Just from the lead photo, some of our readers with extensive T-Bird knowledge and a keen eye may have already spotted a blunder made by the seller of this Ford Thunderbird. The seventh-generation cars had a relatively short run, beginning in 1977 and ending in 1979. All were similar in appearance, especially for the first two years, but Ford revised the grille and changed the taillight design for the last year of this body style, making this one here on Craigslist unmistakably a 1979 model, not a ’77 as the seller states in his ad. This one’s in very nice shape overall and said to be a low-mileage original example, so if you’ve been on the hunt for a late-seventies personal luxury cruiser, it’s likely worth a look. The location here is Orange County, California, in the city of La Habra, and the seller is aiming for $17,999. Numskal, thanks for the tip on this one!
For the most part, this one looks really good on the outside, with the seller calling the paint exceptional and describing his Thunderbird as a time capsule. He says there are no major dings, dents, or scratches, and this seems accurate regarding the panels. However, the front bumper appears bent, with no mention of what happened here. Hopefully, the tap wasn’t hard enough to harm any components other than the bumper itself, but I’d at least inquire and seek more details before getting my eighteen grand out of the bank.
Ford equipped the ‘79 Thunderbird with a 302 as the standard engine, but some good news is this one’s got the optional 351. The presentation under the hood looks very clean, with everything all shiny, bright, and appearing in good working order. The seller claims the 38,000 miles showing on the odometer are actual, and says that the car drives great. He also mentions there are no oil leaks and that the tires are almost new, so hopefully, this one’s mechanically sound and ready for the next owner to enjoy.
The condition inside seems to reflect the level of care the seller says this one’s had since day one, plus helps support the case that the mileage is probably actual. Red was a popular interior color for this period, and it works well here, with nothing I’m spotting inside needing much attention. I’d make sure the title has the correct VIN and lists the year as 1979, and if this checks out, try and negotiate a deal then make the front-end repairs, if this is the T-Bird of your dreams. What are your thoughts on this one?
This one is a 1979 model a the author points out. You can tell by the grill and the tail lights. It’s a pretty basic model. You could get these pretty stripped down, though most were loaded. I’ve always liked these but eighteen grand seems very steep despite the mileage.
Over 2 tons of TBird. FMX autoloader, 2.47 gear = Freeway finder.
Bought a ‘78 that looked just like this one from a guy in a bar one Friday night, for $250. The headlight covers didn’t close, and the AC didn’t work, but it was a great car for me for a couple years. Only real complaint was that, due to the angle of the taillights the lenses got broken in a hail storm. The price for them at a junkyard was more than the car was worth.
Meh. I owned one. A big wallowing boat, despite being downsized. For that kind of money, I’d hold out for something more interesting.
They weren’t downsized per se. It was more of a rebadge. This was basically the ’74-76 Gran Torino Elite with a different front and rear end treatment. It worked somehow, as they sold like hotcakes, I distinctly recall.
Yes, I owned a 1973 Ford Torino, that ugly front bumper on this T-Bird was the same as my Torino.
No wonder they called this type of T-Bird a baby Lincoln. They rode like a Lincoln without the expensive badge.
Always liked these. Sharp styling and affordable luxury. The white and red look so good together. You’re getting the good engine, air, flight bench seat, cruise and no power windows to repair. Like was said, she’s geared to roll. Find the open road.
Grew up with a 1978. These were actually the best selling generation of Thunderbirds, 1977-79.
The round gauges and split bench give the interior a sporty look.
While it has a few options, I’m a little surprised it appears to have the “deluxe” interior with the split bench. It doesn’t have a vinyl top like I remember almost all of them having.
It looks like the 5 mph bumper did its job. Hopefully there is no hidden damage.
Had a ’78 way back with the 302. Was no rocket but cruised nicely. Land yacht motoring. This one is extra nice with the 351, but still way overpriced despite the mileage. Maybe 50% off would get it to the range that these are selling at.
Had a 69 Torino and a 77 TBird gray like what this looks like. Great cars. Always was and will be a Ford man.