1980-1982 Ford Thunderbird - Luxury & Electronic Gizmos

The 1980-1982 Ford Thunderbird was a stop gap measure car. It had been greatly downsized but still had the same styling cues of the much larger 1977-1979 Thunderbird, yet along with its long list of luxury and convenience options, it had many state-of-the-art electronic options which would foreshadow future 1980s decade and beyond luxury cars.

[@mrpoohbearlvr]

The pillow like seats of old American cars like the T-Bird had, were just SO comfortable. And looked inviting to sit on. Today, you get seats like 2 pieces of plywood with some foam on it.

[@bobsmithinson2050]

So comfortable, but the cloth ones got nasty quick...one fart at a time

[@arnepianocanada]

I had an '80 and agree totally. Best seat for comfort of any car I ever had!

[@johnhutchison9782]

Just like airplane seats.

[@prestoncheapbtheadphoneste3010]

Yeah and over time, those seats sunk in so far it’s like you were sitting on the floor. 😑😐

[@alfx5432]

The fart smells are still preserved in the seats amazing.

[@bornagainsavage9551]

I had a 1982 Town Landau. White with a white vinyl top and the plush interior was tan colored. By far, the quietest car that I ever owned. I remember buying it from a sweet old lady, and as I drove home, I put it in park and revved the engine to see if it was on because it ran so quietly! It was a well balanced 255ci V8 that, I know that it's impossible to believe, would get 30mpg! I turned it into a very clean lowrider with a concert sounding sound system. I still build cars and trucks and haven't owned a Ford since my T-bird. It would be so much fun to find another one and fix it up! I always liked the "Shrunken Lincolns", as I have always affectionately called the 8th generation T-birds!✌🏾Thanks for the great video and the wonderful memories that it inspired!

[@dodgedurango6591]

The sweetest elderly couple in our church purchased new a silver 1980 Thunderbird... with hearts of gold they let our family use this dream machine for long distance trips and vacations. ☝😃

[@JackF99]

When I was in college at that time I worked as a construction laborer in the summertime. One of the fellow laborers was just retiring. He had been doing it for 40 years or something. He bought a retirement gift for himself and surprised with it one day. It was one of the last '82 Thunderbirds. He had spent a lot of money on it and was very confident it would become an instant collector's item. I remember seeing it thinking it was more like a sad, outdated mini-pimpmobile. I felt bad after the amazing 1983 T-bird came out, knowing that his poor '82 was probably the opposite of a collector car but I ran into him a few years later and he still had that '82. It looked brand-new and he was loving it.

[@adamn7516]

My parents bought a 77 black TBird brand new in summer of 77. Me and my brother were 7 and 8 years old at the time and away at sleepaway camp. They surprised us on parents day by pulling up in the Bird. Me and my brother were more excited about the car than my parents being there.

[@ThunderAppeal]

Any time I want to lose all interest in automobiles and fall asleep to boot I watch one of the videos from this guys channel.

[@John72TB]

I always loved the unique features they always put into the Thunderbird. I'll always remember when I stopped at an old man's house one day to test drive my first '72 TBird. I as ready to throw her in gear and pull away for a test drive when I noticed the e-brake was set. I spent a full two minutes scouring the interior for the release handle. Finally I joked to my buddy in the passenger seat that "old car e-brakes never work anyway" and just put it in drive. Then with a slight hiss of vacuum the e-brake pedal popped up automatically.... Between that and rear windows that rolled sideways instead of down and I was sold. On a safety side note that vacuum actuator would keep the e-brake from locking the whole time you were in gear. It allowed it to work like a normal brake pedal that you could pump or finesse if needed. I always thought this was far superior to the normal design that encouraged an already slightly panicked person experiencing a brake failure to hit a ratcheting pedal that all but promised to throw you into a slide.

[@SuperBooboo02]

bring back some stylish coupes, not everyone wants to drive a suv box

[@97warlock]

exactly

[@johndrake2729]

Right!

