When the ninth-generation Ford Thunderbird was introduced in 1983, it was sort of a comeback for the model, as the downsized previous gen had suffered a significant drop in sales. The T-Bird received a fresh new look, which featured a sleeker design than its predecessor, and it continued to ride on the Fox platform. The seller of this 1985 Ford Thunderbird here on eBay calls it a true survivor, and with only 42,000 original miles, there’s probably some good life here for the future owner to enjoy. This one’s located in Arormas, California, and can be yours right now for the buy-it-now cost of $6,950. There’s also the option to make an offer, should the almost seven grand price tag sound a bit on the high side.
While we don’t get an abundance of specific history here, the seller does mention this one has always been in California, which is probably why the paint has aged so well over the years. A few minor exterior scratches are said to be present, but to be at the four-decade mark, this Thunderbird still looks far better than most that have made it this long. Most of the outside appears stock, but the wheels have been changed out for a set of 15-inch aftermarket rims. If you’d prefer the factory components, no worries, as the original 14-inch wheels are also included, along with a set of whitewall tires.
The largest engine available in 1985 was the 5.0 Windsor V8, and fortunately, that’s what can be found under the hood here. The seller states that the Thunderbird still runs, drives, and stops great, with the previous owner said to have replaced the radiator hoses and heater core, plus performed quite a bit of brake work. Other than it being an automatic, there are no further details regarding the transmission. However, with such low mileage, it’s likely to still be shifting competently.
Looking over the interior, I’d have to give about a nine on a ten scale, as just about everything inside appears to be in fine shape overall. If you stare closely, it looks like there are a couple of very minor stains on the front seats, and the headliner is also sagging. However, the dash seems to remain in excellent condition, plus it’s great to see that the digital speedometer is still functioning. This one is certainly a nice example, and the seller believes it would be difficult to find a cleaner 1985 Thunderbird survivor for even close to this price. What do you think?
Still a very sharp looking automobile👌
My favorite of all the 80’s T Birds. And a 5.0 under the hood to boot. Absolutely in beautiful condition. I even like the aftermarket rims too. Very nice!!!
Agree this is also my favorite of the 80’s T Birds. Having the 5.0 make this a great buy wish it was closer to take a look at it. Really like the rims they look like the rims on the late 80’s early 90’s Lincoln LSC.
Connect with your inner Bill Elliot with this Aero Bird!
But that shift on the column just ruins it for me. Great looking car but put a 5 speed in it and that would be the ticket.
Man that’s a lot of red. Nice example, good price but agree that a five speed would be preferable or at least a floor mounted shifter.
I had the same car new, only black. I loved it! Got good gas mileage and although not a power house it was smooth and pulled great! My first purchase after leaving the USAF. I miss it now….
Really great looking T-Bird, and besides the headliner the interior looks almost perfect. Nothing can beat a nice rust free original paint car. I’d definitely ditch those rims and tires though.
I could be seen in this….
Love the red exterior and red interior. Try finding that color combination on late model dull cars. A great personal luxury car. I question why the seller didn’t fix the sagging headliner and have a detailed clean the stains on the seats. Seems like a minor expense to make the TBird more marketable.