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Forces Of Time: Does A Properly Prepared 1989 Ford Thunderbird SC Have A Draw?


Forces Of Time: Does A Properly Prepared 1989 Ford Thunderbird SC Have A Draw?

Everyone always wants to make a crack about building the wrong car, until someone puts together the “wrong car” the right way. Ever notice that? Nobody liked 1973-77 Chevelles, it seemed, until Popular Hot Rodding built up the “Project Talladega” 1975 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna S-3 and the random builds started appearing here and there. Now, people see the potential in them a little more clearly. Take the “Project Raven” Imperial…most people would simply daub it off as a failed Chrysler product, but show someone the pictures from Buddy Arringon’s NASCAR days where he campaigned one or the “Wozniak Imperial”, a super-clean Pro Street build, and you start to see people gain respect. Part of that might be because these cars are getting older and rarer, sure, but that isn’t all that’s going on. Or is it?

One of the most ignored platforms of the last thirty years, in my personal opinion, is the Ford MN-12: 1989-97 Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar, and the slightly different 1993-98 Lincoln Mark VIII. The basis of the machine is simple enough: independent suspension front and rear, enough room in the engine bay to accommodate the Mod motor, able to handle the older Windsor block, and available with the only Ford-sourced 3.8L V6 worth having, the supercharged variation. The SC (Super Coupe) also had an available manual transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, variable assist power steering, and smooth, aerodynamic lines that NASCAR was putting to good use. Truth be told, NASCAR might have been the only entity of the day to give the last generation T-bird it’s due…even Ford themselves were disappointed with the whole program, and the guy in charge of bringing it to light retired, angry at the company and out of favor with the upper echelon.

I’ll be honest, I dream about a T-bird packing either a very stout 302 or a copy of the teased but canceled SVT variation that sported a supercharged 4.6 between the fenders. But there’s plenty to like about one of the blown V6 SC cars. Sure, 80% of the argument involves the three pedals and five forward gears, but force-fed V6 engines can be plenty fun…ask a Buick guy. This car has some age wear that the seller is very honest about, but even with the flaws in the paint, we see potential in this Thunderbird. What about you?

eBay Link: 1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe


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5 thoughts on “Forces Of Time: Does A Properly Prepared 1989 Ford Thunderbird SC Have A Draw?

  1. RockJustRock

    Pricey for the condition, but likey the platform. Drive one and you’re in one of the lowest riding seating positions with the lowest door sills. You go eye to eye with Vettes.

  2. OKSnake08

    Way under appreciated platform especially the Mark 8 fast comfortable and the buy in price is low. 2V T birds and cougars are even cheaper and can still be found stock and well maintained. These will eventually become more popular for projects I think

  3. oldmaninamercury

    9 grand for a 5 thousand dollar car …. yea yer gonna see that sit there until the I gotta have guy comes alomg

  4. Adam

    I currently have a 93 Bill Elliot edition. Originally had the 5.0, now a 347 backed with a supercoupe 5 speed. My favorite car I\’ve ever had, way too much fun to drive. I got mine because of my buddy\’s 91 cougar that he\’s had for 17 years and is beyond amazing. The mn12 and fn10 platforms will always be one of my favorites, so far ahead of their time.

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