1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
The name was not among the thousands proposed, including rejected options such as Apache, the original name of the P-51 Mustang, Falcon, owned by Chrysler at the time, Eagle, Tropicale, Hawaiian, and Thunderbolt. A Ford stylist who had lived in the southwest submitted the Thunderbird name. The word "thunderbird" is a reference to a legendary creature for North American indigenous people. It is considered a supernatural bird of power and strength. Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California also lays claim to being the inspiration for the name of the car. Ernest Breech, a Thunderbird Country Club member, who was the chairman of Ford Motor Company was supposedly deeply involved in the creation of the Thunderbird. Breech asked the Club's permission to name the new model after the Club and the club consented to the use of the name.
For consignment, we offer this nearly perfect, low mileage for the age, car that is from a good year of the Thunderbird design. In fact, in 1987/88 there was a complete redesign, and it was definitely all for the better.
Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public highways in your area.*
Exterior
Looking like it was just dipped in Medium Red Metallic, this pristine exterior paint shows age appropriate wear and faults. The only chrome on this car are the badges, and they are shining brightly. This nicely executed fox bodied design has integrated headlights, all black trim, dual hood scoops, and a red stripe within the black body side moldings that works its way around the total circumference of the car mid doorline. A sunroof is noted as are tinted windows and snowflake polished aluminum wheels are seen on all 4 corners. This is a stunning 93,775 mile car exterior-wise and it is hard to find fault!
Interior
Deep Scarlet Red velour cloth covers the front power bucket seats, and rear bench seating complete with a cushy fold down armrest. One needs to look very closely to see any wear or faults in the cloth beyond the normal entrance and exit wear on the bolsters. The very same holds true for the carpeting which is flooding the floor and presents very red and very clean. A black console speeds up the center between the buckets and houses the power buttons and toggles for the driver's power seat, power windows, and mirrors as well as a stylized leather wrapped shifter. Moving forward and upward we note a System Sentry warning light panel, climate controls, and then the killer factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo with a factory equalizer. The gauge cluster, and ride controls, fuel saving mode, exterior lighting, and headlight sentinel sit behind an original very nicely preserved steering wheel. The headliner is nice and tight and shows near perfect as it surrounds the sunroof and the louvered sunroof shade which is intact, a rarity in and of itself. The door panels are near showroom, and house the power locks for the doors.
Drivetrain
Sitting proudly in the engine bay, and not to be outshined by the exterior and interior, a 2.3ci 4-cylinder EFI engine with intercooler a turbo, putting out a cool 150hp. A 5-speed manual Tremec T5 transmission is attached to the back, and works flawlessly sending power back to the Ford 8.8" rear axle weighing in with a 3.55 ratio and TracLoc capability.
Undercarriage
To sum it up in a word, I'll use original. Nary a hint of any rust or structural issues, and we can also note a 4-link suspension in the rear, and an independent coil spring front suspension. Power disc brakes are all around, and they are controlled by a Teves-2 antilock brake system. A single exhaust system splits to dual mufflers to create a melodious tune but we must note that the catalytic converter has been removed in favor of a straight pipe.
Drive-Ability
This car fired right up and floated like a butterfly to the test track where it stung like a bee. Plenty of power from the 2.3 liters, especially under boost, the 5-speed shifted easily and smoothly, and offered up a low RPM highway cruise. The interior was comfortable and roomy, and all functions were working just fabulously save for the AC blowing warm and a notable rattle in the exhaust system.
Sitting in this car is like going back in time, and one can reminisce about the good old classic 80's in this very well kept, very nice, example of the 1987 Bird. Loaded with conveniences, mighty powerful and ready to compete with the European sport coupes and sedans of the day, this Fox chassis based bird is worth a look, just hang on tight once the boost comes in!
1FABP64W8HH224285
1FA-Ford Passenger Car USA
B-Active Manual Belts
P64-Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
W-2.3L 140 CUI I4 Intercooled Turbo
8-Check Digit
H-1987
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
224285-Sequential Unit Number
DOOR STICKER
PNT 26-Medium Red Metallic
DSO 42- Cleveland, OH
BDY 63D-Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
TRIM BD-Scarlet Red Articulated Cloth Seats
R H-AM/FM Stereo Cassette
S 8-Power Moonroof
AX K-8.8" 3.55 Traclock
TRANS 2TTKK-T5 5-Speed Manual
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
