1969 · Ford · United States
1969 Ford Thunderbird: A Whole-Line Total and Little Else
Fifth-generation Thunderbird; only the whole-line production total was found.
United States · researched through 2026-09-23
This record's own overview states that Wikipedia's fifth-generation production table gives 49,272 Thunderbirds for 1969 across all bodies and engines, and that Automotive Mileposts gives the split by body; this record's own dek states plainly that only the whole-line production total was found for the year, with no engine, option or body-and-seat-type figures beyond the total itself carrying a named source.1
This record's own overview also states that Wikipedia lists the 429 385-series V-8 at 360 horsepower SAE gross among fifth-generation engines but does not tie that rating to specific model years, and that no 1969 catalog was read; the Automotive Mileposts specifications page is what ties the 360 horsepower figure to 1969, as its code N 429 ThunderJet row, with rating basis and rpm not stated. This record's own engines section carries that single entry, and its own specifications section carries 19 rows from the same page: the engine's bore and stroke of 4.36 by 3.59 inches and its 10.5 to 1 compression ratio, the two transmission codes U and Z, the rear-axle code list, and dimensions and weights by two-door and four-door body. This record's own transmissions, performance, identification, conflicts and unpublished-leads sections remain empty for 1969.1,2
This record's own production section breaks the 49,272 total into three bodies further split by bench or bucket seating, all from Automotive Mileposts: 5,913 Tudor Hardtops built as 3,552 bench-seat cars and 2,361 bucket-seat cars, 27,664 Tudor Landaus built as 15,239 bench and 12,425 bucket, and 15,695 Fordor Landaus built as 13,712 bench and 1,983 bucket. This record's own production notes repeat that no citable split by engine or option installation was found for the year, leaving body and seat type as the only breakdown available for 1969.2
This record's own prices section shows a second mid-year running change for the generation, this one dated February 1, 1969 and tied explicitly to head restraints in its own row labels: the Tudor Hardtop rises from $4,807 to $4,824, the Tudor Landau from $4,947 to $4,964, and the Fordor Landau from $5,026 to $5,043, each pair differing by $17. This record's own options section separately lists Adjustable Head Restraints at $17 and notes they became standard after January 1, 1969, matching the price-row change almost to the day.2
This record's own options section itemizes 50 entries in total, priced individually by Automotive Mileposts. Among them, this record's own text flags two entries new for 1969, the Tilt-Away Steering Wheel at $66.14 and separate Convenience Check Groups priced at $77.73 for two-door bodies and $101.10 for four-door bodies, and one running change besides the head restraints, Cornering Side Lights at $33.70 that this record's own text says became standard early in production. Other entries include a Reclining Passenger Seat at $41.49, Highway Pilot Control at $97.21, and an AM/FM Stereo Radio at $150.29.2
This record's own paint table carries 20 colours, each given both a letter code and a name, opening with A for Raven Black, B for Royal Maroon and C for Black Jade Metallic and continuing through G for Lilac Frost Metallic, H for Diamond Green and I for Lime Gold Metallic, all sourced to the same Automotive Mileposts paint page. This record's own interiors section carries 22 trims, again organized around the bench-and-bucket seating split that runs through this record's own production data, leaving the overview, production, prices, options, paint and interiors sections as this record's own only sources for 1969.2
