1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe

The name was not among the thousands proposed, including rejected options such as Apache (the original name of the P-51 Mustang), Falcon (owned by Chrysler at the time), Eagle, Tropicale, Hawaiian, and Thunderbolt. A Ford stylist who had lived in the southwest submitted the Thunderbird name. The word "thunderbird" is a reference to a legendary creature for North American indigenous people. It is considered a supernatural bird of power and strength.
Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California also lays claim to being the inspiration for the name of the car. Ernest Breech, a Thunderbird Country Club member, who was then chairman of Ford Motor Company was supposedly deeply involved in the creation of the Thunderbird. Breech asked the Club's permission to name the new model after the Club and the club consented to the use of the name.

For consignment we offer this nearly perfect, very low mileage (a mere 9,512 original miles) car that is from a good year of the Thunderbird design. In fact, in 1987/88 there was a complete redesign, and it was definitely all for the better.

Exterior
Looking like it was just dipped in black, this pristine exterior paint shows very little wear or faults. The only chrome on this car are the badges, and they are shining brightly. This nicely executed fox bodied design has integrated headlights, all black trim, dual hood scoops, and a pinstripe that works its way around the total circumference of the car at the belt line. A sunroof is noted, and honeycomb polished aluminum wheels are seen on all 4 corners. This is a stunning 9,000+ mile car exterior-wise and it is hard to find fault!

Interior
Deep Scarlet Red Velour cloth covers the front power bucket seats, and rear bench seating complete with a cushy fold down armrest. One needs to look very closely to see any wear or faults in the cloth. The very same holds true for the carpeting which is flooding the floor and presents very red and very clean. A black console speeds up the center between the buckets and houses the power buttons and toggles for the seats, power windows, and mirrors as well as a stylized shift lever. Moving forward and upward we note a System Sentry warning light panel, climate controls, and then a killer AM/FM/Cassette Stereo topped by a factory Equalizer. Gauge cluster, and ride controls, fuel saving mode, exterior lighting, and power antenna sit behind an original very nicely preserved steering wheel. Headliner is nice and tight and shows near perfect as it surrounds the sunroof. Door panels are near showroom, and house the power locks for the doors.

Drivetrain
Sitting proudly in the engine bay, and not to be outshined by the exterior and interior, a 140ci 4-cylinder EFI engine, with intercooler turbo, puts out a cool 150hp. A 4-speed automatic with overdrive, transmission is attached to the back, and works flawlessly.

Undercarriage
To sum it up in a word, I'll use showroom. Nary a hint of any rust or structural issues, and we can also note an 8.8” 3.73 Posi rear, supported by a 4-link suspension in the rear, and an independent front suspension. Power disc brakes are all around, and they are controlled by a Teves anti-lock brake system.

Sitting in this car is like going back in time, and one can almost still smell the new car smell in this very low mileage, very well kept, very nice, example of the 1988 Bird. Loaded with conveniences, and all work flawlessly. A full Marti Report as well as all the original documents that came with the car are located in the glovebox. Driven sparingly, and well maintained, this is all but a new '88 car!

VIN Decode
1FABP64T4JH193614
1FA-Ford Passenger Car USA
B-Active Manual Belts
P64-Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
T-2.3L 140 CUI I4 Intercooled Turbo Efi
4-Check Digit
J-1988
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
193614-Sequential Unit Number

DOOR STICKER
PNT 1C-Black
DSO 42- Cleveland, OH
BDY 63D- Thunderbird Turbocoupe
TRIM BD-Scarlet Red Articulated Cloth Seats R H-AM/FM Stereo Cassette S 8-Power Moonroof AX W-8.8” 3.73 Traclock TRANS L-AOD

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.