Vehicle Description
1988 Ford Thunderbird 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
(25,661 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 Dark Cinnabar metallic and then
add some Rose Quartz metallic highlighting for above the belt line
surfaces, this pristine exterior paint shows very little wear or
faults. The only chrome on this car are the badges, and window
surrounds and they are shining brightly. This nicely executed fox
bodied design has integrated headlights, all black trim, dual black
sport mirrors, and a pinstripe that works its way around the total
circumference of the car at the belt line. A sunroof is noted, and
phone dial polished aluminum wheels are seen on all 4 corners. This
is a stunning 25,660 mile car exterior-wise and it is hard to find
fault!
Interior
Deep Cinnabar crushed velour cloth covers the front power bucket
seats, (inoperable)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 although there is slight fading. The very
same holds true for the carpeting which is flooding the floor and
presents very cinnabar and very clean. A black and cinnabar console
speeds up the center between the buckets and houses the power
buttons and toggles for the seats, power windows, and mirrors.
Moving forward and upward we note a System Sentry warning light
panel, climate controls, and then a killer AM/FM/Cassette Stereo
complete with a factory Equalizer. Gauge cluster which is all
digital displays all the necessary functions of engine operation.
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, the 302ci V8 fed by EFI and backed by a Ford
AOD 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. A Ford 8.8-inch
rear with 2.73 gears is waaaay back there throwing power to the
rear wheels.
Undercarriage
To sum it up in a word, I'll use well cared for, and slight surface
rust on the usual suspects. Nary a hint of structural issues.
Suspension is supported by a 4-link suspension in the rear, and an
independent front suspension. Power front disc brakes with power
rear drums present on the corners.
Drive-Ability
Starts right up, idles smoothly, and ticks like a switch watch on
the power end with smooth acceleration and just as smooth ride.
Crushed velour has a way of growing on you (literally with its
fuzzies that sometimes go awry!).
Sitting in this car is like going back in time, and one can almost
still whiff the Cinnabar smell in this low mileage, very well kept,
very nice, example of the 1988 Bird. Loaded with conveniences this
is a cool bird. Driven somewhat sparingly, and well maintained,
this 1988 car has plenty of flight time left in her!
VIN Decode
1FABP62FXJH179620
1FA-Ford USA Passenger Car
B-Manual Belts
P62-Thunderbird LX
F-302 ci V8 SEFI
X-Check Digit
J-1988
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
179620-Sequential Unit Number
Door Sticker
EXT PNT 8N, 5C- Dark Cinnabar Clearcoat Metallic, Rose Quartz
Clearcoat Metallic
BODY 63D-Thunderbird LX
INT KK-Cinnabar Cloth
AX 8-8.8" 2.73 Gears
TR TLLEE-AOD 4 Speed Automatic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 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.
