Every collector car has a story — but few are as extraordinary as the one that unfolded at a recent Sullivan Auctioneers event in Carthage, Illinois.
On June 11, 2025, Dan Starnes walked into our collector car auction and spotted something that stopped him in his tracks: a dark green 1969 Ford Thunderbird Landau. It wasn’t just a beautiful piece of American automotive history — it was his history.
“I took my driver’s license test when I was 16 in this car,” Dan told reporters. “A lot of memories — going to the drive-in, going on vacation, and doing dumb things that you do when you're a young high school kid with a powerful engine.”
As WGEM News reported, Dan had been searching for this exact car for more than 50 years. It had originally belonged to his parents, who purchased it brand new in 1969. When they sold it in 1975, Dan — just 17 at the time — never forgot it. Fast-forward to 2025, and fate brought the car back into his life at a Sullivan Auctioneers auction. Inside the glovebox, he found the original paperwork with his father’s name and address, confirming the incredible discovery.
“When I first realized it was the car, I think I was in a little bit of shock,” Dan said. “It was a big moment.”
About the Car: 1969 Ford Thunderbird Landau
The 1969 Ford Thunderbird was a standout model in the fifth generation of the Thunderbird line, produced by Ford from 1967 to 1971. Designed as a luxury cruiser, the '69 T-Bird blended power, elegance, and innovation.
Here are the specs from the actual auction listing:
- Model: 1969 Ford Thunderbird Sedan
- Mileage: 58,806 miles showing
- Engine: 429 ThunderJet V8
- Transmission: Automatic
- Features: Power steering, power brakes, factory air conditioning, power windows and locks (non-working)
- Exterior: Black vinyl top over Dark Green Metallic paint
- Interior: Plush green cloth with front and rear bench seats
- Other Details: Suicide doors, 15" wheels, radial tires
The 429 ThunderJet V8, introduced in 1968, was a 7.0L big-block engine capable of delivering serious horsepower and torque. Paired with the Thunderbird’s bold styling and long, luxurious body, it made for an unforgettable driving experience — especially for a teenage Dan Starnes.
“It takes me back,” Dan said. “I sit in it, and it just feels like old home. They say you can’t go home again, but I’m doing a bit of it here now.”
A Collector Car With Heart
This story isn’t just about a car — it’s about the powerful emotional connections people have to the vehicles that shaped their lives. For Dan, rediscovering his dad’s Thunderbird was like flipping back through a cherished family photo album.
Craig Hoyer, Collector Cars Manager at Sullivan Auctioneers, helped confirm the car’s origin:
“We’ll do some of the research, but mostly if someone can find some pretty bulletproof evidence that it was their dad’s or mom’s car, that’s what we need. Dan was able to do that.”
Even more incredible? The car never left Adams County. It had been sitting just a few towns over for decades, quietly waiting to be rediscovered.
You Never Know What You'll Find
At BigIron & Sullivan Auctioneers, we believe every car has a story — and you might just find the next chapter at one of our upcoming auctions. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with a car from your past or make a new automotive memory, our collector car events offer a wide range of vehicles with soul, style, and history.
Explore What’s Coming Up Next
Visit our website to stay up to date on upcoming collector car auctions, browse past highlights, and be the first to know when the next chance to find your dream car rolls around.
