I was twelve when the seventh generation of the Ford Thunderbird was introduced in 1977, and so into cars that it interfered with my ability to focus on schoolwork, a challenge I’m guessing many of our readers also faced during their developmental years. One of the autos my young mind daydreamed about owning someday was a T-Bird from this era with T-Tops, but at my age now, a sunroof might be preferable. This 1978 Ford Thunderbird here on Craigslist has got you covered in the open roof department, plus it’s also the upscale Diamond Jubilee Edition. The 13k miles on the odometer are claimed as original, so if you’re in the market for a well-kept personal luxury offering from this period, this one’s probably worth checking out. Warren, New Jersey is your travel destination to see this beauty in person, and bring along $19,000 for a sure sale.
We’d like to thank reader Mitchell G. for his great tip here! Anytime there’s an ultra low-mileage claim, it’s always a plus if there’s a great story to go along, like if Grandma bought the car new and it sat in her garage for 40 years after she stopped driving. We don’t get much in the way of confirmed history here, but the photos show a level of preservation, fit, and finish that make the 13k believable. The seller describes this one as all original, so I assume that includes the paint, and I’m not spotting much outside to make me think this isn’t the real deal. Even the four original tires are included in the sale, although they’ve been removed and a new set of skins has been added.
The Diamond Jubilee package was offered in 1978 to celebrate Ford’s 75th anniversary as an auto manufacturer, and it included all optional items on the base Thunderbird except for a moonroof. It’s great that the original buyer opted for the roof glass, so this one’s about as loaded as these cars can get. The condition inside looks about as good as the exterior, and I love how there are gauges in front of the driver instead of warning lights. Rear passengers in the DJ models got somewhat less outside visibility, as a luxurious vinyl roof covered what would be the rear side windows on other T-Birds of this vintage.
The original 351 V8 engine provides power here, and with such a small amount of travel, the drivetrain should have years of dependable service left for the next owner to enjoy. The seller says the car runs, drives, and stops great, so I hope this one ends up in the hands of someone who will continue providing the same level of care it’s been given for the last 47 years. What are your thoughts on this 1978 Ford Thunderbird Diamond Jubilee, and its asking price of $19k?
absolutely beautifull, i always associate these with the Charlie’s Angel’s era.
Would to have one with Farrah as my traveling sidekick.
My mom dated a guy with a t bird that had a phone in the console. He let me call my mom and after she was amazed at tech, I called my best car but buddy to tell him how cool that t bird was.
Probably 73 or 74 but looks similar.
These were everywhere in the late-70’s and early-80’s. They were much better than the downsized 1980 model. I haven’t seen one in years, the California emission testing regimen, which is basically state mandated obsolescence, doomed them and nearly every other mid-70’s and later vehicle to a premature trip to the crusher.
These are nice, not sure if the market will support the asking price, but as sellers know, you can always lower the price.
Steve R
Gorgeous car, every option, I wish I could buy it. I wonder if the 400 engine was available in this car.
Almost every option. I don’t see leather seats or factory CB radio, but everything else is there as far as I can tell from the photos. And yes, 400 was available in 77&78 Thunderbirds. This one looks to have either the 351M or 400 in it.
He mentions how much these are bringing on BAT. I’m sorry but BAT prices are way too high. Also says if it don’t sell it’s going to Mecum in the spring. I’d bet it brings low teens which would be more in line with what I’m thinking.
I always liked these. I had a Trans-Am but I rode in one of these some. Never drove one. It may be worth 19k if it’s in really good shape. I wouldn’t mind having it.
This is a beautiful T Bird. Great color combination. I always liked the roof treatment on these, when they did away with the large back side windows, And left the small window on the pillar. This is a gorgeous interior too. 351 isn’t even broken in yet. Very nice, hope it goes to a good home and stays this nice.
Thunderbirds have been all over the map as to their size, position in the market, price, etc. In the category “large personal luxury coupe”, this is pretty much peak Thunderbird. For some, it would be considered overdone, maybe even gaudy; but I think it is great. Pricey, but looks barely used. I’d be glad to own it.
Although my favorite Thunderbirds were 75 and 76, THIS Diamond Jubilee is a real gem 💎. The Formal roof with limo look makes it a stand out. Truly a triumphant salute to Fords Anniversary. The ultimate Thunderbird and sadly the LAST before Thunderbird steadily rolled down hill. Although beyond my capabilities and means, I wish 🤞, I wish 🤞 😪. Well I wish this rare survivor finds a home where it will be appreciated.
As close as one could get to a Lincoln Mark V. Gorgeous car, and it still wouldn’t fit in my garage. GLWTS!
Simply gorgeous. The first three today had me concerned.
Wow! This Thunderbird is terrific! This is the exact color and model of the one at the Kansas City car show in 1977. As the Thunderbird rotated on the turntable, it glistened in the lights above and yelled look at me! I did and I remember. What has happened to Ford and the preceding years? They produce nothing head turning today, just a bunch of trucks. Pathetic turn of events! They offer no glamour nor sophistication of design. All of the body configurations the car is used to sport are gone. All Ford offers is a bunch of trucks and SUVs. This is not progress!
My opinion $19k is to high I might wait and watch the bidding at mecum in the spring.
Outside of the color, and a few appointments – there is nothing special about these Birds. I owned a special order one with leather and moon roof. Just a big old boat.
I was dating someone in high school whose parents bought a fleet of new t birds every year. I especially liked the 78 and 79 we often drove – one tu tone green and the other bright blue with white top. They were loaded including leather and moonroofs. I remember those birds being lovely cars to drive through the suburbs and freeways yet still fit in the garage. I would love to own the car featured here, especially with cloth seats. Local specialty car dealers around here would think 19K is a steal.
These cars were surprisingly great riding cars. I’ve always loved the styling of this large personal luxury coup’s. Excellent condition. Worth the ask.
I had this exact car, color and everything! Every conceivable option. Felt like you were driving on a cloud. Think I paid under a $1,000 for it back in the late eighties. Put front tires on it when I bought it and drove like a dream
Beautiful car – about as good as these can possibly get. Post 1971 Thunbderbirds have always looked great in silver blue metallic (or silver blue glow, depending on the year).
Compared to what they’re turning out today this car is a steal.
As I’ve said many times, Today’s Peasant cars are revolting! On to VERSAILLES! Another FMC classic.
I buffed a few of these way back when kept car clean for a client. Always liked driving them. Cougar XR7 was its good looking cousin
An older friend got one of these for his 16th birthday! I was stunned by its “brougham” style beauty and the T-tops! He came by to show it off and take my little brother and me for a ride. 8-track player blaring “renegade” by Styx. This takes me back to that exact day, and the intersection 3 cars back from the light, He parked it after that summer and sold it from his family’s collection after college. That car and that day, are forever etched in my good memories.