While the Super Coupe is probably hailed as the most memorable Thunderbird from the tenth generation of production, the more basic models exemplified exactly what the personal luxury car market was craving for the period. By now, the T-Bird was also equipped with independent suspension, offering improved stability and better handling over many of the earlier examples. This 1990 Ford Thunderbird LX here on Craigslist in Portland, Oregon, needs an engine repair, but it still looks quite good outside, and sounds reasonably priced at just $1,400. For the cost, this one seems well worth the effort, and we’d like to thank reader Curvette for another excellent tip!
Unfortunately, no engine photo is provided here. Stepping up to the Super Coupe gave buyers the high-performance variant of the 3.8-liter V6, while the base and LX models featured the tamer Essex engine, rated at 140 horsepower. These were all that consumers had to choose from in 1990, as Ford had temporarily dropped the V8 option, but it made a quick return in ’91. Though the seller reports that the 73,000 miles shown are actual, he also informs us that this Thunderbird’s got a bad head gasket, so plan on spending some time under the hood before this one’s ready to continue as a dependable driver.
Thankfully, the blown gasket seems to be the only bad news, as the exterior appears to remain in very good condition all the way around. This one’s said to have had only two owners, and, cosmetically, it appears to have been properly cared for outside by both. I’m not noticing anything screaming for attention on the body, as the panels appear straight and rust-free, and even the paint still shows a strong luster. This car also features a power sunroof, a desirable component that the owner doesn’t even mention!
The front buckets are wearing aftermarket seat covers, so it’s unknown if there are any tears underneath or if they’re just there for protection. However, the visible sections of the interior appear to remain well-preserved, but this one comes from an era with those annoying self-operating seat belts, so that’ll take some getting used to. The seller compares his asking cost to that of a scrap example, and I have to agree that even with the repair facing the new owner, this 1990 Ford Thunderbird seems fairly priced. What do you think?
Leave A Comment