We consider ourselves lucky here at Barn Finds because we have readers who will spot wonderful classics for us that we may otherwise miss. That is the case with this 1973 Ford Thunderbird. It seems that Barn Finder Larry D has a well-developed radar because he referred this incredible survivor to us. So, thank you so much for that, Larry. It presents superbly, and not only does it have 30,000 original miles showing on its odometer, but it comes fully documented. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will find the Thunderbird listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set a sale price of $11,500, but it appears that he may be flexible on that figure.

Finished in a combination of Maroon with a White vinyl top, this Thunderbird is an attractive vehicle. Its overall presentation is well above what you might expect from a classic of this vintage. The paint holds a beautiful depth of color and shine, while the vinyl appears flawless. Hiding below that Maroon paint are panels that look to be laser straight, with no evidence of rust or other nasty surprises. The exterior trim is in excellent condition, and the damage-prone hubcaps seem perfect. The tinted glass shows no sign of flaws or defects, and the whitewall tires add the perfect finishing touch to this exterior. When it comes to making first impressions, the one made by this Thunderbird is nothing but positive.

The mechanical configuration of this Thunderbird is pretty interesting. The original owner ordered the vehicle with the optional 460ci V8 that produces 208hp. That monster V8 is backed by a three-speed automatic transmission, while the car features power steering and power front disc brakes. This Thunderbird isn’t on first name terms with a muscle car, taking 18.3 seconds to cover the ¼ mile. What makes it fascinating is that if the original owner had chosen the 429ci motor instead, they would have had 211hp at their disposal. However, pure horsepower isn’t everything. The smaller engine also produces marginally less torque. As a result, the ¼-mile ET would increase to 18.4 seconds. For potential buyers, the news appears nothing but positive. The owner says that this Thunderbird runs and drives perfectly, and he would have no hesitation in tackling a cross-country journey immediately. The documentation that comes with this car is mind-numbing. It includes the original Owner’s Manual, Warranty Card, dealer documentation, and a complete service history dating back to Day One. The owner claims that this car has 30,000 genuine miles on the clock, and it appears that he can substantiate that claim fully.

If this Thunderbird harbors any disappointments for me, they probably rest with the interior presentation. There is nothing radically wrong inside this car, and it is presentable for an original survivor. However, there is wear on the driver’s seat that is beyond what I might have expected for a vehicle with such a low odometer reading. It is particularly evident with the deep buttoning on the seat’s base. It isn’t the end of the world because replacement buttons are easy and cheap to find, and an upholsterer should be able to fit them for only a few dollars. I believe that the leather probably also needs a deep clean and condition because it looks slightly tired and dirty. This action would cost virtually nothing and should lift the overall presentation markedly. Beyond that, there is little of which to be critical. The carpet and door trims are in excellent condition, as are the dash and pad. Further underlying its luxury leanings is a long list of optional extras. These include air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, and an AM/FM stereo radio.

Now that you’ve seen what this 1973 Thunderbird has to offer, how do you think that the owner’s asking price stacks up? It seems pretty competitive, especially when considering its overall condition, odometer reading, and documentation. It isn’t perfect, but getting it to that point should not be difficult or expensive. Are you tempted to follow this one further? Are you also tempted to perform your own search to locate hidden classics for us to feature here at Barn Finds? If you do, we will always appreciate it.