Last week, I penned a review of a 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7, and today I’m going to continue in that vein with a 1977 Ford Thunderbird – a very similar car. The year 1977 was a big one for Ford’s seventh-generation T-Bird, as it was downsized but still sold extremely well. It continued to be a big car – there’s no getting around that, and it bears a lot of similarity to its Mercury Cougar cousin. Meridian, Georgia is where this silver bird is perched, and it’s available, here on craigslist for $5,500. Tony P. gets the nod for this tip!
The seventh-gen T-Bird was produced from ’77 through ’79, and rode on a 114-inch wheelbase that stretched over a length of 215 inches, about ten fewer than its predecessor. Total weight reduction was in the 800 lb. range. As for popularity, this baby sold extremely well with approximately 318K, finding new owners in ’77. The seller suggests, “As Much of a Muscle Car as You’ll Find in ’77.” Well, with only 173 net HP being delivered from its 400 CI V8 engine, while lugging around 4,300 lbs, I’d suggest its muscles could use some toning. The seller adds, “Just installed a new Fuel Pump and Sending Unit. Under the Hood is All 1977.” With that said, I’ll run with the assumption that originality abounds in this 72 K-mile example.
The interior is similar to the Merc’s with its cloth-covered, split bench seat, faux wood trim, and federally inspired 85 MPH speedometer. This is an extremely clean environment, seemingly in sound nick except for some problems with the hard plastic portions of the door panels in the area around the door releases. Speaking of doors, those on this two-door coupe are typically long and heavy, so interested owners may want to check the hinges for smooth operation – all that weight has a tendency to wear out the bushings. BTW, this is an A/C equipped car, but it looks like the compressor belt has been removed, so that’s an item worthy of inquiry.
The seller claims, “Super Straight Body With Zero Rust. Georgia Car Since New,” and the images bear out that claim. The finish still wears a shine, the chrome bits have luster, the side bump strips aren’t gravity bound, and the contrasting red divided vinyl roof covering appears to be fresh – this T-Bird is still rockin’ its visuals. One detour from stock is the chrome-plated slotted wheels – not typical Thunderbird fare, but I’d suggest that they work OK in this case. And despite the wheel change, I still consider this Thunderbird to be a survivor.
Wrap this all up, and here you have it, a once very popular model, unlike anything available today, in sound shape and reasonably priced. And speaking of price, at $5,500, what’s your thought, priced right or not quite?
Silver Bullet
A link to the craigslist ad might be helpful for maybe some more photos! But beyond that , I think it looks pretty good from what’s here. These were a massive success for Ford through what was little more than badge re-engineering of the Ford Elite into this and the Torino into the LTD II.
I put it in initially, but it “fell out”. It’s back in now.
JO
Like 2001LexusRX300 notes, these were big sellers. Take the Elite, give it T-Bird styling cues and the prestigious T-Bird name, and offer it at a reasonable price. The formula worked. This one looks good, though I would ditch those slotted wheels and go back to something stock.
I had a ’78 LTD II. A great all around winter beater to replace my Mustang GT. But as exciting to drive as dry toast. Mine had a 351 in it, and I was able to wrap that 85 mph speedo around way past 0, on the freeway one night, keeping up with an old Olds Cutlass.
Back when a Thunderbird didn’t look like a Thunderbird. Not much here to differentiate it from it’s more pedestrian cousins.
I had a 77 with the 400M and the ugliest green color. It was actually a great car. I had to run to the airport 100 mi away several times a year and it loved running 90 all the way there and back on I70. I had it, and old F100, a Mustang and a Zephyr so i sold it cheap to a friend that had a ragged out 76 so he would have transportation. I still miss that bird!