Art Ries was just a kid when he spotted a Flair Bird for the first time.
A Flair Bird was the nickname given to Ford Thunderbird models built between 1964 and 1966.
This generation of T-birds was flash, luxury and elegance in one package, so it bowled over its admirers, including a young Art Reis.
Jim Sutherland
It was love at first sight for Art, but it was unrequited love because a Flair Bird was well beyond his financial reach at the time, mainly because he was just a kid. Nevertheless, the iconic Thunderbird model was always on his radar over the ensuing years.
Art was finally able to fulfill his long-held dream to own a Flair Bird three years ago when he bought a 1965 Thunderbird and got behind the wheel of his ideal car.
As mentioned earlier, this generation of Thunderbird models were a combination of luxury and elegance in a sporty package. Art’s T-bird has power everything, including power steering, power brakes, power windows, power radio antenna, power seats- and even a power trunk.
The luxury list continues with factory air conditioning to keep thing cooler inside this very cool T-bird. Other stylish items include fender-mounted turn signal indicator lights that were a fashionable addition to a handful of upscale car models from this era, along with a vinyl roof to enhance its exterior appearance.
Another unique feature on Art’s Thunderbird is its rear sequential signal light system, a novel idea in 1965 that made the car stand out whenever it turned a corner and surprised anyone who watched the rear taillights move in the direction of the turn.
Art’s 1965 Thunderbird is equipped with a 390 cubic-inch four-barrel engine hooked up to its factory Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. The powertrain combination is a smooth performer on the road and is a dependable duo for his ’65 T-bird.
The T-bird was stored in a garage for 20 years, so it avoided a battle with outdoor weather conditions during that time frame. The net result is a car that dodged the bullet for two decades in terms of overall wear and tear.
The ’65 Thunderbird was originally yellow according to Art but now the car is a stylish blue, a color that really blends well with its black vinyl roof.
Art added wide whitewall tires and spoked wheel hubcaps to enhance his T-bird’s luxurious style, two excellent decisions in our opinion here at MyStarCollectorCar. He also added a rear window blind, an option on 1965 Thunderbird models that he wanted on his car.
Another add-on is the curb feeler located on the passenger side of the T-bird. They were antenna-like springy structures that alerted drivers when they were too close to the curb and made a scraping noise when they contacted the concrete.
Art’s 1965 Thunderbird is not only the fulfilled of his long-held dream to own one because the car is also a dream to drive according to him.
The T-bird’s long list of luxury items have made the car’s pleasant driving experience a big part of the dream package for Art.
Jim Sutherland
BY: Jim Sutherland
Jim Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer whose work has been published by many major print and online publications. The list includes Calgary Herald, The Truth About Cars, Red Deer Advocate, RPM Magazine, Edmonton Journal, Montreal Gazette, Windsor Star, Vancouver Province, and Post Media Wheels Section.
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