Fact sheet · 1969 · United States
The numbers
1969 Ford Thunderbird — Fifth-generation Thunderbird; only the whole-line production total was found.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-23.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Thunderbirds, 1969 model year (every series, body and engine)1,2 not stated by source Whole-line total, not a performance-configuration count. | 49,272 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tudor Hardtop2 Thunderbird · Tudor Hardtop · as published | 5,913 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Tudor Landau2 Thunderbird · Tudor Landau · as published | 27,664 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Fordor Landau2 Thunderbird · Fordor Landau · as published | 15,695 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tudor Hardtop, bench seat2 Thunderbird · Tudor Hardtop, bench seat · as published | 3,552 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Tudor Hardtop, bucket seats2 Thunderbird · Tudor Hardtop, bucket seats · as published | 2,361 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Tudor Landau, bench seat2 Thunderbird · Tudor Landau, bench seat · as published | 15,239 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Tudor Landau, bucket seats2 Thunderbird · Tudor Landau, bucket seats · as published | 12,425 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Fordor Landau, bench seat2 Thunderbird · Fordor Landau, bench seat · as published | 13,712 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Fordor Landau, bucket seats2 Thunderbird · Fordor Landau, bucket seats · as published | 1,983 | built, model-year | Reported |
No citable production split by body style, engine or option was found for this year; the only production figure is the whole-line total.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Thunderbird Tudor Hardtop, at introduction2 | $4,807 | base price as compiled by the site, 1969 model year |
| Thunderbird Tudor Hardtop, after 1 February 1969 (head restraints)2 | $4,824 | base price as compiled by the site, 1969 model year |
| Thunderbird Tudor Landau, at introduction2 | $4,947 | base price as compiled by the site, 1969 model year |
| Thunderbird Tudor Landau, after 1 February 19692 | $4,964 | base price as compiled by the site, 1969 model year |
| Thunderbird Fordor Landau, at introduction2 | $5,026 | base price as compiled by the site, 1969 model year |
| Thunderbird Fordor Landau, after 1 February 19692 | $5,043 | base price as compiled by the site, 1969 model year |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| N · 429 ThunderJet V-82 429 cu in | 360 hp (period advertised gross as reported) | the only engine on the source page | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
New option for '69 Tilt-Away Steering Wheel2 | $66.14 | Not yet sourced |
|
Reclining Passenger Seat (Full-width or bucket seats)2 | $41.49 | Not yet sourced |
|
Adjustable Head Restraints (Standard after January 1, 1969)2 | $17 | Not yet sourced |
|
Highway Pilot Control2 | $97.21 | Not yet sourced |
|
Convenience Check Group, 2-door (new for '69)2 | $77.73 | Not yet sourced |
|
Convenience Check Group, 4-door (new for '69)2 | $101.10 | Not yet sourced |
|
AM/FM Stereo Radio2 | $150.29 | Not yet sourced |
|
Cornering Side Lights (became standard early in production)2 | $33.70 | Not yet sourced |
|
SelectAire Conditioner (Manual Temperature Control)2 | $427.07 | Not yet sourced |
|
SelectAire Conditioner (Automatic Temperature Control)2 | $499.22 | Not yet sourced |
|
Rear Lamp Monitor2 | $25.91 | Not yet sourced |
