Vehicle Description
1988 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 then 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, very low mileage (a
mere 9,512 original miles) 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.
Exterior
Looking like it was just dipped in black, this pristine exterior
paint shows very little wear or 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 pinstripe that works its way around the total
circumference of the car at the belt line. A sunroof is noted, and
honeycomb polished aluminum wheels are seen on all 4 corners. This
is a stunning 9,000+ 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.
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 seats, power windows, and mirrors as well as a
stylized shift lever. Moving forward and upward we note a System
Sentry warning light panel, climate controls, and then a killer
AM/FM/Cassette Stereo topped by a factory Equalizer. Gauge cluster,
and ride controls, fuel saving mode, exterior lighting, and power
antenna sit behind an original very nicely preserved steering
wheel. Headliner is nice and tight and shows near perfect as it
surrounds the sunroof. 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 140ci 4-cylinder EFI engine, with
intercooler turbo, puts out a cool 150hp. A 4-speed automatic with
overdrive, transmission is attached to the back, and works
flawlessly.
Undercarriage
To sum it up in a word, I'll use showroom. Nary a hint of any rust
or structural issues, and we can also note an 8.8" 3.73 Posi rear,
supported by a 4-link suspension in the rear, and an independent
front suspension. Power disc brakes are all around, and they are
controlled by a Teves anti-lock brake system.
Sitting in this car is like going back in time, and one can almost
still smell the new car smell in this very low mileage, very well
kept, very nice, example of the 1988 Bird. Loaded with
conveniences, and all work flawlessly. A full Marti Report as well
as all the original documents that came with the car are located in
the glovebox. Driven sparingly, and well maintained, this is all
but a new '88 car!
VIN Decode
1FABP64T4JH193614
1FA-Ford Passenger Car USA
B-Active Manual Belts
P64-Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
T-2.3L 140 CUI I4 Intercooled Turbo Efi
4-Check Digit
J-1988
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
193614-Sequential Unit Number
DOOR STICKER
PNT 1C-Black
DSO 42- Cleveland, OH
BDY 63D- Thunderbird Turbocoupe
TRIM BD-Scarlet Red Articulated Cloth Seats R H-AM/FM Stereo
Cassette S 8-Power Moonroof AX W-8.8" 3.73 Traclock TRANS L-AOD
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 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.