It is difficult to believe that the seventh-generation Ford Thunderbird (1977-79) was the best-selling version, but it’s true. For the three years it was produced, Ford cranked out just shy of a million of the things, and they sold well. Maybe it was the break from the big coupe platform that the T-bird had shared with the Lincoln Mark IV prior to the change, or maybe the styling was perfect for the situation, but the Thunderbird was Ford’s best bet to run out the 1970s with as the Fox platform welcomed the 1980s.
Forty years on, and usually we only see these T-birds in two shapes: rough and rougher. We presume that many of the millions have found their way to the boneyard, but finding ones as clean as this 302-powered 1978…well, that’s not everyday, to put it mildly. Laid out on Detroit Steel 20×8 steelies color-matched to the Thunderbird’s Code 2U Lipstick Red paint, this air ride-kitted Bird would be the perfect sled to take on cross-country tours…especially with the fully functional air conditioning. This isn’t a musclecar or a hot rod…this is a boulevard cruiser at it’s finest, with comfy seats, a soft ride, enough power to move around quick enough, and style.
eBay Link: 1978 Ford Thunderbird
My Godmother bought one of these brand new. It was triple-green!! That car just floated down the highway…
These land yachts are awsome highway bombers . For anyone who hasn’t drove or ever ridden in one for a long trip , imagine cruising down the highway effortlessly at 80 mph in an overstuffed easy chair . The only uncomfortable thing I found was the Fords of this era had what seemed to be over assisted power steering, that gave you absolutely no road feel or feed back – it was a weird sensation .
The little 302 just doesn’t seem like enough motor for a car of this size