Built on the Ford Fox platform, the 9th generation Thunderbird was introduced in 1983 and this redesigned, beautifully aerodynamic ‘Bird sat in stark contrast to its 8th generation predecessor (AKA the “Square Bird”). Ford offered the Turbo Coupe model which was intended to challenge not just the looks and styling of Beemers and Benzes of the day, but performance as well. Personally I think Ford nailed it with the styling of this car and it became a jumping off point for the company to begin offering a variety of more edgy and aerodynamic designs, such as the Mustang SVO, Tempo, and Taurus. This 1984 Turbo Coupe comes with the highly desired 5 speed manual transmission and has less than 17,000 miles. It’s listed here on craigslist for $6,500 in Oneonta, NY.
As one would expect given its low mileage, this car definitely looks pristine from the outside. The seller provides frustratingly few details about the car however, and the entire ad consists of just one run-on sentence. He or she does point out that the car “never seen a snowflake.” Wouldn’t that sentence fragment actually sound better if it was preceded by “Ain’t?” Ford produced the 9th generation Thunderbird from ’83 to ’88. 1984 yielded peak production with well beyond 170,000 cars being rolled off the line that year.
In addition to the fact that the seller fails to provide a photo of the engine bay, there are no true close-ups of any part of the car given and it’s possible the shadowy photos could be hiding a few blemishes. On the other hand, the car might even look better in person than it does in pictures, it’s hard to tell. This ’84 Turbo ‘Bird comes with the previously mentioned 5 speed 2.3 liter 4 cylinder mill which produces 145 hp. Rear driven, the motor was derived from the Lima engine first produced for the Pinto in 1974. In ’84 Ford offered the option of a 3 speed automatic in addition to the 5 speed but as previously mentioned, most collectors prefer the manual.
This shadowy photo of the interior is the only one provided in the ad and although it certainly doesn’t look abused, we need more close-ups to be sure. The seller mentions the headliner is sagging but that’s the only detail given. Does this car come with factory AC and FM radio? Most Coupes did but strangely some did not. One interesting feature in these cars was a switch on the dash that allowed the driver to toggle between regular and premium fuel. Was Ford attempting to satisfy drivers who wanted to save money at the pump or was it simply designed to allow for the option to increase/decrease engine performance? Assuming this car has been pampered as its owner implies, $6,500 seems like a very reasonable price. And since the ad ends with “make me an offer” it’s obvious the seller will take even less. I can’t imagine this one will be available much longer and for a true “AeroBird” aficionado this seems like a great opportunity.
Appears to have auto headlamps which would imply a higher content equipment package which would mean this car probably has A/C & AM/FM radio. Cloth seats were not unusual. Interior looks great and good that it’s not red because in this era, Ford red interiors fade to pinkish purple when exposed to UV for extended periods. IMHO, worth the ask if mileage is true. Probably need to replace a few hoses and rubber bits but when will you see another in this condition?
That is a great looking car and the 5-speed is making this very attractive in addition to being two hours from Oneonta. “Honey, can I get another car?”
Husband: “Can I spend some money and get another car?”
Wife: “Sure thing!”
………….said no wife ever
You and the other BF’ers may find this hard to believe, but I am very close to someone whose wife bought him a Corvette (used) for a wedding present. Yes boys, there are such things as unicorns and black swans. Don’t hold your breath waiting for one to show up.
I question why the husband would ask his wife in the first place.
Does she ask him when she wants to buy something?
Mr.Know It-All; He didn’t ask. It was a gift. maybe things are done differently where you live.
My wife actually talked me into buying a 1962 Thunderbird we had gone to look at. Another time she went with me to pickup a 70 Challenger that a friend of mine had gotten in trade. 6 weeks later we owned it. I do realize she’s a keeper!
Were it not for my wife’s encouragement, I would have walked away from the ’71 F100 that I’m now enjoying.
Squared-off body angles the 8th generation Thunderbird had; however, the term “Square ‘Bird” belongs to the 1958-1960 second generation Thunderbirds.
I had an ’83 Mercury Cougar with a 3.2 V6. It was much more desireable than the turbo 4. Would really like to have that car again.
Nah, the turbo was a lot more fun, and the only way to get a manual (which had an excellent baseball-like sewn leather shift knob). I learned all about turbo lag when my dad bought one in 1985 — we loved that car.
But s new ecotech 4 would bolt right up and make the 3.2 look like an anchor.
Nice Thunderbird but I prefer the 87 and 88 models of this version.
These T-Bird / Cougars had the pre-headgasket problem 3.8L V6s. And I concur the Turbo was far more fun to drive-I owned an ’84 TurboCoupe as well…One of my favorite cars that I have owned!!
Fantastic cars! I had an ’87 TurboCoupe, but always preferred the ’83 to ’86 body lines…the addition of the intercooler for ’87 helped me get over it though. When I was in the Army my buddy had an ’85 TurboCoupe, and after one ride in his I got the itch to buy one.
The turbo was fun.p but frenetic. The 5.0 was quick enough, smooth and linear. The 3.8 was dull and disappointing.
SCORE!!! Barn find success story! Car is now here in Ga….its simply spectacular. Org paint 16k org miles unaltered cream puff! Thanks Barn Finds!
This is the first blog I have ever seen on the not so popular Turbo Coupe. I have always been partial to GM but in March of 1985 I bought a new Thunderbird Turbo Coupe off the showroom floor. Oh , the mistakes we are capable of making. My new car came with many problems , mostly electrical. It was also horribly uncomfortable while being a real looker with its red paint and red cloth interior. It had an awesome stereo system . I tried to trade this car in on a Buick Riviera and they wouldn’t take it as a trade in. Turbo Coupes were worthless upon resale. After having it for sale more than a year I finally sold it at a horrible loss and have never bought another Ford since.
i I just stumbled on this car by accident but I would like to have one. Is there an outside chance that this car is available anywhere?