Aero Bird: 1984 Ford Thunderbird 41K Survivor – SOLD!

August 30th Update – Well that didn’t take long.  The private seller of this T-Bird deleted their Craiglist post, so we’re calling this one “Sold!”

Ford rocked the automotive world in the summer of 1982 when it announced the radically restyled 1983 Thunderbird. Finding that consumers were not buying their square-off, downsized cars, Ford adopted the success of their swoopy European Sierra sedan onto American cars starting with the Thunderbird.  A time capsule version of this Thunderbird generation listed on Craigslist in Bellmore, New York with only 41K original miles and an asking price of $3,200.   Equipped with the standard V6 and not air-conditioned, comparing this price against the NADA Guides Classic Car Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Thunderbird priced within the “Low”, “Average”, and “High” retail value range of $1,440, $2,655, and $4,118, respectively.

Ford produced the ninth generation of the Ford Thunderbird personal luxury coupe for the 1983 to 1988 model years. In response to the lackluster reception of the downsized eighth-generation 1980–1982 Thunderbird, Ford executed a significant redesign for 1983. While remaining a personal luxury coupe (to minimize overlap with the Ford Mustang), the redesign of the Thunderbird marked a transition of the model range, emphasizing performance and handling over outright luxury and comfort content. As a central theme of the design, the ninth-generation Thunderbird marked the introduction of highly aerodynamic body design to Ford vehicles in North America (reducing its drag coefficient from 0.50 to 0.35), followed by similarly designed model lines, including the 1984 Ford Mustang SVO, 1984 Ford Tempo, 1986 Ford Aerostar, and 1986 Ford Taurus.

Though based on the Fox-body platform like the previous Thunderbird, the new car featured a radically sleeker, more aerodynamic body, and a slightly shorter wheelbase of 104.2 inches.  Powering the new Thunderbird remained either Ford’s 3.8 Liter Essex V6 or its popular 5.0 Liter (302 cubic inch) V8 carried over from the previous generation. All-new, and a Thunderbird first, was a turbocharged 2.3 L OHC 4-cylinder engine featured in the 1983 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. The engine initially was rated at 142 horsepower, but by 1985 power was increased to 155 horsepower.  Another Thunderbird first was the availability of a 5-speed manual transmission with the turbocharged four.

Here’s a 30-second commercial used when Ford launched the radical-for-the-time new Thunderbird:

This 1984 vintage Thunderbird reminds us how many options we take for granted on new cars today remained extra-cost luxuries back then. The roll-up windows, lack of airconditioning, and factory AM/FM radio make this an entry-level version of the ninth generation T-Bird that preservation class judges will enjoy judging at AACA events.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“$3,200.00 only 41,000 original miles . Clear title
vintage 1984 ford thunderbird. This car has only 41,000 original miles. The carpet and red velvet seats are looking new. The body is black and absolutely beautiful no rust whatsoever anywhere. Runs smooth great engine/ transmission.
At 39,000 miles the following standard maintenance was done. New battery, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel regulators, air filter,switch and coil, rebuilt carburetor, plugs and wire, muffler and tail pipe and hangers, head lights, front brakes and calipers, rear brakes and drums and more.. I have the receipt. This 39,000 mile tune up , cost $3,680.00.
The car looks great and runs great radio works clock works did not come with air conditioning but can be installed.
Only 41,000 original miles !!!!!!!!!! Must be cleanest original thunderbird around.
Thanks for looking………text or email only

Do you have a Ninth Gen Thunderbird story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!