“Desirable” is how I’d describe this beautiful Regatta Blue 1986 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. I think Ford nailed it on this design, it’s a nice mama bear-like size (not too big, not too small – from Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears tale), and that they could be had with a five-speed manual was the clincher. The seller had this one posted here on craigslist in Troy, Michigan, and they’re asking $17,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
I have to mention something to get it out of the way. I mentioned a five-speed manual being available in these Turbo Coupes, but this one has the automatic. Hey, I didn’t say it actually had one, but I apologize for the tease in the first paragraph. In any case, this looks like an absolute jewel, and the seller says it’s “pristine” and has “NO RUST ANYWHERE.” Sorry for yelling, but that’s always worth yelling, as once you’ve had a rusty vehicle, you rarely want another one. Sadly, they only included two exterior photos, but at least they show both sides, unlike a lot of sellers who only show one side. It looks nice, no? Yes.
Ford offered the Turbo Coupe in its ninth-generation Thunderbird lineup in 1982 for the 1983 model year until the end of the 1988 model year. I remember seeing these cars back when I had my Chrysler LeBaron convertible and thinking, man, now there’s a car! What if Ford had offered a Turbo Convertible? We can only dream.
As expected, the interior looks great in this car with its classic velour seats. Although we don’t get to see the back seat, trunk, or underside, we have to imagine those areas are just as nice as the rest of the car. I only see one glitch inside, one of the trim pieces on the driver’s side door pull appears to be missing.
The engine is Ford’s 2.3-liter OHC fuel-injected turbocharged inline-four with 145-150 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by an automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels, the horsepower in the automatic cars was a bit lower than in the five-speed manual cars. This one is said to run perfectly. Any thoughts on this nice Turbo Coupe?
These 4 Eyed early Turbo Coupes are my favorite. Wish it had a stick, but other than that it looks great. I have already mentioned I went to High School with a guy who had a white one, burgundy interior and of course, the preffered manual trans. In my opinion, Ford got it right with these. Good size, handled good, reasonably quick and comfortable to ride in for longer periods on the highway as well, ( those seats are very comfortable). This one looks great, inside and out.
And Scotty, if Ford made a Drop Top Turbocoupe like your image you made, I think they would’ve had a winner on their hands, it looks good without a roof too.
Hope it goes to a good home.
I had one almost exactly like this when new. Its Achilles Heal was the engine, as configured, was prone to chronic overheating. I could NEVER get it to run properly. Ford finally remedied this problem with an intercooler on the next generation (87/88) Turbo Coupes.
Better looking cars in the 80s than many.. or most on the road today.
As the saying goes……. “Preachin’ to the choir ” Stan. Especially interiors too. No pizazz.
I agree with Scotty’s write-up and Driveinstile’s comments. These Turbo Coupes were nicely styled and well-executed. I too like the four-eyes a bit better, but mine would have to be a manual transmission. This silvery blue looked great on Fords of this era. Good find.
Sorry, But I have to disagree with most comments. IMO these had none of the OTT excessive Luxurious Thunder of 79 and earlier Birds. A friend once owned a well used and somewhat abused 62 Thunderbird, which she named Thunder Chicken. I hate to ⛈ on the parade, but have to admit these turbo Birds were a sad finish. The later resurrected Birds? 👎
Didn’t have the T-bird turbo, but had an 86 Cougar XR7 turbo. It was a nice car, but nothing special. Not what I would consider fast.
I am very familiar with these cars, having owned a 1988 manual one, and I closely monitor the market for these, in case one pops up that I can’t resist.
Good luck getting that price for a slushbox. Also, the 87 and 88 models command a premium because these intercooled years make a good amount more power (with the manual, the auto ones were detuned).
Could you get these with a 302 and a stick? That would be the way to go, obviously.
Grab a loaded up LX Mustang Jerry
$17.5, good luck with that. This car is nice but not that nice, especially with no third pedal. These were good cars for that time period and I think they have aged well.
I had a 87 turbo that was a special edition given to dealers. The dealers went to Bonderant drive shool,Leather, fancy seats. 6 shocks,6 speed, Gurney valve covers. It was real fast.
I had a 1986 Turbo coupe , put a 120,000 miles with absolutely no issues other than regular maintenance, Mine was 5 speed and one of the most fun cars to drive. I would buy another with manual and reasonable price
I was going to buy one in 91-92, gold and 5 speed, the dealer let me have it for the weekend. What a blast to drive, but when you got on them gas mileage was not great—ended up not getting financed.
Have to have the V* even if it had to have an auto. Much rather have it with a 5 speed though. And knock off a few grand for 12 or less.
Great car, waaay too much for a autotragic!