|
Dual Rear Seat Radio Speakers (AM Radio only)2 | $33.07 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power Radio Antenna2 | $28.97 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power Deck Lid Release2 | $14.85 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power Windows2 | $109.22 | Not yet sourced |
|
Electric Defrost and Tinted Rear Window New option for '692 | $84.25 | Not yet sourced |
|
Rear Window Defogger (Blower type)2 | $22.33 | Not yet sourced |
|
Tinted Glass2 | $47.49 | Not yet sourced |
|
Deluxe Wheel Covers2 | $57.08 | Not yet sourced |
|
Nuts (Argent or Color-Keyed) New for '692 | $35.70 | Not yet sourced |
|
Limited-Slip Differential2 | $46.69 | Not yet sourced |
|
Heavy-Duty Suspension2 | $27.99 | Not yet sourced |
|
White Sidewall Tires2 | $42.88 | Not yet sourced |
|
Red Band White Sidewall Tires2 | $52.04 | Not yet sourced |
|
Fiberglass Belted White Sidewall Tires2 | $75.43 | Not yet sourced |
|
215 R15 Michelin Radial-Ply White Sidewall Tires2 | $101.30 | Not yet sourced |
|
Dual Chamber Tires with unique Whitewall Design New for '69 (Goodyear2 | $196.80 | Not yet sourced |
|
Deluxe Seat Belts2 | $15.59 | Not yet sourced |
|
Deluxe Front and Rear Shoulder Belts2 | $15.60 | Not yet sourced |
|
Rear Shoulder Belts2 | $27.06 | Not yet sourced |
|
Sure-Track Brake Control System2 | $194.31 | Not yet sourced |
|
Flight Bucket Seats and Command Console2 | $64.77 | Not yet sourced |
|
AM Pushbutton Radio/StereoSonic Tape System2 | $128.49 | Not yet sourced |
|
Four-Note Horn2 | $15.59 | Not yet sourced |
|
Brougham Cloth and Vinyl Interior (Full-width seat)2 | $161.98 | Not yet sourced |
|
Brougham Cloth and Vinyl Interior (Bucket seats)2 | $129.54 | Not yet sourced |
|
Brougham Leather and Vinyl Interior (Bucket seats required)2 | $194.31 | Not yet sourced |
|
Supplemental Stop Lamps2 | $33.70 | Not yet sourced |
|
Appearance Protection Group, 2-door2 | $25.28 | Not yet sourced |
|
Appearance Protection Group, 4-door2 | $29.17 | Not yet sourced |
|
High Ratio Axle2 | $6.53 | Not yet sourced |
|
Bodyside Protection Moulding2 | $45.40 | Not yet sourced |
|
Spare Tire Cover2 | $5.25 | Not yet sourced |
|
Body Accent Stripe (Red/White/Black)2 | $13.90 | Not yet sourced |
|
Right Exterior Rearview Mirror2 | $6.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
Visor Vanity Mirror2 | $3.79 | Not yet sourced |
|
Deck Lid Luggage Rack2 | $32.45 | Not yet sourced |
|
Luggage (Researching Price)2 | — | Not yet sourced |
|
Automatic Headlight Dimmer (Special Order)2 | $51.20 | Not yet sourced |
|
Automatic Ride Control2 | $89.94 | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
A |
Raven Black2 | Not yet sourced |
B |
Royal Maroon2 | Not yet sourced |
C |
Black Jade (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
G |
Lilac Frost (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
H |
Diamond Green2 | Not yet sourced |
I |
Lime Gold (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
J |
Midnight Aqua (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
K |
Midnight Orchid (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
M |
Wimbledon White2 | Not yet sourced |
N |
Diamond Blue2 | Not yet sourced |
Q |
Brittany Blue (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
R |
Morning Gold2 | Not yet sourced |
S |
Champagne Gold (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
T |
Candyapple Red2 | Not yet sourced |
U |
Tahoe Turquoise (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
V |
Copper Flame (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
W |
Meadowlark Yellow2 | Not yet sourced |
X |
Presidential Blue (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