[@YoungHeartedSoul]

As much as we all would love to have LSC like Ford/lincoln called it, these auto manifacturers are actaully killing off so many sedans. Just read the Malibu although a smaller econo car is being killed off, the Impala too and ford is right behind. All will be concentrated on the trend of building more SUVS. Ughhh Wish that silly "trend" would stop. I dont follow trends and never owned an SUV. most people will never see dirt with an SUV.

[@eldo59]

That's why I like to buy something old school and drop in a modern engine and tranny. Upgrade the suspension and restore the rest. Making it the ultimate sleeper classic.

[@YoungHeartedSoul]

@@eldo59 I daily drive 3 old cars. 73..72 and an 88

[@veronicahawthorne3452]

Brings back memories of my teenage years. My best friend's mother would drive 45 minutes from Miami to Hollywood Florida to pick me up in one of these and take me back down to south Miami to spend the weekends. The ride in this was SO SMOOTH and QUIET. Like floating on a cloud, almost flying, on the highway. Her car was white with burgundy velour interior with the 302 V8. I loved that car. Also it got great gas mileage for a V8. Wished she would've willed it to me. I'd still be driving it to this day.

[@cindytepper8878]

I had one in the late 80's with the 200 six cylinder. It was a solid reliable and comfortable car, but it was ungodly slow. I went to Hawk Mountain in PA and I think it was under 20MPH going up the hill with my foot to the floor

[@smacdiesel]

I remember the digital dash being so awesome.

[@thunderray1987]

I grew up with these Thunderbirds because my dad loved them! My dad had several 1977-1979 models & he had several 1980-1982 models as well! These were his favorite cars at the time, I really do miss these cars a lot more than my dad does.

[@brianpierson7658]

My brother had a 1979 Thunderbird with t-tops. It was white with dark green vinyl interior. It was a nice car.

[@johrons]

It must of been rare. Everyone always use blue. I know it must if been beautiful

[@jamesbulldogmiller]

‘77-‘79 my favorite T-Bird

[@Aptnumber9]

My mother had the 1980 Thunderbird Silver Anniversary with the V*. It was a great car. She drove it for 5 years and I went to my Junior and Senior proms in this car and took my drivers license test in this car. Thanks for sharing, I just took a trip down memory lane.

[@carlosr192]

That's was good time travel voyage...even to me here in Brazil. The luxury American cars came here just in magazines.

[@kiprandom7208]

The personal luxury market needs a come back.

[@wiibaron]

How about just a coupe? Cheap. Sporty. Luxo. We used to have all of those to choose from. Now it is either 35K for a Challenger Camaro Mustang or you can get a 2 door Hatchback from a couple of the asians. Or a Corvette...

[@johnhull6363]

wiibaron or try to find a a caddy ats coupe...they are like unobtanium

[@charlesmandus574]

Agreed, they were nice cars. Mom, and later, me, we had the Mercury Cougar version from 1977. I also had a 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix as my first car, again a personal luxury car. I'd run naked down the street to have those cars back. Today's cars, they look like jellybeans on wheels.

[@johnhull6363]

Charles Mandus argued with a guy who said they don't sell... I said yeah when they don't make any

[@rodferguson3515]

Forget personal luxury cars ...These cars are in the dust bin of history!!! Cars like that are NEVER coming back folks ... There's no market for them.

[@DJ_LATIN]

I've owned 2 1982 thunderbird town landaus (black/maroon) and just picked up my 3rd and working on a 4th one which is a 25th anniversary coupe. Love these cars.

[@louisbrizzolara7209]

I bought a 1981 Thunderbird Town Landau in navy and tan. Had that until 1988 when my dad died. I sold the T-bird to a cousin and kept my dads 1981 Continental Mark VI sedan. That T-bird went for years. I lived in Chicago, and I would have to start the car in -20 degree mornings. it did it every time. I had a '69 T-bird Town Landau, I bought new, I liked the two equally.

[@ew1usnr]

Those cars are just not seen anymore. Thanks for mentioning them.

[@guidedmeditation2396]

I have driven a 1980 thunderbird and what I remember more than anything is the hard plastic steering wheel that seemed about 30% smaller than normal car steering wheels at the time. I don't know if this was only perception but that is how it seemed. Also I recall it had super light over boosted steering that just flipped the car around easily.

