim: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 12/20
Mechanical components: 3
Running: 3
Starting: 3
Under Bonnet: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12/20
Axles: 3
Brakes: 3
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Suspension: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6/10
Ancillary components: 3
Main components: 3

Car History File: 3

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Cars