Aladdin’s Dream: The Wild Custom 1967 Ford Thunderbird by Dave Miglietto

Dreamcrafted Legend - Some cars are more than just vehicles—they are expressions of imagination, a mix of craftsmanship and bold creativity. One such marvel from the world of custom cars is “Aladdin's Dream,” a 1967 Ford Thunderbird transformed into something entirely unique by Dave Miglietto of Miglietto Custom Shop. What makes this Thunderbird truly captivating is not just the car itself, but the story behind its creation and the hands that shaped it.

The 1967 Ford Thunderbird Custom ‘Aladdin’s Dream’ by Dave Miglietto made its final appearance dressed in striking red candy paint that covered its entire body. (Picture from: Carakoom)

Dave Miglietto, a name respected in the custom car scene, took a standard 5th generation Thunderbird and envisioned a completely new persona for it. Working alongside Jack Kennedy, Miglietto pushed the car far beyond its factory appearance. The pair stretched both the front and rear of the body, likely crafting the extensions from fiberglass—a delicate process that demanded precision and skill. The result was a Thunderbird with a dramatically elongated nose, a bold design choice that certainly challenged the typical expectations of a 1967 model. Originally, the car gleamed in a pearl white finish, emphasizing its sleek contours and ambitious proportions. 

At its first showing, the 1967 Ford Thunderbird Custom ‘Aladdin’s Dream’ by Dave Miglietto shone in a pearl white finish that accentuated its sleek lines and bold proportions. (Picture from: Kustomrama)

The interior of Aladdin's Dream received just as much attention as its exterior. Ken Foster and Jan Hunter of A Action Interiors created custom upholstery that married comfort with artistic flair, turning the cabin into a showcase of personalized style. Under the hood, performance enhancements were handled by Gerry Fellman, while wheels, tires, and other speed-related equipment were provided by Tognottis Speed Shop. Each element of the car demonstrates a thoughtful blend of aesthetics and functionality, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the custom car culture in the 1970s. 

The 1967 Ford Thunderbird Custom ‘Aladdin’s Dream’ by Dave Miglietto went far beyond its factory form, featuring front and rear body extensions likely crafted from fiberglass through a precise and skillful process. (Picture from: Veszes.hu)

Technically, the car appears to have been well maintained, though detailed mechanical reports are scarce. Given its construction and the care taken during its modifications, it’s likely that Aladdin's Dream remains in sound condition—a tribute to the dedication of its original creators and the craftsmanship invested in every inch of the vehicle. 

The 1967 Ford Thunderbird Custom ‘Aladdin’s Dream’ by Dave Miglietto featured an interior crafted with the same dedication as its exterior, with Ken Foster and Jan Hunter of A Action Interiors designing custom upholstery that blended comfort and artistic flair into a uniquely personalized cabin. (Picture from: Veszes.hu)

Over the years, Aladdin's Dream changed hands but continued to be cherished by enthusiasts. After its time at Miglietto Custom Shop, the car became part of Mike "Blackie" Gejeian’s legendary collection in Fresno, California, where it stayed until Blackie’s passing in 2016. During this period, the Thunderbird received a fresh coat of Red candy metallic paint, giving it a new vibrancy while preserving the originality of Miglietto’s design. 

The 1967 Ford Thunderbird Custom ‘Aladdin’s Dream’ by Dave Miglietto showcased a dramatically elongated rear end with sculpted lines and smooth fiberglass contours that perfectly complemented its futuristic style. (Picture from: Veszes.hu)

By May 2018, David Novelo noted the car still retained its striking character, cared for by Blackie’s family. Aladdin's Dream is more than a custom Thunderbird—it is a snapshot of an era when imagination, collaboration, and technical skill combined to create cars that were both art and performance.  | FUMsqJxNaeE |

Every stretched panel, every tailored interior detail, and every engineered enhancement tells the story of a vehicle that was dreamed into existence, a lasting reminder that in the world of custom cars, creativity knows no bounds. *** [EKA | KUSTOMRAMA | BARNFINDS | VESZES.HU | CARAKOOM ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.