[@MrSukiflash]

Bought a all black 80 bird new that year with the 302 and AOD,Had all the bells and whistles which stayed broke from day one.The interior would flood every time it rained or was washed.The dealer had the car over 3 months out of the first 12 that I owned it.Learned a lot from that nitemare!

[@chocodiledundee1]

I’ve always loved Ford Thunderbirds ... beautiful cars to my eyes ...the 77-79 7th Generation T-Top is insanity looks , very gorgeous

[@howsier]

Mom had one when I was a kid...until my 5 yrs old sister ran it into a light pole. Grew up in the 80's when you could leave your kids in a running car and not worry. Sister tried to copy mom and thus hit the light pole in front of hardee's. Loved that car.

[@MrMenefrego1]

I was about 14-15 when my father was one of the 184-thousand buyers of the 1979 Ford, Thunderbird models. It was a beautiful Dove Gray with matching leather interior and half-vinyl roof with a sporty silver metal band wrapped around the vinyl top frontage. The '79 T-Bird wasn't exactly a rocket, (thanks to mileage requirements and completely ineffective, and thus, unnecessary, even counterproductive exhaust emission controls) The T-Bird was a sporty-looking, now extinct type of automobile, the 'Personal Luxury Car', which was what most Americans wanted in the era before SUV's, minivans and the computerized 'bubble-mobiles' offered today. The '79 T-Bird sported a 16-valve, 351-CI-V-8, with a very weak, but, fairly normal for the era, 151-HP and a more than respectable maximum torque of 365 N·m. The Ford, Thunderbird was a magnificent example of Detroit's mad scramble to give American consumers the types of automobiles which they truly wanted to drive; Large American-style automobiles with a fairly soft floating ride with a sporty feel and definite aggressive sports car appearance; along with satisfying the dubious exhaust-emission/lower-fuel-consumption demands of the federal govt. Those two factors, the influx of foreign auto-makers, compounded by the oil rich nations self-created oil shortages, nearly destroyed the U.S. Automobile industry!

[@NorthernChev]

No joke, the introduction of the new for 1983 model Thunderbird took the automotive world by storm. It was THE car to have for the next couple years. Especially if you got the optional Turbo Coupe or better yet Super Coupe with the supercharged V6. They were super stylish and super quick cars (in their day).

[@DA90027]

Looking back it was ugly and looked like a cheap Taurus. The 80 to 82 still had some glam 70s influences.

[@dartsport1974]

I remember very well when the 1980 Ford Thunderbird came out. I was at the New York auto show at the old Coliseum in Columbus Circle in New York City when I first saw this car. I remember they had a drawing for a 25th anniversary Ford Thunderbird watch as well. I always liked these cars same with the Mercury Cougar during these years.... I did realize though I didn’t see too many of these on the road. I hope this channel shows the Mercury someday. It was interesting with the rooftop options that the Mercury offered. I think there was one rooftop option with three slits in the rear window which might’ve been the XR7 or the luxury group.

[@ziondawson9743]

I really don't get all the hate for Fox Body Thunderbirds'. They are very handsome, comfortable, and much, much lighter than there predecessors. As is said in this video, "The 1980-82 Thunderbird is a car worth owning".

[@NoName-tz5ji]

modular97 you put that a lot nicer then I could,so I’ll just say thank you and leave.

[@leonotarianni7733]

I actually like the squarish shape I consider it a great looking car especially for that Era

[@ziondawson1041]

@Lou SainisThe 82-88 Thunderbirds' are good cars, but if you want a comfortable, rare, and affordable personal luxury car, this is the way to go.

[@ziondawson1041]

@@NoName-tz5ji Thank you! I've had one, and must say mine wasn't in its prime, but I loved for what it was.

[@patricksaxon3983]

I miss the days of personal luxury cars, now all you got is sports cars to race with and to enjoy a nice ride. My very favorite is the 1978 Thunder Bird Town Landau and also the 1981 Lincoln Town Coupe'.

