As a central theme of the design, the ninth-generation Thunderbird marks the introduction of highly aerodynamic body design to Ford vehicles in North America (reducing its drag coefficient from 0.50 to 0.35), followed by similarly designed model lines, including the 1984 Ford Mustang SVO, 1984 Ford Tempo, 1986 Ford Aerostar, and 1986 Ford Taurus. While remaining a personal luxury coupe (to minimize overlap with the Ford Mustang), the redesign of the Thunderbird marked a transition of the model range, emphasizing performance and handling over outright luxury and comfort content. In response to the sales downturn of the 1980–1982 Thunderbird, the Thunderbird underwent an extensive model revision for the 1983 model year. Unlike most of its American competitors, it featured an independent rear suspension, which added comfort for the big vehicle.The ninth generation of the Ford Thunderbird is a personal luxury coupe that was manufactured and marketed by Ford for the 1983 to 1988 model years. It was available with a 5-speed manual from Mazda and could keep-up with the most important German sport luxury coupes. The V6 supercharged, also known as the SC, was one of the best from its series. But the bland design was under the exterior's look.įord offered the Thunderbird with a choice of V6 and V8 engines. In the back, there was room enough for two adult passengers. At least, the center stack was right, with a logical layout for the stereo and the air-conditioning unit. The high, adjustable bolsters on the sport seats didn't look that good. Perhaps it was the interior that spoiled the car. Unusual for those times, its rear wheels were placed behind the C-pillar and made the car look more advanced than its competitors.
A grille on the lower side of the bumper plus two air-intakes right under the hood kept the engine cool. On the hood, it featured the Thunderbird badge and a pair of slim, horizontal headlights. Just by looking at it, it was considered a good competitor for the BMW 6-series. All of a sudden, the T-Bird was the black sheep of the family who didn't get the much-needed lunch-money (advertising), and it didn't get the sales it deserved. The car exceeded its target price and its weight. Designed to compete against the finest luxury German coupes on the market, the 1989 Ford Thunderbird was an underrated vehicle.Īfter the car was born, there were huge controversies in the Ford Motor Company, which led to the retirement of Anthony Kuchta, the man behind the project.
0 kommentar(er)
