To present an auto as among the nicest ones left of its kind can sometimes create unrealistic expectations, plus set a higher-than-normal level for potential scrutiny from prospective buyers. Although I try not to overuse this description, it seems fair to say that this 1987 Ford Thunderbird here on Facebook Marketplace could be just that, taking into consideration both the condition and number of miles traveled. The seller says it’s 100% pristine, and even after a close examination, I think he may be on the right track here. This beautiful T-Bird is in Washington Township, New Jersey, with the seller’s belief that this one’s priced to sell at $19,950.
With just 4,260 miles on the odometer, this one hasn’t had many opportunities to develop the normal wear and tear outside that most cars typically get. It would have been nice to have found out the background story here, but the photos appear to back up the seller’s claim that this Thunderbird isn’t showing a single scratch, chip, ding, or dent anywhere. There have been no accidents, and the paint is confirmed as all original. No details are provided about where this one’s resided, but I’m fairly certain it’s been inside a garage most of the time, or some other enclosed area away from the elements.
At my age, I’m from the era where the more is better mindset is typically preferable when it comes to the number of cylinders, so it’s a plus for me to find a 5.0 V8 under the hood. However, Ford was also offering a Turbo Coupe model Thunderbird in ’87, which used a four-cylinder engine that was putting out 190 HP. This was 40 more than the 302 during this period, so while I might prefer the turbocharged inline 4 for this body style, the V8 is certainly nothing to complain about.
The interior still looks like new, and I’m digging how it’s got a sporty feel while also being luxurious. Part of the appeal for this one is the just over 4,000 number on the odometer, so this might be a better investment for those who only want to make occasional short trips to car shows or special events. My biggest concern here has to do with the fact that I enjoy getting out on the road in my cars and driving, so with such low mileage, I’d probably have it doubled in no time, and way past that in a year. Any thoughts to share on this 1987 Ford Thunderbird survivor?
Those 5.0 emblems aren’t factory are they Stephens ? Ford really dialed back the go-juice on this 302. Same yr Mustang had 75 more ponies wow.
No, they are not. Seller must have up-badged it.
Stance is a bit tall, no?
Does the background in the photos look like NJ (where this listing is)?
There are quite a number of Washington Townships in NJ which can be confusing. This one is in Bergen County in North Jersey. There are hills in Northern NJ. Its quite possible the photos are in Northern NJ. Its a large parking lot and there are quite a few industrial complexes there, plus on Sundays theres the “Blue Law” so no one is working and the places would be totally empty.
Somethings amiss with this car and it’s pictures. Badging, mismatched interior materials, looks to me the pictures were taken in the American Southwest. I’m leaning to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
I grew up in northern NJ and now live in Las Vegas Nevada for 30 years. I do not recall seeing mountains like that in NJ. There are plenty of mountains in NJ but mostly covered with forest tress. This is a nice clean low mile T- Bird with a 5.0 engine.
no it does not. looks like the salt flats to me
Thats concrete, not salt. You can see the numbered parking spots in one photo. Cool car no matter where the pics were taken.
Strange how the front seats are vinyl/leather, but the back seats are cloth. I had the same car back in 1990. The heater core was going and that was the most God awful job to change it.
That’s strange…. I thought it was all leather, I just went back and looked and saw the cloth rear seat. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any Ford Product with the exception of a Police Car or Taxi that had mixed interior fabrics from the factory.
I don’t think any heater cores are fun, I did one on my 73 Vette. Nightmare if I remember right.
Also the front seats are black/dark gray and the rest of the interior is blue.
Those heater cores are fun, I bought an 87 T bird from a guy I worked with for 25 dollars. The heater core started leaking so he started tearing the dash apart to change it. He had it torn down to the heater box and got overwhelmed and could not go any further. I cut a hole in the airbox and replaced the core and then spent two days figuring out how everything went back together. I owed my brother around 300 bucks for some tires and wheels I got from him and he took the car for what I owed him. This was probably 30 years ago when I had a whole lot more energy and ambition
This car is a beauty and yes the stance is a little tall. By design I think. I noticed the mixture of seat surfaces too. Weird. Nineteen thou’ im not feeling it.
I love these cars, but prefer the turbo coupe. Speaking of the turbo coupe I’m pretty sure those rims were turbo coupe only, front seats might be nice seat covers, what isn’t nice is the electrical tape holding the steering wheel cover together, odd thing to not address before listing for sale. Beautiful car otherwise .
I’m not sure the ad isn’t a scam. I guess it’s possible a NJ man bought this car on BaT and is too lazy to take new pictures as he is trying to flip it. Me, if I wanted a $5k profit, I’d do all new photos.
Car sold on BaT out of AZ in March, for $14,637.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-ford-thunderbird-31/
This was sold on BAT this past March for $14600. It appears the same pictures used on BAT a were used again for the current ad.
Good gravy! The miles are so low, there may be factory oil in that engine. (Kidding and I hope not)
So little wear that the front seats already had to get recovered? Something is fishy here.
This car looks nice but to many red flags for me to believe everything claimed in the add however I personally would prefer one like this with the V8 over the turbo coupe
Drivers seat belt look worn and twisted for the low miles.
era for challenging the euro ‘executive car’.
This does a nice job but I think there were two
more higher optioned models that were more convincing?