[@pwrfl2357]

push button keyless entry was one of the best things Ford ever did

[@MrTitan225]

Nice Vid ! I bought a new 1980 T-Bird ....White with white padded top and red interior.....I liked the new size....it reminded me of the 67 era T-birds with the hide a way headlights and full length tail lights.... I traded the car in 1982 ... needed a bigger car and a sedan.....bought a low mile 1980 Olds 98 Regency......Cadillac's baby cousin....... had 3 teenagers.....needed doors and leg room ...

[@calvanrootselaar6243]

In the old days at Christmas we played with the box the present came in, in 1980 you could drive it.

[@Relic67]

Keyless entry system was a way ahead of it's time. I love mine and use it almost every day.

[@trashpanda314]

When a 200 inch car was "downsizing" lol.

[@arnepianocanada]

Second-time downsizing yet! The '77-79 version was much smaller and lighter than in '72-76.

[@trainglen22]

Yes, it was a better car than the 1979 one

[@tsmith578]

When ever I see one of these T Birds it reminds me of great times.

[@melrose9252]

I recall that sales of the 83’s went through the roof compared to the dismal 82 T bird sales.

[@DA90027]

Funny since I thought the 83 was ugly and looked like a Taurus

[@Geordo1960]

I really miss those “personal (2 door) luxury cars .” Though I did own a Thunderbird it was the downsized model from 1989. I also owned two Monte Carlo‘s during my life. I loved those cars and they were just perfect for me. If they still made these type of cars I would buy them today. I have often wished that they were still made because I loved each and everyone of mine. There is nothing offered today that is anything like these vehicles and I do regret not having one.

[@elsancho2749]

This brings back memories, my dad had a silver color 78 t-bird, and the first car i ever drove for the first time....

[@robis40]

My mom had the Cougar with a straight 6. Car went for over 200,000 miles with just normal maintenance. She sold it just because she wanted a newer car.

[@thomassmith6027]

I remember this car. Those were sort of tough times for car guys. Cars seemed to be getting small and slow. Luckily, over time companies adapted.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Actually early 80s the mustang was starting to make a horsepower come back, it was the ending of the gloom and doom smog 70s. New gen Camaro around the corner in 82 ...things were looking up. A buddys dad had an 87 turbo coupe ,we got to use the heck out of that thing what a cool car.

[@rickycollins4633]

It is a fox chassis so all engine, transmission, rear end, suspension parts that bolted on the Mustang bolt on these T-Birds most cases without any modifications, opens a whole group of cars. A road course version of this car would look so good. Of course I am influenced because we had one.

[@anthonygi6879]

Thanks for the entire 30 seconds of "luxury & electronic gizmos."

[@scottwalker8855]

I had an 81 heritage with the 302. Bought it second hand from a used car lot...at 18 years old, I got ripped off...the salesman saw me coming!! Beautiful, silver with landau vinyl top, plush comfy interior, premium sound package, huge sunroof, rode like a dream, digital dashboard, keyless entry,loaded with every option available...what more could a young guy want?? That 302 would launch and surprise a lot of Camaro and Mustangs that figured it was just an old man's car🤣 Unfortunately it was one thing after another, mostly electrical, it was such a money pit. The previous owner got rid of it just in time...and I inherited a very costly neverending wallet emptier. Finally I had to cut my losses. I must say though it was one of the most comfortable two door cars I have ever been in to this day...next to a 79 Lincoln mark vii.

[@danielparrish5438]

I owned a 1980 Thunderbird and what I remember most is the talking computer that would tell you about such things as "low on gas", "door ajar", "please fasten seatbelt", and several other phases phrases that let you know about the condition of the car.

[@sneakerfreak2002]

You’re thinking about the Chrysler New Yorker

[@reinderkalsbeek4748]

Between this car and Jimmy Carter laid me off

[@balesjo]

I had a 77 TBird with lipstick red body and white vinyl roof and seating surfaces. It ended up a good car that was stylish for a college guy and comfortable on the 7 hour one way trip when I went home on breaks. Drove it until I'd finished school and got a job.

[@gcarlson]

The first car I had at my disposal was a '77 T-bird. Drove it thru high school, and for a short time before the compression went, in college. With the ragin' 351 windsor cranking out 140(?) hp for a 4100 pound car, it was known as the thunderchicken. Fun memories, Kraco stereo thumping, doing cookies in the snow.