Y |
Indian Fire (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
Z |
Oxford Gray (Metallic)2 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
4A |
Black; ALL-VINYL FULL-WIDTH FRONT SEAT2 | Not yet sourced |
4B |
Dark Blue; ALL-VINYL FULL-WIDTH FRONT SEAT2 | Not yet sourced |
4D |
Red; ALL-VINYL FULL-WIDTH FRONT SEAT2 | Not yet sourced |
4W |
White; ALL-VINYL FULL-WIDTH FRONT SEAT2 | Not yet sourced |
4Y |
Nugget Gold; ALL-VINYL FULL-WIDTH FRONT SEAT2 | Not yet sourced |
2A |
Black; ALL-VINYL BUCKET FRONT SEATS AND CONSOLE2 | Not yet sourced |
2B |
Dark Blue; ALL-VINYL BUCKET FRONT SEATS AND CONSOLE2 | Not yet sourced |
2D |
Red; ALL-VINYL BUCKET FRONT SEATS AND CONSOLE2 | Not yet sourced |
2G |
Ivy Gold (Dark Green); ALL-VINYL BUCKET FRONT SEATS AND CONSOLE2 | Not yet sourced |
2W |
White; ALL-VINYL BUCKET FRONT SEATS AND CONSOLE2 | Not yet sourced |
2Y |
Nugget Gold; ALL-VINYL BUCKET FRONT SEATS AND CONSOLE2 | Not yet sourced |
3A |
Black; BROUGHAM CLOTH AND VINYL FULL-WIDTH FRONT SEAT2 | Not yet sourced |
3B |
Dark Blue; BROUGHAM CLOTH AND VINYL FULL-WIDTH FRONT SEAT2 | Not yet sourced |
3D |
Red (4-Door model only); BROUGHAM CLOTH AND VINYL FULL-WIDTH FRONT SEAT2 | Not yet sourced |
3Y |
Nugget Gold; BROUGHAM CLOTH AND VINYL FULL-WIDTH FRONT SEAT2 | Not yet sourced |
3G |
Ivy Gold (Dark Green); BROUGHAM CLOTH AND VINYL FULL-WIDTH FRONT SEAT2 | Not yet sourced |
1A |
Black; AND CONSOLE2 | Not yet sourced |
1B |
Dark Blue; AND CONSOLE2 | Not yet sourced |
1D |
Red (2-Door models only); AND CONSOLE2 | Not yet sourced |
1Y |
Nugget Gold; AND CONSOLE2 | Not yet sourced |
8A |
Black; AND CONSOLE (Available in all models)2 | Not yet sourced |
8W |
White; AND CONSOLE (Available in all models)2 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Engine code N: 429 cubic inch ThunderJet V-8 power2 | 360 hp | Engine code N; rating basis and rpm not stated on the page; 4-barrel Motorcraft carburetor with dual exhaust system |
| Engine code N: bore and stroke2 | 4.36 x 3.59 in | Engine code N; compression ratio 10.5:1 |
| Transmission codes2 | U = SelectShift Automatic (C6); Z = SelectShift Automatic (C6 Special) | Transmission codes as paired by the column order of the page |
| Rear axle ratios by code2 | 4 = 2.80:1 conventional; 6 = 3.00:1 conventional; M = 2.80:1 limited slip; O = 3.00:1 limited slip | Rear axle codes as printed |
| Wheelbase2 | 114.7 in | Two-door models |
| Overall length2 | 206.9 in | Two-door models |
| Width2 | 77.3 in | Two-door models |
| Height2 | 52.3 in | Two-door models |
| Weight (basis not stated on the page)2 | 4,348 lb | Tudor Hardtop |
| Weight (basis not stated on the page)2 | 4,360 lb | Tudor Landau |
| Wheelbase2 | 117.2 in | Four-door model |
| Overall length2 | 209.4 in | Four-door model |
| Width2 | 77.3 in | Four-door model |
| Height2 | 53.4 in | Four-door model |
| Weight (basis not stated on the page)2 | 4,460 lb | Four-door model |
| Front tread2 | 62 in | Front suspension: drag-strut, ball-joint type; rubber-bushed stabilizer |
| Rear tread2 | 62 in | Rear suspension: three-link coil spring system; rubber-bushed lateral track bar |
| Steering ratio2 | 21.8 to 1 | All 1969 bodies |
| Turning diameter (curb or wall basis not stated)2 | 42 ft | All 1969 bodies |
Identification
Read a 1969 Ford VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1969
- AMC AMX The two-seat AMX's biggest year: 8,293 cars by the enthusiast production table, with a mid-year run of Big Bad colors and 52 Hurst-built Super Stock AMXs for NHRA drag racing.
- AMC Javelin Production fell to 40,675, but the 1969 Javelin added the Big Bad colors, with 2,282 cars painted blue, green or orange, plus the Mod package.
