1987 Thunderbird TurboCoupe

THE "AERO BIRDS" 1983-1988

1983 ushered in an all new sporty looking Thunderbird (and Cougar) that proved to be an instant success. Again, the Mark VII was also based on this body as well. The 3.8L V-6 was standard with the 5.0L optional.

1984-1988 saw only minor styling changes, but they were all quite attractive. The TurboCoupe was introduced in 1987 using a turbocharged version of the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and loaded with suspension, braking and performance options. They are quite collectable.

The 1987 Thunderbird TurboCoupe was named Motor Trend's "Car of the Year"

1997 Thunderbird Hardtop

THE "SPORTY BIRDS" 1989-1997

This generation was the last of the Thunderbirds until it was discontinued in 1997 (actually this isn't true anymore with the re-introduction of the 2002). 1989 saw another all new Thunderbird what was longer than it's predecessor and really very nice looking. The long hood, short deck styling was retained once again. The big news was the release of the SuperCoupe which was powered by a supercharged 3.8L V-6 with V-8 performance. As with the TurboCoupe before it, many performance upgrades seperated it from the rest of the lineup.

1990 through 1997 saw only minor styling changes. Ford announced that the Thunderbird would be discontinued after the 1997 model year.

The 1989 Thunderbird was named Motor Trend's "Car of the Year"

2002 Thunderbird (at the Official Launch, July 2001 in Dearborn, MI)

THE "RETRO BIRD" 2002-

There was much celebration when Ford announced that the production of the Thunderbird would resume for 2002. Following a theme that is gaining popularity, the designers looked to the original 2-seater for inspiration. From any angle it is obvious that styling cues were taken from the beloved Little Birds of 1955-1957 right down to the optional removable hardtop with porthole window!

Sharing many components, as well as platform, with the Lincoln LS, this reincarnation of the original is already being considered an "instant collectable." Of note, it is being assembled once again at the Wixom Plant along with Lincolns.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

It is impossible to detail all the features and innovations that make the Thunderbird so special. No doubt I have left out things that some readers might consider important, but I have sought only to highlight the history of Thunderbirds.

Motor Trend Magazine chose the 1958 Thunderbird as it's "Car of the Year". Thunderbird won it again in both 1987 and 1989 with the TurboCoupe and SuperCoupe. In 1965 they gave the award to the entire Ford lineup which, of course, included the Thunderbird.

Now Motor Trend has again awarded the "Car of the Year" to the 2002 Thunderbird! No other car has ever won this award so many times.

We of the International Thunderbird Club are proud that the car we so admire is also seen as worthy of praise by the automotive press and particularly Motor Trend Magazine.

The flight of the Thunderbird continues.........!