[@derekpowell1266]

First and only channel I've subscribed to. Real guy stating real information, not some quirky mellineal hating on old school American cars....

[@raymondsmith6315]

When I was about 7 years old, our neighbor bought a brand new 1978 Thunderbird. It was a metallic lime green sort of color. I clearly remember the flip up headlight covers. It seemed to ride so smooth and quiet compared to the 1969 Impala station beater wagon my family had at the time.

[@gene978]

I was 18 years old in 1980 and headed to the BIG dealers in Worc. Ma. to buy myself a New Thunderbird. Not doing any research ahead of time. The General Manager saw me walking on the lot and pointed me in the direction of his DEMO 1980 Tbird which was so new and cool to me. The price was over 10K but it had most of the options I wanted. I didn’t realize how Fairmont like it was until I got a really good look at the car at home. I traded it in in 1 years time. Later in 1983 I traded again for a NEW Styled 1984 Tbird and it drove and rode like a much more expensive car so quiet too. But the feedback from co workers made me sick when people said “it don’t look like a Tbird” That started to play in my head over and over. I unloaded that car with in a year.

[@jethro1260]

Thanks for another great review. I always watch, always. Jeff

[@citibear57]

I love the image at 10:48. I remember it well from the sales brochure. Not too many people even noticed that the car reflected in the water was actually the classic 1957 T-Bird.

[@roderickjones1283]

Man how the good old dayz. I love old cars! That's why i do model cars!!! Muscle cars!!!

[@jdog5534]

I love this stuff, Thanks for the video documentaries!

[@BrenTravisMusician]

Loving your channel. I need those plush seats...

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

This Gentleman's voice?. I've listened somewhere. He knows his business. Great history of the Ford Tbird. Thank you 👍

[@9HighFlyer9]

My first car was a 15 year old '82 TBird. Dropped in the motor from my brothers wrecked 92 mustang.

[@texanfournow]

My father worked for Ford and used the employee lease program to get a new car every year for about half-price. From 1978 to 1983, he leased five Thunderbirds and one Cougar (essentially the same car). The 1978-79 models were roomy and rode well, but looked kinda weird and got poor gas mileage. The 1980 & 1982 T-birds were so different. But my favorite was the 1981 Cougar in navy blue. I liked driving that car. It was nimble, comfortable, and had enough power with the 302. The 1983 T-bird with the turbo 4 cyl. was a dog! It looked cool but was so slow. Fun times.

[@StangQuest94]

Love these videos!

[@antd8259]

Very informative. My very first car was a 1980 Ford Fairmont futura. At the time, it was 15 years old, but in very good condition, and my brother and I didn't have to ride the bus anymore he he ...

[@joethebar1]

Anthony Dixon I had an 80 fairmont futura as well. 200/6. That car was bulletproof. This Tbird is essentially one of those

[@X92Exploder]

I enjoy your videos. I would love it if you would create a video based on the 1983-1988 Ford Thunderbird. Thanks for your hard work in creating these!

[@thunderbirdauthority8315]

You make great videos keep up the great job awesome !!!!

[@RapideWombaticus]

Ah... love these reviews. Nice work 😎

[@73twall]

I learned to drive on a 1980 Cougar XR-7, the Mercury version (still) of the [baby] T-bird. I do believe these cars were not only Fox-body, but also just highly massaged 2-door Fairmont Futuras. Still have a soft spot for them.

[@jimh309]

I still think these birds were the most awful! I worked in HS as a gas station attendant at an Exxon station next door to a Ford Dealership. I remember my reaction when one of the sales guys pulled in for gas in his demo. Are you kidding me? I was a true T-bird fan as my family had a 1970 2 door and I eventually had a 66 Landau Q-code. When I came out of the military I bought an 1985 with a 5.0. Black with Red interior! I loved that car! Today I sport a 2004 Mercury Marauder I bought new too. Won't be giving up on it anytime soon.

[@TooLooze]

Those Marauders are amazing.

[@patricksaxon3983]

I liked these Thunderbirds, because they were still pure luxury personal cars as manufactures don't manufacture any more, plus the digital instrument panel was awsome!

