The Thunderbird was a 50-year fixture at Ford (1955 to 2005). Production covered 11 generations, with the first and last being similar (2-passenger vehicles). After a low point in sales (and quality) in the early 1980s, the T-Bird was redesigned in 1983 with aerodynamics in mind. And a new Turbo Coupe model was added to help entice buyers. The seller has a 1985 edition of the Turbo Coupe that’s been positioned and priced as a parts car. For only $800, it can be yours here on craigslist and in Phoenix, Arizona.
Regardless of seating arrangements, the Ford Thunderbird was always a personal luxury car (though it deviated for a period when 4-door T-Birds were sold in the 1960s). Retaining its Fox-body roots in 1983, the ninth generation became more rounded and sleeker from 1983 to 1988. The cars still offered V6 and small-block V8 power, but a bold move brought the Turbo Coupe, which came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter OHC 4-cylinder engine. It began with an output of 142 hp but was upgraded later to 155. And another first for the T-Bird was the 5-speed manual transmission, only available with the Turbo.
Ford sold a bundle of Turbo Coupes in 1985, though the seller says just 2,000 or fewer of them came with the 5-speed. That would make the seller’s car somewhat rare (but does that make it desirable?). We’re told this is a two-owner machine that was running when it was parked, but how long ago was that? The odometer reflects 238,000 miles, suggesting a car that has given all it has to give. While we assume the seller would like the whole car to disappear, he/she is open to parting it out.
The body seems mostly okay in the photos provided, but the paint is well-baked, reflecting “patina” on upward-facing panels. The interior could be good, but all we see is the back seat. The Ford sits on stock aluminum wheels with P205/70HR tires. We assume the main reason for purchasing this automobile would be to obtain its drivetrain. So, is this car worth an $800 OBO gamble? Thanks for the tip, Tony Primo.
It makes you wonder if any cars from this era will ever be restored or become collector cars. I think I’ve seen just one of these T-Birds at a car show in the last 20 years.
Well, if someone is restoring or maintaining one of these as a collector car, it would be wise to obtain a parts car when they pop up.
These were fairly desirable cars in their day. It was always interesting to me how the aero look applied to the Fox T-Bird was such an improvement over the boxy early 80’s version.
This one lived its life well. AI says there were 20,804 Turbo Coupes built in 1985; it seems for a sporty car like this, more than 10% were manual transmissions. Doesn’t really matter; like Rex says, maybe it can be a parts car.
I came here to say this. Our neighbor bought one of these brand new (red over grey). My God, it is jarring to see it in such dirty worn out condition, remembering it all new and modern the way I do! Those new for ’85 Mustang GT wheels and VR Gatorback tires looked particularly interesting compared to the smaller 1983-84 wheels and tires.
But anyway, the guys over at turbotbird.com also have production for ’85 at 20,804. There were another 21,315 for 1986, which was basically the same car.
So these were far from rare. I have no doubt that the majority were automatics (my neighbor’s car was) but I can’t believe manuals were less than ten percent of production. People still bought quite a few manuals back then.
Great for someone wanting to drop a 2.3L turbo and 5spd manual into a Pinto, Ranger, 1970’s Capri or Mustang II. It isn’t expensive and looks complete. I’ve seen comments about performing that swap into those cars countless times in the comment section on this site, here’s their chance.
I don’t believe manual transmission were that hard to find, at leastnot in this generation of Turbo Coupe.
Steve R
Maybe it’s just me, but the body and interior don’t appear to be in too bad of shape. No rust needing repair just paint. At 238,000 miles that engine is shot. If it could be rebuilt fine but this car could be back on the road with a new(er) engine and rebuilt trans/clutch. At $800 what do you have to lose?
238,000 miles? That poor 4 bangers race is run.
Well worth $800 and you know they will take LESS!
Great Buy for parts or resto!
Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember when the Thunderbird looked like this. I think it’s the best generation T-bird offered.
For $800 asking, that’s a no-brainer. Wish it was closer. Having lived in NM for several years, I can attest the body is mint, it’s the hard-to-get interior pieces & rubber exterior trim that always go on these SW cars.
I’d bet double or nothing seller would take 5 bills waving in his face just to clear that space on the property. SMELL that money!!! A boosted Coyote conversion would instantly make you a hero at your local Midnight Mayhem drags.
If this was closer it would be in my driveway now.
My 85 was the most comfortable car I’ve owned.
I also had an 86 5-speed that I let a neighbor talk me out of.
Should have kept them both.