1987 Ford Thunderbird

The 1987 Ford Thunderbird was part of the Ninth Generation built from 1983 through 1988. The existence of the eighth-generation had been brief, produced for only two years from 1980 through 1982. Following lackluster sales, a significant redesign occurred for 1983, and although it was based on the Fox-body like the previous Thunderbird, the new Ninth Generation had a more aerodynamic design resting on a slightly shorter wheelbase measuring 104.2 inches. Power was from the 3.8-liter Essex V6 engine or the optional 5.0-liter V8 carried over from the previous generation. The V8 gained a CFI electronic fuel injection system in 1983, and the V6 in 1984 for U.S. models. Multi-point fuel injection on the V8 was added in 1986 and the V6 in 1988.

The 1987 Ford Thunderbird was available with a turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.8-liter V6, or a 5-liter V8. The four-cylinder produced the most horsepower, rated at 190. The V6 offered 120 horsepower while the V8 produced 150 HP. A five-speed manual was standard on the turbocharged four. A four-speed automatic with overdrive was standard on the other engines.

For 1987, the Thunderbird received a significant refresh including aero-style headlamps, full-width taillamps, and flush-fitting side-glass. Mechanically, the car remained mostly unchanged.

The Turbo Coupe was a combination of luxury and performance in a high-tech 1980s-style package. It had Automatic Ride Control, functional hood scoops, four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system, and 16-inch unidirectional tires. The four-cylinder engine received an IHI turbocharger, electronic fuel injection and an air-to-air intercooler. It was rated at 190 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque when paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The automatic gearbox-equipped cars had a similar engine but with a lower 150 horsepower rating. A total of 23,911 buyers selected the two-door Turbo Coupe in 1987 with 8,374 featuring the automatic overdrive transmission.

The former Elan model was now called the LX and priced at $15,350. The Sport Model came standard with the 5.0-liter V8 engine and was priced at just over $15,000.

In total, Ford produced 128,135 Thunderbirds for 1987, far fewer than the 170,553 units built in 1984 but slightly higher than the first year of the ninth generation Thunderbird (1983) which had 121,999 units built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2013