[@chocodiledundee1]

Americans are number one 1 in presentations... man those poster are insanity, the cars are amazing inside out , full of luxury , woodgrain, lots of red plush ... wow Americans are # 1 the cars are super fabulous it’s like a castle with wheels , I fully dig it , man those RECARO seats ... man orgasmic , sooooo cool !!

[@leightonfarms4962]

great video as always!!

[@skylinefever]

My grandmother owned a 1982 Cadillac Sedan DeVille and it had about the same number of extra electronic gimmicks. Low horsepower wasn't the only downside to those old engines. The smog devices and electronic engine controls were really difficult to diagnose and repair. It wasn't until Ford created the EEC-IV engine computer that they made a good computerized engine. Back in 1981, there was another good choice if you wanted gadgetry. It was the Datsun Maxima.

[@mistermusik]

My brother had a blue 81 T-bird. It was neat. I had a 93 and a 94. Some of my favorite cars.

[@joesinkovits6591]

I always loved Thunderbirds. We had a ‘67 four-door landau when I was a kid, but I always thought the ‘83 aero-bird was hideous.

[@dougn2350]

The push button keyless system is one thing I really miss when I moved away from Ford/Mercury cars. My last Ford was a 2008 Mercury Milan. It was a great car but was severly damaged in a hit and run wreck. I bought my first Hyundai and have been driving Hyundai since then.

[@Themanfromglad]

awesome video, as always!

[@DenverFootMan]

I love this generation, thx for the video.

[@erinshaw9702]

Great video, thank you!!

[@01zipdisk]

They were a serious styling down grade from the t-birds of the 70’s and sales reflected this

[@jdmjimmy]

I like the 1983-1988 thunderbirds the best

[@styldsteel1]

SPicy rEns meh. Jelly beans on tires.

[@DA90027]

83 was ugly and cheap looking like a Taurus

[@Silkmaster4200]

SPicy rEns 83 to 86 Ford Thunderbird u mean. 87 to 88 are slightly different. The back side windows are different.

[@DA90027]

83-88 looked like a low end cheap Taurus

[@danthurston5264]

And they sold over a million Taurus in the first 3 years of production. The Taurus also brought a new level of quality to Ford that had been lacking for years.

[@bezzlebedeviled4756]

This is one of the best channels on KZbin, and it gets only 1% of the views it deserves.

[@joe6096]

That’s because the narrator talks like he falling asleep or he’s talking to a deaf person. If he had better projection and an invigorated personality I’d subscribe, but he doesn’t so I don’t.

[@chocodiledundee1]

Amazing video thank you , yes I love one of those too ... so much Hi-Tech for the era .... like a spaceship, imagine it back then ... mind blowing for sure , it blow my mind right now imagine back in 1980....

[@branon6565]

In 3rd grade, a classmate and his Dad gave me a ride home in their 77-79 T-Bird, don't know the exact year but I remember the bodystyle. Why this is burned into my memory is because it was the first time I had ever ridden in a black persons car. It had plastic covering every seat and headrest, had "Superstitious" by Stevie Wonder on the 8track tape player, and it smelled like cologne and the product they put in their hair (Jerry curl juice).....lol Willie and his Dad were good dudes...

[@dougn2350]

Branon Fontaine... Sort of a stereotype but probably true for that era.

[@fastdude2002]

D N usually a reason for stereotypes.......

[@benjafovi1cr328]

Branon Fontaine Willies dad Stole that car. lol.

[@normanduke8855]

Black guys love their cars just like white guys do. Some of them are good shade tree mechanics too. That's something we have in common. We should emphasize the things that bind us together. We're all Americans. We have a great Country and that's the most important thing.

[@chrisl8355]

@@normanduke8855 Hear, hear!

[@benmussolini2284]

I had a 78 Cougar with a 351 M and then I bought a 1980 Thunderbird with a 302 and I really missed my Cougar ,I should have never sold my Cougar ,i would probably still be driving it today .

[@zippome]

My dad had me take my drivers test in his 77 t-bird. He said if I could parallel park that, I could parallel park anything.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Excellent review!

