Vehicle Description
1994 Ford Thunderbird LX
Tenth generation Thunderbirds were ubiquitous. Between 1989 and
1997, more than 1.5 million Thunderbird, (and Mercury Cougars),
were produced. Maintaining much of the shape of the previous
generation but rounding more corners, adding length and independent
suspension resulted in a successful run and a popular commuter car
for the masses.
For consignment, a 1 owner 1994 Ford Thunderbird LX that's in great
condition and a quintessential 90's color and comes with its
original window sticker. It has the 4.6 liter V8 which was the most
common power plant for the 1994 model, with about 1/3rd of all
Thunderbirds leaving the assembly plants with this engine.
Exterior
Teal Metallic covers our car cleanly and its two stage paint is
still shiny 30 years later. The composite headlights now sit flush
with the fascia creating a more streamlined profile that continues
with a low hood meeting a heavily raked windshield then flowing
over a gentle curve to the rear deck where the back edge waterfalls
to the tail lights. Those tail lights are immediately recognizable
and having Thunderbird emblems on each one only adds to the I.D.
The rear quarter window is split from the front with a wide, black
B-pillar and the sport mirrors, and like the bumper covers, are
monochromatic. Our Thunderbird is equipped with a power sunroof.
The 15-inch, 7 spoke turbine wheels are directional, so the left
and right side wheels differ. We note a few scuffs on the car's
paint, most notably on the rear bumper and the nose, but overall
things are very nice.
Interior
Gray and black molded plastic door panels include a cloth covered
insert, courtesy light, storage bin, and familiar plastic switches
used by Ford for many years. Opal Gray cloth bucket seats with a
center console occupy the front. They have soft cushions and some
side bolstering and fit like the proverbial glove. We note some
separation of the shell on the bottom of the driver's side seat and
a stain on the passenger side. The back seats look brand new. In
keeping with Thunderbird tradition, the bird appears on the
steering wheel which is leather wrapped. A neat gauge package is
behind a single pane of plexiglass and has all of the essential
information readouts. The center stack, canted slightly towards the
driver, has an AM/FM/Cassette and the heat/AC controls all in a
uniform plastic surround. Based in molded black plastic, the
shifter is in the center console where we note some distorted
plastic as if something acidic leaked onto the console. The gray
low pile carpet is in good condition as is the headliner and
overhead console. Inside the trunk we find molded panels covered in
a flannel like lining, all intact and relatively clean.
Drivetrain
One of the most commonly used Ford engines in this era, the car is
equipped with a 4.6 liter SOHC V8 which is rated at 205 horsepower.
Not super fast, but more than adequate for daily driving.
Electronic fuel injection feeds the cylinders and a 4R70W 4-speed
automatic transmission propels the car forward and backward. Power
spins the rear wheels with 3.08 gears while power disc brakes
operate at all four wheels. Esthetically, the engine bay is
clean.
Undercarriage
Most uncoated metal surfaces underneath have surface rust but
overall it's clean and dry. The dual exhaust comes together then
travels under the center hump, after which it splits again, enters
stock style mufflers, then exits through steel tips. MacPherson
struts soften the ride with independent suspension in front while
coil springs handle the independent arrangementin the back. Yes,
front and back independent suspension was new for the Gen 10
Thunderbirds and highly touted for improved handling.
Drive-Ability
The relaxed sitting position while driving this car is probably why
they were so popular. It really does have great ergonomics and is a
comfortable place to be. That said, the engine runs great, has
decent acceleration, good braking, and with that big rear quarter
windows, good visibility. On our checklist we note a few demerits.
The odometer is inoperable, the power antenna doesn't work, and
there's limited fore and aft movement with the driver's power
seat.
You don't see these much around anymore. Not because they were bad
cars or were disproportionately prone to rust. But because they
were used by individuals and families as daily driven commuter cars
and just worn out. Well, here's one that's been preserved to a
point and takes us right back to the mid 1990's. This one's got
plenty of life left and it could also serve as your ride to
Radwood!
1FALP62W5RH129966
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
L-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
P62-Thunderbird LX
W-4.6 Liter SOHC V8
5-Check Digit
R-1994
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
129966-Sequential Unit Number
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