1966 Thunderbird Formula Jr.

[Sherry]

My Dad bought this boat new in 66'. He told me not many were made and I've never seen another one. Anyone know anything about the Formula Jr.?

[Cuda]

What's he going to do with it?

[sweet 16 1966]

I went back and read some of the old threads when you search for Formula Jr.
Interesting and lots of history! I had to come back to say it has good looking lines for a small boat. Rustnrot, don't you have a project going?

[Sherry]

Dad passed away and now I have it. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with it yet. I remember my Dad going so fast in this boat it used to scare me as a young girl. I started her up & she's still as loud as I remember too. Brought back some good memories of fun times.

[boldts]

Me thinks this Formula Jr. needs to be at Lake Cumberland May 18th thru 21st! Maybe even Formula Jr. would find a way to make it back from Oregon? Very nice looking Formula. Hope you decide to keep her and find the joy that the boat brought to your father.

[LKSD]

RESTORE HER!! It's a neat boat.. :) Jamie :)

[Cuda]

I was wondering what I was going to do with this extra engine and drive I have. :)

[BUIZILLA]

Cuda's got a woodie.... :biggrin:

[noisynova]

It seems to be a rare boat, also has very nice lines. It needs to be restored.

[Lenny]

I like the fact that it has DONZI vents on it, instead of the clamshells.

Seems they shared some parts on 188th back then ;)

Nice boat. RESTORE IT.

[MOP]

I worked on one of those years back, the guy wiped out the shaft knuckles try to trim using the old stringer drive tilt. He wanted to put in the trim unit but decided not to when we gave him the estimate. For those of you that don't know that setup the front of the engine raised/lowered pivoting the entire engine and drive on the back mounts, it worked well enough but required enough room above the engine to be used. I wonder if this one has trim that may be the reason for the reverse manifolds, with that type of trim short hoses going to the through hulls would not last very long.

[olredalert]

------Very cool boat!!! You are correct, of course Lenny. Those vents were made right here in Algonac Michigan. This piece of history deserves a full blown, all out restoration by someone with credentials.........Bill S

[Sherry]

I'm on the Gulf Coast in Punta Gorda. Where are some of these "get togethers"? We have a huge harbor here, but no boat shows or races that I know of. Where can I find out what's going on in South Florida? Thanks.

[Dredgeking]

sweet piece of classic history. i would love to see it restored.

[indamusic123]

Im intrested in this boat? Is it for sale and if so whats the asking price?

[Dredgeking]

Good to see you working on it. Must be sweet to know you have a hell of a classic.

[sweet 16 1966]

Rustnrot,
Do you still have the 16' hull?
Just checking!

[dwiggl]

My Dad bought this boat new in 66'. He told me not many were made and I've never seen another one. Anyone know anything about the Formula Jr.?

Sherry,
Did I understand, correctly, that this boat is in Oregon?
Would you be willing to show it to me?
I travel up there regularly.
Don

[Formula Jr]

Welcome to Donzi Land Dwigg!

Scott's referance was to my Jr, which is in Oregon.
If you are looking for a clean one, you will have a difficult time.
This is clearly a boat that just isn't available in a high state of condition at any price in the market. JW ARE YOU LISTENING?
I've personally only seen three that were fully restored.
And only one completely updated to the level of a typical Vintage Donzi 18. I kick myself for not buying the only completely updated one I ever seen for 6,700, that was in Philidelphia four years ago.
Nationally, only about twenty have been found in the six years
of people on this board keeping an eye for them. They had build years from 1965 to 1971 in Fiberglas. The same hull was used for later Formulas but not the deck or the aft topsides, so the mold was changed in '71.

If you are looking for a clean 18, then, that is no problem:
A Clean Jr is a bit harder.

"The Bay" was a great place to growup in.

Owen

[ttools]

My friend has a 1966 formula Jr. Thunderbird 289. It was Purchase at the 1966 New York Boat Show, With Stainless Steel Trailer, and the Engine is a Ford 289 with Holman Moody stamped all over it. Its in great shape, And he wants to sell it. I just have know Idea what its worth.

[Formula Jr]

Could you post this as a new thread in the other Boats section?