The fifth-generation Ford Thunderbird isn’t a loved car. Ok, let’s not sugarcoat this: it’s probably the most ignored version of the T-bird. Even the big-bumper twin to the Lincoln Mark IV did better in the long run than the fifth-gen, but there is always hope even for the most desolate vehicle out there, and today’s Rough Start involves reaching deep for that reasoning. Stay with me and try to look past the knee-jerk reaction you are probably having.

Yes, this 1971 Thunderbird is rough. For that, there’s no doubt. And it doesn’t help that it’s a “Beaked Bird”. You see, the fifth-gen Bird had two faces: the 1968-69 cars had one massive grille opening that had hidden headlights, which was meant to emulate a jet fighter’s intake scoop. The 1970-71 cars sported a beak, which seemed to emulate Pontiac. Given that “Bunkie” Knudsen, a former GM man, was now running Ford, you can see the influence. It’s not for the better, for sure, but it is what it is. But there’s one thing the 1968-71 Thunderbird had that no other T-bird ever got: a four-door sedan version with suicide doors.

Now, squint a bit: imagine that paint buffed up, and those old Cragar mags cleaned up and wearing new rubber. Imagine the interior after a good vacuuming and wipe-down. Imagine that the roof didn’t look like the T. rex from Jurassic Park tried to open it up top. It might not be your first choice for a project, but driving one of these on the roads takes some guts. At least you’ll be comfortable…and the 429 underneath the hood should be happy, too. Why? Because for a long time the seller of this car was driving it daily and had installed a Holley Pro-Jection system onto the big Ford mill!

Lohnes still might call a junkyard and prepare them for a new arrival, but in my eyes, for $2,500, I see a unique throwback driver that’s some cleanup work away from being the daily cruiser. Some fresh Cragars on fresh rolling stock, some time with a buffer, and it’ll at least look respectable enough. You’re on your own for the vinyl top, however.

Craigslist Link: 1971 Ford Thunderbird sedan