Vehicle Description
50,346 original miles, two owners from new. Multiple preservation
award winner. Nicely documented. Loaded with options including cold
A/C and desirable alloy wheels. Runs and drives very well, no
issues, ready to enjoy.This was the best-selling Thunderbird of all
time, suggesting that Ford knew their audience in the late 1970s;
the big Thunderbird was the right car for the time. Today, the
angular styling still works well and gives the 'Bird a distinctive
look that's two parts Lincoln and one part traditional American
luxury. Dressed in classic Dover White, it shows off the sharp
creases of the bodywork and the finish is holding up extremely
well. White paint often has a hard time with sunlight but this one
has been properly maintained and protected all its life, so there's
a great shine and surprisingly few signs of use. Excellent panel
gaps remind us that Ford quality wasn't as bad as we remember and
is there anything cooler than the mini opera window between the
door and quarter glass? There's not as much chrome as you'd expect,
with big '70s bumpers that are in excellent shape as well as a
shiny grille up front. A blue pinstripe matches the interior and
flip-up headlights are always cool. Look closely and see if you
don't see a lot to like.The blue cloth interior is remarkably well
preserved and just as comfortable as you remember. The split front
bench resembles buckets and offers the kind of stretch-out space
you don't find in cars today. There's a lot of faux burled walnut,
but it warms up the all-blue landscape and provides a great
backdrop for the big, round gauges ahead of the driver. Everything
works: the clock, the A/C, and the factory AM/FM radio. Other
options include dual remote mirrors, cruise control with buttons on
the steering wheel, and matching floor mats with the same
ultra-deep carpet that's on the floor. You'd swear this is a
Lincoln, not just a Ford. The back seat looks virtually unused, the
headliner is in excellent condition with no sags or discoloration,
and the door panels are like new. In back there's a massive trunk
with the original mat and what appears to be the factory-installed
spare tire that's never been used. Power comes from Ford's
bulletproof 302 cubic inch V8, also known as the 5.0. Specs are
modest (it was 1979, after all) but it's a great runner-smooth,
torquey, and reliable. It always starts easily, idles nicely, and
pulls the Thunderbird around with appropriate enthusiasm. The big
aluminum air cleaner is a familiar Ford look, as is the corporate
blue engine enamel. Check out the original markings and decals, and
it's 100% original save for maintenance items like belts and hoses.
Underneath, it's also original so it's not shiny and perfect, but
the floors are in excellent condition and despite a lifetime in
Wisconsin and Ohio (two owners). The FMX 3-speed automatic
transmission feeds 2.75 gears out back, so this is a fantastic
highway cruiser that's ideal for a road trip. There's also a new
muffler and tailpipe, which gives it an appropriately hushed
soundtrack and the ride is luxury car plush. The low mileage means
it's tight going down the road and it stops well thanks to power
front disc brakes. Those handsome alloy wheels were optional and
carry recent 215/70/15 Firestone whitewall radials.Documentation
includes factory owner's manuals, a warranty booklet, original
purchase documents, and a Marti Report.Distinctive and fun to
drive, this Thunderbird is an affordable way to get into the hobby
without making any sacrifices in comfort or utility. Add in the
easy maintenance, great preservation, and extensive documentation,
and you get a car that checks all the boxes despite its reasonable
price. Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes
personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.