- AMC Rebel and Rebel Machine A base and SST Rebel with no convertible. The Big Bad colors were test-marketed through the New York–New Jersey 'Raider' hardtop. This is host-car context for the 1970 Machine.
- Buick Riviera Another record at 52,872 Rivieras; 5,272 had the GS handling option.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX GS production fell to 12,465, and the GS 400's Stage 1 package became a factory option while Stage 2 stayed a dealer item.
- Buick Wildcat 67,453 Wildcats; the last year of the 430.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS Super Sport became RPO Z25 option equipment, available for 1969 only on the 300 Deluxe coupes as well as Malibu sport coupe, convertible and El Camino.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova SS is RPO Z26 per the source, with L48, L34 and L78 engines. Enthusiast-compiled production: 251,849 cars; Super Sport 17,564.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS SS 396 became RPO Z25 option equipment, orderable on the V8 Malibu El Camino (13680); the El Camino share of the 86,307 Z25s is not separately published.
- Chevrolet Impala SS Only the SS427 (RPO Z24) remains; the reported count ranges from 2,425 to about 2,455.
- Dodge Charger The second-generation Charger's peak-sales year added the SE package and the aero-bodied Charger 500 and Charger Daytona homologation cars, whose production totals are still disputed.
- Dodge Coronet R/T and Super Bee The Super Bee added a hardtop body and the 440 Six Pack, while the 440-powered Coronet R/T continued as the upscale hardtop and convertible.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon The low-priced Swinger 340 arrived and outsold the GTS by more than two to one (16,637 against about 6,700), while a 375 hp 440 joined the GTS options.
- Ford Fairlane The Fairlane hardtop was the intermediate line's volume leader, while the Fairlane 500 SportsRoof shared its body with the Torino GT, Cobra and Talladega.
- Ford Ranchero GT The Ranchero GT carried Torino GT trim; 1,658 GTs were built, per reference-site counts in the Standard Catalog lineage.
- Ford Torino The Torino GT carried most of the line's volume, the 428 Cobra Jet was in its first full year, and the Talladega aero fastback was built in a short run at Atlanta to homologate a NASCAR nose.
- Mercury Comet and Cyclone The Cyclone fastback came as Cyclone and Cyclone CJ, mid-year Spoilers carried Dan Gurney and Cale Yarborough graphics, and the extended-nose Cyclone Spoiler II was built at Lorain for NASCAR homologation.
- Mercury Cougar A longer, restyled Cougar added a convertible, the Boss 302 arrived in April, and the Eliminator replaced the GT as the performance Cougar.
- Mercury Marauder and S-55 The Marauder name returned on a full-size hardtop, and the X-100 carried the 360 hp 429 four-barrel as its only engine.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds The 4-4-2 kept its 400 while the second Hurst/Olds, in white and gold with a 380 hp 455, went into production at about 900 cars.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda The last A-body Barracuda introduced the 'Cuda name as a stripped performance package with a standard 340, alongside Formula S and a midyear 440.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite The GTX shared the Road Runner's new Air Grabber scoop and Super Track Pack but sold 15,602 cars, fewer than a fifth of the cheaper Road Runner.
- Plymouth Road Runner A convertible joined the coupe and hardtop, the 440 Six Barrel arrived at mid-year, and the Road Runner reached its production peak of 84,420.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am The last first-generation Firebird, and the mid-year debut of the Trans Am package: 697 cars by the commonly published count, eight of them convertibles.
- Pontiac GTO Three four-barrel 400s under one nameplate, and the first year of the Judge package built around Ram Air power.
- Pontiac Grand Prix A new 118-inch Grand Prix with the SJ and a 390 hp 428 HO: production more than tripled to 112,486.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The last year of the OHC Sprint six and the 350 HO.
- Rambler American and SC/Rambler AMC and Hurst put the 315-hp 390 V8 and a close-ratio four-speed into the compact Rambler hardtop for NHRA F/Stock. 1,512 were built, and the split between the two paint schemes is disputed.