Supercharged Stick Shift: 1990 Ford Thunderbird SC – SOLD!

December 9, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

We often forget that there was a time – not that long ago, really – when Ford put stick shifts and superchargers in cars other than the Mustang. This 1990 Ford Thunderbird SC is a rare bird, featuring three pedals and a supercharged V6. It has only 54,000 original miles and was originally listed in December 2021 on Craigslist in Nanuet, New York (Long Island) with almost all of its original equipment and an asking price of $11,900. Comparing this price against the NADA Price Guide confirms this private seller is taking into account the scarcity of this model, especially when equipped with the manual gearbox, as NADA pegs the “High” retail at just $3,625.

The early 90s were a fun time to be a Ford fan. The bench was deep, loaded up with sporty models that went well beyond just the five-liter Mustangs. Even with the Mustang lineup, you could sample different varieties from the likes of Saleen and ASC McLaren. The Thunderbird also got served up a few different ways, including as a Turbo Coupe in the late 1980s wherein it shared its powerplant with the limited-production Mustang SVO. The next-generation model moved onto a supercharged V6 while still keeping the three-pedal option. Obviously, these were big cars, so handling was sharpened up as much as possible with active suspension components and sway bars, but it was still better suited as an American GT rather than your weekend track toy.

The Motorweek Retro Review Channel provides a vintage test drive of an ’89 Ford Thunderbird SC from the year the model launched:

The seller’s car is built just the way I’d want one, with a red-over-black color combination and manual gearbox, not to mention bone-stock condition. Of course, you can’t be blamed for seeing if there’s more power to be had by making any number of simple upgrades possible on a supercharged vehicle, but it’s still preferable to buy one that doesn’t have any obvious signs of prior abuse. The seller lists off all the various pieces of equipment that remain original to the car, which is certainly good to see. While this was a fun era of FoMoCo products, they haven’t exactly blown up in value, nor have the later SVT cars like the Focus and the Contour. Road test editors liked them at the time, so perhaps the greatest sin cars like these commit is the act of being familiar. This Thunderbird SC looks like a stunner – good luck with the purchase if you decide to bring it home!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Up for sale is my 1990 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe. Super Charged V6. Manual transmission. Beautiful Red Color with Dark Gray/ Black interior. These cars were rare to see in 1990. Low Original Miles. Drives like a dream. Clutch is tight steering is tight. Comes with manuals, Original radio, the original window sticker, and tons of records. You have to see it to fully appreciate it. Please see some additional pics below.“

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