For an automaker to keep a model in production as long as Ford carried on with its Thunderbird, trends and shifts in the marketplace need to be closely monitored, and the vehicle needs to evolve accordingly to remain successful. The T-Bird is one of those cars that seems to have generally provided what customers wanted in most eras, although the brief eighth generation from the early eighties isn’t as fondly remembered as many of the others. However, the Thunderbird bounced back in its ninth gen, with one of the more memorable offerings from that period being the Turbo Coupe, such as this 1988 model here on Facebook Marketplace. This one’s located in Lima, Ohio, and while it’s not quite perfect, the positives seem to outweigh the negatives here. It’s also priced affordably at $4,500, and we’d like to thank reader Sam61 for the fun tip here!
While eighties technology may sound a bit dated nowadays, the Turbo Coupe was impressive for its time, even earning it the coveted Motor Trend Car Of The Year award in 1987. The exterior not only looked good but also featured aerodynamic styling, though 1988 would be the final TC model before the Super Coupe took over the reins as the special Thunderbird the following year. Some of the moldings show a bit of wear here, and the sunroof leaks on occasion, but this one still presents decently on the outside for the most part. Just restoring those plastic lenses up front would go a long way in improving the looks here.
No photo from under the hood is provided, but several shots from below give us a glimpse of some of the lower engine and transmission components. The Turbo Coupe shared the intercooled 2.3-liter inline-four with the Mustang SVO, and while a 5-speed manual was the only transmission available at the car’s 1983 introduction, an automatic became optional the following year. Thankfully, this one has three pedals, although it grinds going into fourth gear unless the driver double-clutches, with the seller advising that replacing the throwout bearing should be considered in the near future.
We don’t get any specific information about the interior, but the photos suggest it still looks pretty good for its age and is likely in satisfactory condition to please most potential owners. One part that no longer functions is the odometer, and the owner reports he doesn’t know when it stopped tracking numbers, so the mileage here is unknown. He also says that if this one doesn’t sell in a timely manner, it might be parted out, but I’d sure hate to see that happen. What are your thoughts on this 1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe?
ooo, thats the bird to have for that generation, and in great condition, fully loaded, for a cheap price !
Parting it would indeed be a shame.
To me that means OBO, and that makes this a sweet deal for somebody.
Nice find Barn Finds
I had an 85 Mercury version (but with the 5.0/Auto) in the same color combo. We did all the classic Fox body upgrades – 3.42 posi in the rear, intake, cam, manual valve body in the AOD, headers, exhaust..etc. That grandpa mobile scared the bejeezus out of quite a few cars! It was so much fun, and I would jump on this if I could unload some E30 projects..
Coyote swap????
Or…….a big inch 385 series swap?????
This car would be a decent fit for my needs but I have reservations due to the odometer and throw out bearing statuses, and the lack of under hood pics. Not sure what a “timely fashion” is for selling but would hate to see it parted out if it is in road-worthy condition. Gonna think hard on it.
Great article Mr. Mike Stephens!! Great find Sam61!! This is too nice of a car to part out!! I really hope someone buys this, and takes the time to do the minor repairs! This is really a beautiful car for $4,500! Having the 5 speed, the sunroof, and the nice color combination really makes this car a winner! Hopefully, being on Barn Finds will find that next owner! I really like how the seller is pointing out all the needs of the car! Thank you to the seller for posting all the underside photographs!
Is that Sandalwood color? Dont see many in that color. Seems to have good bones. Rock Auto got the clutch parts and get a rear seal kit while you are at it.
Nice review.