While it might be true that we can’t have it all, this 1991 Ford Thunderbird offers most of what many people want from an automotive perspective. It combines luxury with affordability and, as the Super Coupe variant, delivers excellent performance. It has 43,000 miles showing on its odometer, and is ready for action with its new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the T-Bird listed here on Craigslist in Everett, Washington. The seller set their price at $6,500 for this turnkey classic.
Ford launched its Tenth Generation Thunderbird range for the 1989 model year. Developed in tandem with the Seventh Generation Cougar, which shares the same platform, the companies pulled out all the stops, with the Ford Motor Company investing $2 billion in the development of the automotive cousins. Our feature T-Bird rolled off the line in 1991, looking subtle and restrained in Oxford White. Scrutinizing the listing images reveals a few minor panel imperfections, but no glaring problems. I believe that one of those paintless dent removal companies could eliminate the worst of these for a few dollars. The paint shines beautifully, and there is no evidence of rust. The plastic hasn’t waved the white flag due to age or UV exposure, and though they aren’t perfect, the original 16″ alloy wheels are free from stains and significant damage.
Lifting this Thunderbird’s hood reveals a 3.8-liter V6. That doesn’t sound like a recipe for excitement, but nothing could be further from the truth. The factory quoted power and torque figures of 140hp and 215 ft/lbs for the six, but since this is the Super Coupe variant, that brings a supercharger into the equation. What a difference it makes, because the driver suddenly has 210hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. The power feeds to the Traction-Lok rear end via a four-speed automatic transmission, with this Ford also featuring power steering, power anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, and electrically adjustable suspension. The seller doesn’t mention evidence supporting the mileage claim, but the car’s known ownership history and substantial collection of documentation may dispel any doubts. Otherwise, potential buyers can consider it a turnkey classic with no known issues or shortcomings.
Climate-controlled air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player with a power antenna. It’s all there for enthusiasts seeking a luxurious motoring experience. However, Ford lifted life to a higher plane with the Super Coupe, which featured articulated sports bucket seats that were supremely comfortable and supportive. The first owner selected Black leather interior trim, and its condition is consistent with the odometer reading. There are typical wrinkles, but no appreciable wear or deterioration. The remaining trim, plastic, and carpet are excellent. It unquestionably ticks the box for potential buyers seeking a tidy survivor-grade vehicle.
With an asking price of $6,500, this 1991 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe is undeniably affordable. Its interior features the luxury touches you would rightly expect from a vehicle of this type, while its supercharged V6 will provide an almost perfect blend of performance and economy. It would be an ideal weekend cruiser, especially for enthusiasts contemplating a first classic buy. Alternatively, its user-friendly mechanical components, excellent interior space, and the cavernous trunk would make it a practical daily driver. It has only been on the market for a short time, and I won’t be surprised if someone snaps it up fairly quickly. Could you be that person?
If I recall this year has the 5 digit odometer so you have to take their word it’s original otherwise it appears to be a nice car price is ok
All tenth generation Bird had 6 digit odometers. I have a survivor SC manual transmission with 481,576 miles on it. Still delivering grins.
I had a 1989 SC, and it has 6-digit odometer. I absolutely loved that car.
Cool car and I remember my USAF friend buying one while working at AOL. He had the “Too close for missiles, switch to guns” license plate holder on the back. I wish we would have found a way to delete the seatbelt mouse on the door/roof frame.
For the price, this is a great car.
Nice interiors on these.
Working at a Ford/Mercury store when these came out. I was eager to drive one. I finally got my chance and was mildly impressed. (Remember, I was driving 5.0 Fox body Mustangs at the time.) It handled much better that the standard ‘Bird’ but it just felt heavy. A Ford field engineer friend that stayed at my house when he came for Hot August Nights. Showed up with one that didn’t have a VIN. YUP, It was an R&D car that he had instructions to break it! It had a different combination of drive/driven pulleys for the supercharger and an experimental traction control system and a 5 speed transmission. We had no idea what else was inside the engine. That car was a rocket! I had never driven a car that had that kind of acceleration before. ( after now having driven a twin motor Tesla. It’s the only thing that I can compare it to.) The launches were fun! Bring the RPMs up to 5,000 and side step the clutch! Rather brutal but highly effective! Easy to find “street light grand prixs” during Hot August Nights and I never lost one. The down side to these cars is the “Mazda” manual gears box and intolerance (head warpage) for running too hot when the cooling system is not functioning correctly. Which has always been the case of the 3.8. If maintained correctly, Being an ex-Ford service manager, I have never seen a 3.8 wear out. Many, many over 300,000 miles. But 1overheat ( coolant hose failure most of the time) and you are looking at an engine rebuild (engine bearings don’t like coolant) and a pair of rebuilt cylinder heads. And it doesn’t matter if a standard 3.8 or super charged.
i owned an ’89, a 90 and a 91. All three blew head gaskets and all three had to have transmissions rebuilt. Of course these were not “Super Coupes.” Loved the looks, comfort and the interior ergonomics of the car! The only issue other than the head gaskets and transmissions was the turning radius. It could have been better. Always thought it would be fun to own a 5 speed model.
If it was a later model without the “motor mouse” automatic seatbelts, it’d be perfect! But by the time the “motor mouse” belts were gone, so was the Super Coupe! Then the top dog was the 16-valve version of the 4.6L “modular” motor. The 32-valve version was reserved exclusively for the Lincoln Mark VIII.
Surprised this hasn’t found a home yet. The automatic is probably holding it back.
Another car preserved for us by an automatic transmission.
This is a great deal on a low mileage classic TBird .
I remember when these were new – nice cars
Came across a beautiful five speed version in vermillion red with the nice heavily bolstered seat sport interior. The car looked like it had never spent a night parked outside. It was sitting in a pick-n-pull with a blown head gasket. I asked about buying it but they’d already turned in the title.