When the tenth-generation Thunderbird hit Ford dealer lots in 1989, the personal luxury coupe market was still hanging in there strong, and a mid-cycle exterior refresh in 1994 brought an even sleeker appearance to the already good-looking body. However, by then, the end of the line for the T-Bird was near, with production ceasing in 1997. A five-year absence followed before it returned one final time, beginning in 2002 as a short-lived two-seater, returning to its original roots. This 1996 Ford Thunderbird LX here on eBay is described as a time capsule, and after looking at the photos, I believe the seller is on the right track here. Located in Exeter, New Hampshire, this one is priced at $8,995, with the seller clearly stating he’s firm on that amount.
Although we don’t have any information about how this one ended up in New England, a good geographical history lesson is provided here about the car’s past. It seems the previous owners resided in Wisconsin but kept the Thunderbird in Florida, and apparently, they only drove it during their vacations in The Sunshine State. That’s still the original paint, and while it’s said to have a few very minor flaws, the exterior presents far better than most untouched vehicles that have reached the three-decade point. Another favorable feature here is that this one’s also equipped with what appears to be a factory sunroof.
If there is any negative to be pointed out, it’s that this one is powered by the base engine, a 3.8-liter V6 rated at 145 horsepower. An optional 4.6-liter V8 was also available, raising the output to 205, which sounds like a more satisfying number. However, the limited use here is a strong point to consider, as this car hasn’t quite yet reached 43,000 miles. Things under the hood appear untampered with and look much as they did when the car was new, so hopefully, there will be a substantial amount of dependable life left for the next owner to enjoy.
The only mention of the interior is the seller calling it super clean, which sounds like a more-than-reasonable assessment. Everything in here appears to remain stock, including the Stereo, and I’m not seeing any mods inside anywhere. I’d prefer a V8 model, but with the low mileage and fine condition shown here, the six-cylinder engine might not be a deal-breaker. Any thoughts to share on this 1996 Ford Thunderbird LX?
Six pot works fine for a driver who stays mostly around town Stephens. Nice looking Bird, thanks for the article 👍
I was so impressed when this car was induced. True 4 wheel independent suspension on this platform. I wanted a 5.0 version then but poor. Still looking for my car. Most of the survivors seem to be the six, some 4.6. My unicorn is out there.
No matter how nice it’s pricey for a car without a strong following. This generation Thunderbird used to be everywhere, but I can’t remember the last time I saw one and I live in an area without rust isn’t an issues where older cars are common. I’ve seen nice Turbo coupes and SC’s fight to get much more than this dealers asking price, they may be in for a long wait.
Steve R
I had a 96 with the 4.6 several years back. I loved that car it was comfortable and handled great. Not sure how I feel about the base motor as the one I had was not what you would call overpowered. But it’s a nice looking example. Somebody will appreciate it. Good luck with the sale.
I had Lincoln Continental that had the same 3.8 liter engine for a company car, I think it was a 1993, car ran good. Fortunately the owner of the company I worked for bought a 100,000 premium extended warranty for the car. He bought it used, I got with 52,000 miles on it and around 97,000 miles it developed a misfire, took it into the dealership and it had a blown head gasket and broken engine mount. Dealer told the owner it was a common issue the engine was under powered for that size of car and the engine put a lot of torque on the motor mounts, front wheel drive car. It was covered under the warranty with a small deductible. Makes me wonder if it could happen in this car too, of course this is not FWD and it is a lighter weight car. I drove that car until it had 155,000 miles on it no other major drivetrain issues.
I had a 90 with the 3.8ci and have a 94 with the 4.6ci engine. To my feel there was a significant improvement in the performance and handling with the V8 over the V6. Additionally you had to either have very small hands or kids close by when doing a tuneup on the C6. I still have my 94 and though I don’t drive as much as used to, I still enjoy driving it.
I remember changing the spark plugs on my 1990 TBird with the base V6. It was not fun, but I did love that car until the NE Ohio salt got to it.
Head gaskets. Had one that was an exact match to this. Loved that car. Esp after the recalls were fixed.
Looks to be a nice car My opinion its about $3k overpriced for what it is but its a nice daily and to far away to check out in person, I am seldom one of those people who would buy it sight unseen and fly out to drive it home
My son had a ’92 3.8 with head gasket problems after 125K. We understood it to be a common problem with those engines.
hated working on these especially doing a fuel pump
We had a 94,,very nice car, but had the v8 and got 24 mpg wouldn’t mind another on but with a V8
My dad’s last car was a 96′ Cougar XR7 with the V8. The interior of the T-bird looks almost the same. Hard to believe this is 30 years old now. Considering the looks of the car I wouldn’t doubt if the mileage was accurate. I really don’t think there’s a big market for these so not sure if they’ll get what they’re asking.
Slab sided yawn mobile. If they were going for the look of the 49-51 Ford’s they nailed it.