1989 Ford Thunderbird Speed Record Coupe

When the Ford Thunderbird was introduced, it was promoted as a sporting personal car. That idea morphed as the years rolled along eventually becoming a personal luxury car.

In 1981, Lyn St. James secured the Ford Motor Company as her main sponsor. In 1988 Ford decided to bring the Thunderbird to the Talladega International Speedway in Alabama, where she and her team set an amazing 21 National, International, and World records. Along the way she set a National Woman's Speed Record clocked at an impressive 212.557 mph with a top speed of 232.400 mph, beating the old record by over 10 mph that she had sent in 1985 in a Ford Mustang Probe. Sports Illustrated named her one of the Top 100 Female Athletes of the 20th Century, and she was also invited to the White House to meet Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

This particular Thunderbird is a purpose-built race car built by the Elliott Racing Team under the direction of Ford Motor Company Special Vehicle Operations in 1988. Power is from a specially prepared Ford V8 built by engine builder Ernie Elliott for the record attempt. The lightweight 'Super Coupe' body shell sits on a tubular frame with a full roll cage. It has the original race seat and a five-point safety belt.

After the car's track use was completed, it was often used by Ford as a show car. In 1995 it became the property of Lyn St. James.

In 2007 it ran the hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2017

On October 10th and 11th 1988 a 1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe, prepared by the Bill Elliott race team and driven by Ford factory racer Lyn St. James, went to Talladega Superspeedway, the fastest oval track in the United States, and over the course of two days broke 21 FIA national and international speed records. Lyn's fastest one lap average was 212.577 mph.

The car was a purpose-built race car commissioned by Ford Motor Company to help launch the 1989 Thunderbird Super Coupe. Goodyear provided the tires and PPG provided the paint.