Sometimes, you just have to respect the build. It’s not always our cup of tea, or the type of vehicle we’d build for ourselves, but when someone clearly has a passion for a specific model, who are we to kick rocks? The seller of this 1987 Ford Thunderbird has built the car the way he felt it should have left the factory, with a number of OEM-inspired tweaks and upgrades that should make it a fun driver for the next caretaker. Find the V8-powered Thunderbird listed here on craigslist for $5,000.
Modified cars are always tricky, however, as you’re helping someone else likes your modifications as much as you do. The more you personalize it, the more difficult it becomes to sell someone on the idea that your interpretation of the perfect T-Bird is correct. The seller seems to have done a nice job of plucking the best OEM bits for his car, however, swapping in a 5.0L V8 from a 1992 Lincoln Mark VII and paired with a Borg Warner T-10 WT five speed from an ’89 Mustang. The seller even went so far as to install sequential taillights and the nose panel from an ’86 Thunderbird simply because he liked it better.
Truth be told, I kind of get it. I owned a 1988 Subaru XT6, one of the worst project cars I’ve ever purchased, and I made a variety of cosmetic tweaks to make it look like a 1986 model. The reason for this was as simple as the seller here: I liked the rear bumper and taillight treatment better than the one that came on my model year. The interior of this car appears to be in good order, but the seller admits the power moonroof doesn’t work, the A/C system has a leak, and the driver’s power door lock is “lazy,” all of which are minor concerns.
A Shaker Scoop from a 1994 Mustang has been installed, but it’s non-functional (ironically, I also had a hood scoop from a turbocharged Subaru XT molded into my XT6’s hood – maybe this is guy is my brother from another mother!) The body shows evidence of dents and dings and plenty of cosmetic discoloration. The tires are old and the seller admits he planned to perform a 5-lug swap but never got around to it. Overall, this looks like an entertaining car, but it’s obviously suited for one type of buyer. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for the tip.
Kinda cool, but… There’s a ’89 Mustang GT Vert in my town going for $3500. No dents and a five speed. That’s kind of what this car is trying to be.
Welp, this is one strange Bird. When I saw the first picture I said ‘ that’s not an 87 Thunderbird’. But I guess the back half is. Hats off to the builder for spending hours in his garage throwing tools and car parts around until he built something he liked. I’ll bet it is fun to drive. And the asking price is very reasonable for what you get. GLWTS
Pretty sure it was the Borg Warner T5 that was available in the Mustang V8 from 85 to 93. T10 is a totally different beast
It has that “used but not abused” look to it. Maybe, in this case, “used and modified but not abused.” I agree with Woofer, the owner built something he liked. Should be fun to drive. Lots of pics and a straightforward ad. Not expensive. Fix a few things and just drive it.
Had access to one of these several times as extended rentals. The v8 auto with that digital speedometer switched to kilometers got the attention of passengers
And here I am thinking my favorite part of the 87 updated T-Birds is the fresh nose with the flush headlamps.
I like everything he did with this car also believe its a fair price.
Why go to the big trouble of cutting the hole , getting the parts and not my have a functional shaker scoop .I get the ridiculous fake scoops from the factory , but installing the non functioning shaker is rinky dink big time .
I like all he did except the hood scoop. Definitely a Different Bird. The price seems fair, but don’t know where this resides. GLWTS
Middletown, NY
There were no shakers in 94. Last one was 70 then made a comeback on the 03 mach 1.
Kinda of a cool tbird.