4Y85Z172941 - Thunderbird Registry Number 41386
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41386
4Y85Z172941
1964
76A - F - 52 - 21D - 74 - 1 - 4
Walter Dunn says: I have had a love for 1964 convertible Thunderbirds since I was 13 years old and growing up in Fresno, CA. So I’ve been dreaming a long time. I had been looking for this particular T-Bird for almost three years. One of those years was spent in Afghanistan (2010-2011).
When we moved from Germany, my wife, Alex and I negotiated and agreed to let me pursue this love. Once she gave in, it became her love. She actually found ‘Ladybird’. Oh, our daughter named the T-bird. The car was first purchased July 24, 1964 by Mr. George G. Hooten of Seattle Washington. He owned it until the last year registered in 1979. I have both original Washington plates (AXS095). In 1980, the title and registration transferred to Mrs. Lin Lelani Hooten of Woodlinville, Washington. I first believed that she might be Mr. Hooten’s daughter, but according to her age (71), it’s a better guess that she is his widow. She owned the T-bird until 1980, when she sold it to a Mr. David F. Benishek of Redmond, WA for the sum of $500.00. I believe that Dr. Benishek enjoyed owning this Thunderbird. I have the signed Auto Bill of Sale dated 21 Sept, 1980 with both. Mr. Benishek and Mrs. Hooten signatures. Mr. Benishek is nearly 80, living between Kirkland and Redmond, WA. He does not remember much. However, in 1980, shortly after purchasing her, he took a great interest in restoring this beauty with a modest investment of $3900.00. He had the engine, transmission and brake gone through, along with buying a new top, body and paint work. Adding new carpet and plenty of extras, Dr. Benishek got her back in shape. He sold the T-bird to Erik James and Debra Kola of Portland Oregon. I have the vehicle first registered in Erik’s name July 10, 2000. She would stay with the Kolas until 2010. I would like to thank them for the love that they have shown for ‘Ladybird’ as she has come to be known. According to the records I have from their ownership, L-Bird was will maintained in as close to original condition as possible. In 2006, Mr. Kola had the T-bird appraised by Elan Davis at Matthews Memory Lane of Portland Oregon. Her fair market value appraisal then was $9,000-$10,000. Having to part company, due to financial reason, the car was sold and retitled to Mrs. Teresa M. Van DeVeer- Pratt of McMinnville, Oregon. She bought it as an investment. We have owned Ladybird since September 14, 2012 and she is home. Alex and I have set a re-conditioning plan to bring L-bird back to perfect daily driving condition.
Walter and Alexandra Dunn
10/26/2012
390 V-8
Intact
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