Multi-port fuel injection, a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, automatic dampening, and automatic headlights. One of the more interesting ones was the Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe.įor the time, it offered some seriously advanced technology. As the adage goes, find a better one – and buy it.The Fox-body Mustang gets most of the attention from car enthusiasts these days, but it wasn't the only car Ford built on the Fox platform in the 1980s. The Thunderbird is optioned with upgraded factory audio and the period-cool digital dash. The reliable 5.0 V8 has been religiously maintained, according to the seller, and that adherence to factory maintenance specifications extended to the suspension, transmission, and fuel system. The factory alloys are a surprisingly good look on a non-SC car, too. The topaz / gold / brown color is an unusual find when most Thunderbirds were seemingly optioned in white, red, or black. The taillights were one of the best-looking designs ever made, and I can’t get over how much I like this color with the Thunderbird’s trademark smoked rear lenses. The interior shows no major blemishes, and I have to believe this was a grandma-owned and driven car. I’d argue it may even appreciate a bit if the miles are kept low. Obviously, this isn’t the highest spec example you could get, but with a V8 paired to an automatic and near-new condition, this Thunderbird will treat you nicely for years to come.

Find it here on craigslist with an $8,500 asking price that seems like a relative bargain.

Equipped with the 5.0L V8 and looking like it just rolled out of the showroom, I can’t recall seeing one this nice that wasn’t an SC in years.

While I normally reserve my excitement for Thunderbirds of this vintage for Super Coupe examples, this one with only 12,400 original miles is tough to ignore.

88 ford thunderbird 5.0