Vehicle Description
12,509 original miles. Desirable 351 V8. Cold A/C and alloy wheels.
Great color combination. Recently serviced and ready to drive. So
original, the factory-installed tires are included (new tires are
on the car). As close as you'll get to a new 1979 Ford
Thunderbird!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 attractive Dark Cordovan Metallic (which is maroon), it
shows off the sharp creases of the bodywork rather well and the
finish is holding up extremely well. Red 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 white
pinstripe provides some nice contrast and matches the rub strip,
and those flip-up headlights are always cool. Look closely and see
if you don't find a lot to like.The code DF Cordovan cloth interior
is remarkably well preserved and just as comfortable as you
remember. Twin bucket seats look sporty and offer the kind of
stretch-out space you don't find in cars today. There's a lot of
faux burled walnut, but it works with the all-burgundy landscape
and provides a great backdrop for the big, round gauges ahead of
the driver. Everything works except the clock, but that's a fairly
small demerit in a pretty darned nice car. The A/C blows cold and
the factory AM/FM stereo radio sounds decent. Other options include
dual remote mirrors 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, cardboard bulkheads, and the original
factory-installed spare tire that's never been used. Power comes
from Ford's bulletproof 351 cubic inch V8, which was the top option
in 1979. 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 and a new hood insulation mat.
Underneath, it's also original so it's not shiny and perfect, but
the floors are in excellent condition with a light dusting of
undercoating that hides nothing but has protected the metal for
decades. 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 brand new 215/75/15 whitewall
radials (as a bonus, three of the original tires are included with
the car).Documentation includes factory owner's manuals.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 the torquey 351,
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.
