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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
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.
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.
2017 Motostalgia : Amelia Island
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $180,000-USD $250,000
Lot was not sold
1989 Ford Thunderbird Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Ford Thunderbird
(Data based on Model Year 1989 sales)
1989 Ford Thunderbird Chassis#: 1FAPP6044KH209333 Sold for USD$5,250 2023 Spring Carlisle | |
1989 Ford Thunderbird SC Sold for USD$12,100 2020 Mecum : Indy Fall Special | |
1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe Sold for USD$2,200 2013 Auctions America - Auburn Fall | |
1989 Ford Thunderbird Sold for USD$1,275 2013 Silver Auction - Missoula | |
1989 Ford Thunderbird Chassis#: 1FAPP64R8KH181462 Sold for USD$1,300 2013 Silver Auction - Coeur d'Alene | |
1989 Ford Thunderbird 5-Speed, Power Sunroof Sold for USD$3,500 2013 Mecum - Dan Mecum's 26th Spring Classic | |
1989 Ford Thunderbird Sold for USD$3,500 2013 Mecum : Indianapolis | |
1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe Sold for USD$4,200 2009 Mecum - St. Charles Auction | |
1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe Chassis#: 1FAPP64R0KH201509 Sold for USD$5,500 2009 MidAmerica Auctions - Saint Paul RiverCentre |
Ford Thunderbirds That Failed To Sell At Auction
1989 Ford Thunderbird's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1989 Ford Thunderbird SC | 1fapp64r2kh100973 | 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee Summer Special 2023 | $7,500 | ||
1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2019 Carlisle Auction : Lakeland Winter Auction | ||||
1989 Ford Thunderbird Speed Record Driven by Lyn St James | LSJ1123 | 2017 Motostalgia : Amelia Island | $180,000 | $250,000 | |
1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2013 Silver Auction Spokane | ||||
1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Mecum Auctions Kansas City, MO Spring Auction | $4,500 | |||
1989 Ford T-Bird Super Coupe | 2011 Petersen Auctions Salem Auction 2011 | ||||
1989 FORD T BIRD CUSTOM | 2008 Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions November 23, 2008 | $8,500 | |||
1989 FORD THUNDERBIRD | 2007 Silver Auction Portland | $3,600 | |||
1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe | 2004 Michigan Spring International Classic Car Auction | $8,000 | |||
1989 FORD THUNDERBIRD HARDTOP | 2001 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $19,600 | |||
1989 FORD THUNDERBIRD HARDTOP | 2001 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $18,000 |
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1989 Ford Thunderbird
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