The seller of this 1990 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe sounds like someone we can all relate to: too many project cars, and running out of places to keep them. The Super Coupe has some cosmetic faults but overall appears to be a good starting point for someone seeking a rust-free California driver. These high-performance GT cars certainly don’t (yet) deserve a full-fledged restoration, but it’s certainly worth yanking the tacky hood scoops, de-tinting the windows, and cleaning up the trim. The seller has installed new tires and that’s about it, and with the desire to park a project truck where the Thunderbird is sitting, it has to go. Find it here on eBay with 2 bids to $1,900 and no reserve.
The seller starts his listing with a confession many of us also need to share: he’s hid vehicles from his wife. I can’t claim to have never told my wife about a vehicle’s existence, but I may have told her about one as it was going onto a flatbed. Regardless, this is the sort of car you see for sale and say, “That’s a great price. I don’t know what I’m going to do with it, but I’m obligated to grab it.” That sentiment is one that actually makes total sense to me, because if the price is solid, you should be able to unload it quickly if your enthusiast dissolves once it’s in your driveway. The Thunderbird Super Coupe was a strong performed and sharp handler in its day, but it likely feels a bit dated now. The black trim on the exterior is heavily faded by the California sun, but that’s an easy fix.
And despite the exterior sun damage, it appears the tinted windows have kept the interior in good shape overall. The leather seats still look quite clean for a car with some miles on it, and even with some damage to the driver’s seat bolster, the rest of it looks like the sort of cockpit that routinely only had one driver. The Super Coupe featured some advanced technology for its day, including a driver-adjustable Tokico suspension system that allowed for real-time adjustments. The trouble with systems like these is they wear out over time like any conventional shock absorber, and replacement components can be hard to find.
A manual gearbox was the standard transmission offering, and those cars are quickly snatched up. The 4-speed automatic is more typical for this big body coupe, and does have impact performance slightly. With 210 horsepower and 315 lb.-ft. of torque from a supercharged 3.8L V6 engine, the Thunderbird has plenty of get up and go. The seller notes that unfortunately, some critters got into the engine bay and gnawed on wiring that he has patched back together, but it sounds like further repairs could be needed to do it the correct way. With no reserve and limited bidding, this SC could be a bargain for the next owner – just remember to tell your wife.
Does this thing have the gold package? Or is that just the sun working its magic on the black trim?
Actually, when I saw that picture I had to wonder, are those scoops factory, until I looked closer. I’d be tempted to leave them on. I had a 1990 Thunderbird and the only thing it lacked was the power to smoke the tires, but it wasn’t that kind of car. Loved it and this one with a manual would be my choice.
This “dated” performance T-Bird would flat out stomp the ’79 Firebird mentioned in the previous ad. And, it’s about $20k less.
Ad says the car won’t move forward or backwards. Not sure that’s a good sign unless the ATF just needs to get moving and building pressure. Surely he would just top it off and it would move eventually? Could be bigger problems.
Ford’s automatics aren’t the most refined boxes around but they are pretty tough and dependable. If a fluid top off won’t get the AOD turning again, a fluid change and new filter might be enough to get it rolling. If not, the junkyards are full of AOD’s to pull a torque converter and valve body off of.
Beautiful looking car. If only more pics were posted. I think most people like to see what powers the bad boy. I like to see the interior of the car, the trunk, possibly a video seeing the car in action. IMHO, there’s no such thing as too many photos. There is such thing as too few pics.
These things are a total pain in the ass to work on. Ask any older Ford mechanic. For example, try changing a fuel pump.
And with old gummed up ga in it, it will need at least a fuel pump along with all of the injectors removed and de-gummed. Not to mention every single seal will now be leaking fluids.
you can have it. i dreaded working on these. 1 of fords better ideas. NOT!
A friend bought one and ordered all of the service manuals for it, stacked sitting on the table they were close to a foot tall.
Just having one project car keeps me busy enough. I can’t even imagine having several cars and 30 motorcycles.
Love his tattered flag collection. 😁
My concern is the brake system and the Cam Sensor relay. If I remember correctly I didn’t have to wory about the brakes because the realy went out and I could barely get off the freeway. But I loved how that thing cornered and accelerated.
Slushbox kills it for me
V-6 kills it for me, and the slush box.
Cheap though.
SOLD for $2,550.
3 bids.