1 - 1964-66 Thunderbird

Numero Uno - I rate this the best interior design on any car, in any era. Aircraft type toggle switches, sci-fi inspired dials housed in silver spheres, sweeping console, cocktail lounge seating, tastefully applied bright work and appliques. And if a '66 buyer chose the optional overhead console, even better. Power window switches in a center console stylishly integrated in to the overall design - the only minor criticism is the gear selector located on the column rather than the console. Otherwise - perfection.

2 - 1963-65 Buick Riviera

A close second to the mid 60s T-birds. Lots of glistening chrome, a sweeping, steeply angled centre console in (optional) woodgrain and beautifully integrated switchgear and stereo controls. And it goes one better on the T-bird in having the gear selector mounted in the console. Tasteful upholstery designs and colours round out one of the great interiors.

3 - 1966/7 Dodge Charger

The later Chargers had better looks on the outside, but this one - the first - has by far the best interior. Superb full length console that separates both front and rear bucket seats. That makers four buckets, and the rears folded flat to offer an enormous load area long enough to slide your Malibu in through the boot. The seats themselves were tastefully pleated but best of all was the chrome edged, electro-luminescent dash panel with full instrumentation.

4 - C1 Corvette (series II)

It was a slow downhill slide for the instrument panels of Corvettes following the beautifully sculpted dashboard and instruments of the late model C1's of 1958-1962. Sure, the C2's were nice, but not as nice, and the C3 was slightly less so again. With the late C1's - take a look at the way the speedo wraps around the tacho - race inspired, super cool, and rarely if ever bettered. The twin cowled cockpit style dash, bullet proof switch gear, and a stick-shift poking out of a nicely integrated console all added to a great driving experience.

5 - 1965 Pontiac 2+2

Woodgrain, chrome, stick-shift in the console, gauges everywhere, acres of room, ultra cool upholstery and enough room for 5 to stretch their arms all at once - big cars don't come much cooler on the inside than the potent '65 2+2. Having a mighty 421 V8 under the bonnet doesn't hurt either.

In the 1960s Pontiac stole every European name they could get their hands on - Grand Prix, GTO, Le Mans, Parisienne - and 2+2. In Europe a 2+2 was a small sports car with a couple of extra seats squeezed in to the back (the +2). Not so Pontiac - this dreadnought could comfortably seat 6 if a buyer opted for a column shift. But then, the Pontiac boys never did care much about tradition.

About the author

Raph Tripp is the former owner of a 1966 Thunderbird, is a passionate classic car enthusiast and writer, and founder of TunnelRam.net. If you wish to publish this article in part or in whole, please credit Raph Tripp and tunnelram.net . This is an original Tunnel Ram production ©2020 Tunnel Ram. All images remain the property of the original copyright holders.