Desirable 5-Speed: 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe

If you walked into a Ford dealership in 1987, intent on driving away in a Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, this was the one to have. It features a five-speed manual transmission, making it the most powerful variant of the badge. This T-Bird is a spotless survivor, and with only 56,000 miles on the clock, it should provide its new owner with years of rapid, comfortable motoring pleasure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting the Coupe listed here on Craigslist in Litchfield County, Connecticut. The seller set their price for this beauty at $15,900.

When Ford released the Ninth Generation Thunderbird range in 1983, it decided to stem falling sales by placing a greater emphasis on performance. The T-Bird remained a Personal Luxury Car, but there was some muscle hiding beneath the surface. This Thunderbird rolled off the line in 1987, ordered by its first owner in Turbo Coupe form. This version featured a few styling changes compared to its siblings. The company eliminated the traditional grille, but added functional hood scoops that fed cold air to the turbocharger’s intercooler. Our featured car looks as pretty as a picture in Silver Clearcoat Metallic, one of the fourteen paint shades available in that model year. The seller describes the Coupe as a one-owner vehicle, and the overall appearance suggests it has been their prized possession. The paint is immaculate, with no signs of deterioration. There are no bumps or bruises, and no rust. What makes the Turbo Coupe interesting is Ford’s restrained approach, because the bright trim is confined to the car’s badges. The aerodynamic additions are in good condition, and the 16″ alloy wheels are spotless. This Thunderbird scores extra points, courtesy of the glass sunroof.

The 2.3-liter OHC four-cylinder engine powering this Thunderbird can trace its roots back to 1970, but by the time this car left the line, things had changed dramatically. It benefits from fuel injection, a turbocharger, and an intercooler. This car features a five-speed manual transmission, which is significant for those seeking maximum performance. Had the first owner selected the optional automatic, they would have had 150hp and 200 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. However, the five-speed saw those figures soar to 190hp and 240 ft/lbs. The company didn’t merely bolt in a more powerful motor and hope for the best, because standard equipment on the Turbo Coupe included power steering, four-wheel anti-lock power disc brakes, and a special handling pack featuring automatic ride control and Quadra-Shock rear suspension. The Thunderbird was fairly fast in a straight line, and gripped tenaciously in the corners. The seller indicates that this Coupe has 56,000 original miles on the clock. We must take that claim at face value in the absence of documentary evidence, but it seems plausible. Although not stated explicitly, the indications suggest it is a turnkey proposition.

Although Ford placed greater emphasis on performance with this generation of Thunderbird, this car certainly isn’t short of creature comforts. Standard Turbo Coupe equipment included air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and power mirrors. This car pushes the boat out, with the first owner ticking the boxes on their Order Form for the two-tone leather trim, a power driver’s seat, a tilt wheel, a remote trunk release, cruise control, and the upgraded sound system including an AM/FM radio and cassette player. As with the car’s exterior, the interior is immaculate. I was expecting wrinkled leather, but the seats appear as tight as a drum. There is no visible wear or deterioration due to age or UV exposure. Close inspection would probably reveal minor imperfections, but this interior is as clean as you could hope to find in any classic with thirty-nine years of service under its belt.

Ford released the original Thunderbird as a Personal Luxury Car, but this 1987 Turbo Coupe demonstrates that the company could combine a sumptuous interior with impressive performance credentials. This car presents superbly and appears to have no genuine shortcomings. Recent successful sales suggest that the seller’s price is realistic for a car with such a low odometer reading. It will be fascinating to follow the listing and discover whether it finds a new home. Of course, you may wish to be more than a casual observer, and we’d love to know if this Turbo Coupe is all it appears to be if you become the new owner.