Somewhere along the path of your classic car journey, you probably ought to own a Ford Thunderbird. And there’s no way you can use the excuse, “They didn’t make one that I like,” because T-Birds come in practically every configuration and size. The one seen for sale here on craigslist is perhaps an entry-level opportunity, being a 1995 LX. It has a 4.6-liter V8 under hood providing the motivating power, and it’s available in Lakeside, CA, where Tony Primo uncovered it for us.
You want a small convertible? The first-gen Thunderbirds (1955-58) have barely budged from their $30K asking price for a decade (though note that the prices for all classics have done some appreciating of late). A sleek four-door more for you? Look to the 1960s and you’ll find such. How about a big, boxy coupe? The 1970s would bring an answer to that request. And when the whole cycle was finished, it would start again with the late-model re-creation of that 1950s drop-top roadster being available in silhouette form from 2002-2005. This was the eleventh generation of Thunderbirds, and if Ford hadn’t stopped making cars of late, who’s to say there wouldn’t have been another one or two updates?
The generation of car represented by the piece on sale here came out in 1989 and sold until 1997 (the tenth generation). I remember seeing one in a grocery store parking lot in the semi-darkness when they were new and wondering what kind of Lexus it was, or whether it was a European something-or-other. The style had such sophistication that it fooled me. Now, three decades on, this is still a looker, and at the price asked, a huge opportunity.
The only thing I’d be worried about is that the car seems to be a bit oddly aged given its relatively low mileage of just past 42,000. The power window motors have failed—is that a weak point, or has this car been driven on a million short trips? On the plus side, the AC is functional, which bespeaks good maintenance habits on the part of prior ownership. There’s no history to speak of being offered, but the opposite of that is no potentially outrageous claims about one-owner cream-puffery. No, this is what it is, and a visual inspection, plus putting a listening ear to the engine, and driving while having a friend check for smoke or other issues, is about all the testing you’ll need to do. After all, you’re not going to get into drive-it-now collectability for $3500 (or less) and worry about the cost, are you?
No link for more info Brian ?
It’s in my draft. Not sure if editorial took it out. I put it back. Thanks for the question.
From back when having a large-ish two door coupe would have been a normal thing in a manufacturer’s line-up. (This segment has largely now vanished.) I drove several of these T-Birds as rent-a-cars. I remember thinking how they were comfortable and quiet and had ample power (V8 I assume). I also distinctly remember driving down the interstate at 74mph which was at some low value like 1900 rpm, and thinking that is how the highway mpg figures were so good.
As a multiple Thunderbird owner..the 4.6 LX isnt entry level,it’s the mid level.The 3.8 V6 is the entry level.
Mechanic at Ford dealer when these were new. These are terrific driving cars with the four wheel. Independent suspension. Same reliable drivetrain as the crown Vic. I don’t remember these having any significant issues at the time. For anyone who is done with overcomplicated technology in today’s cars, these are a real unsung gem in the used car marketplace.
I like this T-Bird but that wear on the sun visors and headliner is odd to say the least. I guess if you’re driving in CA with the visors down because it’s sunny but still. I had a red 1990 Thunderbird and it was great to drive but the road salt in Ohio ate holes in it.
Our ’93 LX V-8 had 120,000 miles on it, when we sold it. Zero engine or transmission problems. It liked eating brake pads, and the clearcoat left the scene in around 1998. Sadly, the chassis couldn’t handle the brine that NE Ohio slopped all over, every time we got a flurry.
Wish it was closer to check it out in person looks like a nice ride overall
I have a 94 LX and it’s a reliable, comfortable car to drive. 4.6 liter engine that’s never been touched, nor has the rearend. The tranny did require a rebuild about 20K due to an aluminum ring breaking. Otherwise it’s had 120K of trouble free driving.
Had one of these for a while. Rode nice, comfortable interior, decent power until the fan separated and went through the radiator.
Someone had long fingernails to damage the headliner like that, lady owned?
I currently have ’97 in the driveway waiting for a suspension rebuild. These cars will last a long time and are comfortable to drive. The headliner and sun visors are strange, perhaps the owner is a raptor of some kind.
The window motors are easy to fix. The gears have plastic thingies that make the gear action smooth. However over time they turn to powder. They are Dorman parts at your local auto store and only take a little time to swap out. Price is about right, these aren’t going to be worth money probably ever.
I had a 95 LX Black over Grey leather. Was a wonderful car to drive especially on the highway. Unfortunately, it was lost in a collision. Never any problems with the car.
I had a ’78 Bird in Gorgeous Gray with the matching mouse fur upholstery. It was my boss’ company car, which I really coveted and was able to buy for less than $2400 when its two year lease expired. Such a deal! The clock had stopped working, but the leasing company fixed it before handing me the keys! It was a great car, all the way around, that served me, then my son, then my daughter for a long time, so I sure got my money’s worth out of it…
I’m another former LX owner (’94) that can say it was a great car.
If this is as it is represented, that is a killer price. When your daughter drives your 2v for 20 miles without coolant and an engine replacement is necessary, slap a 4v in there and really jam.
I had an 83 v6 i enjoyed a lot but fell in love with the front end of the 87-88 cars with eagle beak like hoods. And 190hp. Turbo fours !
I miss my ’91 LX 5.0 HO. I’d like one of these and Coyote swap w/6 speed manual. Find some Super Coupe pedals to swap in. Sweet ride it would be!