For Sale: 1989 Ford Thunderbird in Lithia Springs, Georgia

This 1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe (SC) hit the perfect blend of personal luxury with enough supercharged performance that even had Mustang drivers looking over their shoulders. So when you can find a one-owner time capsule example with under 5k miles on the odometer, then you know it's something special even before you check out the affordable price.

We can understand why this car would be chosen to be so lovingly preserved. This was the debut year for the 10th generation "aerobirds". These had a streamlined presence that was just begging for added performance. So Ford offered a supercharger for the first time since the ultra-rare Paxton enhanced F-code 1957 Thunderbirds. That made this quite special, and so Ford gave these coupes an extra presence that was all their own. A unique front fascia with added air inlets and a tasteful ground effects body kit give the SC a far more substantial look. And because this one has gone fewer miles in 30+ years than some people put on in a few months, the factory-applied black paint continues to have a sleekness that really highlights the car's aerodynamic style. And everything from the buzzsaw alloys to Ford's cool keyless lock pad tell you that this special T-bird is the right mix of speed and sophistication.

The SC's interior continues the Thunderbird's dual luxury and performance mission. You especially see it in the front seats. These are finished in a plush velour and they are power-adjustable with plenty of adjustable bolstering. While this is great for the driver, the interior has the right kind of practical size where this coupe fits into everyday life. There are even great everyday features, like power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt steering column, the factory AM/FM/cassette stereo, and provisions for factory air conditioning (it likely needs a recharge to blow ideally cold again.) Of course, it's not the level of luxury that's the most impressive inside; it's the level of preservation. There is an instant understanding of the care that has gone into this one. It's in everything from the plushness of the carping to how bright the lights are when you open the door.

The engine bay continues the time capsule style. This fuel-injected and supercharged 3.8-liter V6 is how the Super Coupe earns its name. It's the kind of special powerhouse that gave this T-Bird similar horsepower to the 5.0 Mustang GT of the same year, and it produces even more torque than that iconic pony car. And while this one is exceptionally preserved, it runs with the kind of confidence that tells you stock style doesn't mean missing out on maintenance. So it's going to be difficult to resist adding to the low odometer. Paired with a versatile four-speed automatic transmission w/overdrive, the SC is up for anything. So it's both a long-legged interstate cruiser and a formidable car on twisty roads with its fully independent suspension. Add in four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, and power steering, and this is truly a great all-around classic with an athletic presence.

A one-owner car like this also comes with great paperwork to tell its story. You get the dealer invoice, warranty card, and owner's manual with the sale. This first-year Super Coupe is looking for its second owner ever. Are you ready to continue its legacy?