The ninth generation Thunderbird marked a departure from its flailing predecessor. Not only was the car shortened and restyled to emphasize aerodynamics, but its purpose also shifted from providing luxury trappings to engaging the driver – the better to compete with European sedans. Ok, the advent of a four-cylinder in the ’83 Thunderbird was not in keeping with any kind of performance mission, but at least the company brought its 140 hp 4.9 liter V8 back to the mix. Also in the line-up was the Turbo Coupe, utilizing Ford’s port-injected turbocharged 2.3 liter four, managing 145 hp and offering a five-speed manual. Now we’re getting somewhere. That first year, the Turbo Coupe wasn’t much better than the largest V8, so the model accounted for only 10% of T-bird sales. But buyers noticed when successive years brought more power and improved suspension and brakes. Then, in 1987, the Garrett turbo unit was ditched in favor of an IHI model, and an intercooler was added. Output reached 190 hp, transforming the car. Here on craigslist is a one-owner, 1987 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe priced at $17,900, located in Danbury, Connecticut. Thanks to Mitchell G for spotting this one for us!
The 2.3 liter four is a stout engine weighing only 50 lbs less than the V8. It readily accepts performance modifications, but presented in factory form under the hood of the ’87 Turbo Coupe, it’s already pretty good! Top speed is 140 mph, and adaptive suspension helps hold everything on the ground. For what it’s worth, Motor Trend named the Turbo Coupe its Car of the Year in ’87. This example has the five-speed gearbox and only 56,000 original miles.
Optioned with two-toned leather upholstery and a sunroof, this car’s cabin is in near-new condition. The driver’s outside seat bolster is giving way a bit, but other than that, I can’t find a fault. The trunk looks new, the seals appear soft, no cracks anywhere. These Thunderbirds were minimally adorned, as Ford was aiming for a sophisticated Euro-look.
Aside from the extra horsepower, Ford fluffed the Turbo Coupe’s feathers for 1987, giving it flush headlamps and functional hood scoops, eliminating the grille, and reconstructing the body so it was even more aerodynamic. Connoisseurs of this model generally agree that the ’87/’88 cars are best. Even so, prices are very reasonable. This example, with only 8000 miles, sold for $21,500, while this ’88 sold for $22k. If you’re less picky about mileage, you might get away with paying high four figures. Given the comparables in the marketplace, I think our seller’s ask is reasonable; what do you think? Does the ninth gen T-bird appeal to you?
Excellent write-up Michelle, describing how the 1987 Turbo Coupe really hit the sweet spot. Power improvements coupled with the clean aero nose styling were good upgrades. I’ve noted before that their styling has aged quite well.
This looks like a nice example. Looks classy in silver. Manual transmission adds to the fun factor. But to me…. that lower body kit and (especially) the spoiler don’t help the look.
I 100% totally agree on the lower body kit. It makes the car look like a grandma car in Europe. I had an 87 when I was in my 20s. It was black and bad ass. If this car didn’t have the lower body kit I would pay 30K for it right now. Everything is PERFECT except the kit.
🎯 Bob. Thanks Michelle. Some 4cyl motors are very tough little units. Always envied the interior on these, compared to our base model 89′ LX Mustang
A favorite of mine among all the different Thunder Birds. Fun times to be had in this one. The body kit, if that’s not OEM it looks pretty tasteful, almost restrained. I’m fine with it
Nice clean car. Some tasteful mods. But that aftermarket sunroof reeks of cheap aftermarket. It kills the whole aerobird look. Geeze.
Memories! I bought a new one in 1987. It was blue with a blue interior and had all the options along with the manual 5-speed. Loved it in spite of a 2nd gear problem with gear clash on the 1-2 shift. Still, it would go like a bat out of hell when poked. Traded it off on a Taurus wagon in 1989.
Michelle, the only 4-cylinder Thunderbirds were the Turbo Coupes. The naturally aspirated 2.3 was never installed in a Thunderbird (thankfully).
Oh thank you! I was mistaken. I feel better about the ‘Bird now.
One thing that surprised me a lot is that the turbo 4 only weighs 50 pounds less than the V8. I never knew that. You learn something new on Barnfinds every day, thanks Michelle.
Just a hard pass for me. I owned one many years ago, wasn’t fast or fuel efficient, too many things went wrong with it. Might have be a good recipient for a 5.0 or coyote swap, making it a weekend toy, that’s about it.
Nice car! I personally don’t care for the wing or body kit, but i know it appeals to some. I’ve owned several turbo coupes and still have one I bought new in ‘85. When it was new, I added a ford Motorsport front mount intercooler and cranked the boost up to 18psi. It was not only quicker than a mustang GT, (including the later ‘87 when they came out) but had no trouble with SAAB turbos, Volvo turbos, or 300Z turbos. By today’s standards, it pales, but is still a fun car that handles well. Gets 20 mpg in town and 30 highway. It’s also been incredibly reliable. It has 150k on it now. Runs and looks as good as the day I bought it.
I like the front end of the 82-85 better.
I know it is hard to rationalize the upgrade of performance and image this car made to the public. After all, didn’t the GT Mustang have 225 hp? I still don’t know why it was such a hit, but they flew out of dealer stock, sometimes before delivery. I was working in what’s called the “oil patch” and normally sedate corporate types as well as the glove wearing drivers came to see what the brouhaha was all about. Planning potential said 70-80 cars would drop retail cards, but in late 1987 I think 180 something were delivered. With zero “fleet” allowance, which was a big deal in our neighborhood. As I look at the current zeitgeist I see parallels because there was a big economic disruption coming in October of 1987, caused by the looming S&L fallout. I remember because all incoming corporate purchases were halted, even with hefty cancellation fees. Mrs.Peterson was not happy with a 50% income adjustment, either. Maybe that is why she is one of the ex’s? Still, even 40 years later this car has presence and this is an outstanding example of the luxury coupe.
That body kit and the after-market sunroof with the weird black rails…yep, we have seen this one here before:
https://barnfinds.com/1988-ford-thunderbird-turbo-coupe/
Asking $2k more than was asked a few months ago is a bold strategy.
Owned a few of these, an ‘83 ‘84 and ‘87, and I liked the ‘84 the best. Can’t say exactly why.
In my opinion the body cladding and spoiler look gaudy, and ruin the car’s otherwise clean lines and great looks