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.