Enthusiasts often complain that manufacturers don’t build enough performance cars, or at least vehicles enthusiasts will want to buy. This is partially true – after all, dollars and cents dominate the priorities of a major manufacturer, and penny-pitching gearheads are not reliable sources of revenue – but sometimes, you look back and see just how often a company like Ford has attempted to build a vehicle that a performance car fan will want to buy. The Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe is one of those models that didn’t make much sense to build but the big blue oval boys did it anyway. Find this desirable 5-speed model listed here on craigslist for $8,500.

That 5-speed changes everything. So many of these supercharged coupes were sold with automatics, you’d be forgiven for not believing it was even an actual offering. The Mazda-sourced stick helped the big body coupe pull down some very respectable performance numbers at the time, but it still didn’t seem to translate into being an instant home run for Ford. With three pedals, the Ford could do 60 in under 8 seconds the roll down the quarter-mile to the tune of mid-15s at 90 mile per hour. All the while you’re sitting in a supremely comfortable cockpit with Laz-Y-Boy style seating arrangements.

The stock engine was a 3.8L V6 that utilized a Roots-type Eaton supercharger. It’s important to note the “stock” configuration because many of these  drivetrains were modified for more power. The seller’s car is bone stock, with no apparent modifications or ECU upgrades. The seller’s list of recent maintenance items is long and the known flaws is relatively short. Recent work includes “… new ECM, new starter, new belts, power steering hoses, MAF sensor, window actuators,” and the seller notes that the A/C compressor needs replacing. I’m shocked the owner hasn’t gotten that last item fixed considering he lives in Arizona!

The exterior condition is excellent and you can see the SC-specifici body kit and wheels. The tinted windows aren’t my style but they likely were a necessity in AZ and also kept the interior incredibly well preserved. The Thunderbird was well equipped from the factory with desirable features including four wheel disc brakes, a locking differential, sticky tires, and “Adjustable Ride Control Suspension,” which came standard with Tokico shocks. The price seems fair for an example this clean along with the rarity of the 5-speed, but perhaps some level of obscurity is working against it. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Barney for the find.