[@terryking1274]

I remember as a kid watching two of these, brand new, waiting to make a turn in opposite directions smash head on once the light turned green.

[@manolexing68]

You are very right about nostalgia. Cars in the new 2000's are all plastic, with an attractive design cue of a high grade erasers. Who knows, 20-30 years down the road we might see plastic chassis and rollover bars? Thank you for this channel bringing us cool cars entertainment!!!

[@MrAamstrom]

Always liked this style Thunderbird. Never did own one myself but my cousins husband had one for two years and liked it except in the winter. This is a breath of fresh air of all the suvs, and pickups you see today.

[@jmjfanss]

And sadly electric vehicles are coming.

[@stangtrax]

I use to own a 1982 Thunderbird. It was all black a super clean with bright red interior with the 4.2 V8. I still think it is ugly but I only had about $1,700 in it after repairs. The digital speedometer would stop registering after 88, but it keep going and floating.

[@masskhamisi4]

1997 tbird with 4.6 engine with independent rear end ...a real touring car

[@primolander]

1983 Is the one I remember when I think Thunderbird. My neighbor had one growing up. It was always a beautiful car to look at.

[@harryjansen6990]

Looks much better in pictures than in real life. My neighbor had one of them, awful in person. Looked like it could transform at any minute....lol

[@antd8259]

Lol too funny

[@kz1000ps]

I never understood why, when they shrunk the overall length, that they shrunk the wheelbase by an equal amount -- those overhangs are just ridiculous.

[@DA90027]

I bet the same can be said for your wife

[@DWCSM]

One of my friend's parents had one of these Thunderbirds. Absolutely horrible inside & out but it did have an eight-track!

[@GeezerGabby]

Had one... loved it!

[@gsxerwhite]

My friend’s mom had a red 82 T-bird. We used to call it the mini-boat

[@fordsmobile1672]

Great video. I'd love to see one on the fifth generation thunderbirds

[@oliverdelgado6952]

I'm 35 years old and remember seeing maybe 2 in my life time driving around

[@Mattea68]

always loved this style

[@joelbosso1331]

I'm glad he mentioned the Ford door lock combination key pad. I own a F150 with this option and I love it. I think it will be obsolete soon with the advent of key-less entry and push start soon though.

[@dougkennedy4906]

I would love to make a 81 into a modern monster.

[@Iluvcatssm1809]

My aunt had this car in light blue, with light blue interior. She hated it, as the auto- locks would lock her out while she warmed it up. They had a gated driveway, and when she would return to the car after unlocking the gate, the doors would be locked. It was fully electronic inside. I was only like 7 years old but I remember her complaining about it, and they ended up trading it in after a short while,

[@katana258]

wife had a used 81 blue 200 6cyl. .. just ran and ran would float along at 75mph all day long , reshocked with good road handlers and tires and done .. best seats I ever sat in .. p.s. I has a 59 352 that floated along at 85 on old route 66 in 1966 from Rochester n.y. to l.a. in 3 days ..sweet car ..

[@kennybranshaw7526]

I owned a 1985 Thunderbird Elan and a 1992 Thunderbird... However, I am very fascinated with this model in review.

[@l337pwnage]

I knew someone with one of the 255 cid 3spd ones. He later dropped in a hopped up fuel injected 302 as the 255 wasn't exactly a speed demon, lol. I also knew another guy who had the Cougar XR7 version, and that one had the 302 and 4 spd stock. That thing was pretty peppy. :)

[@Offthbadan]

As a 12yr. Old in 1980 I said this would be my first car because my older brother had a 72 and then a 74.

[@mariogullette4795]

I loved both the 1973 - 1976 Thunderbird & 1977- 1979 Thunderbird!

[@Clarkecars]

I sold these and the predecessor `77-79 models when they were new and of course drove them as demonstrators. The Thunderbirds, and Cougars, as well as Chrysler's Cordoba, were far and away nicer cars than those offered by BOP and C. The Granada/Monarch were also pretty good cars, but unfortunately, Ford did not offer a split "bench" type front seat in those models. I love cars from the late `70s through the early 1990s because they offer creature comforts without all of the troublesome computer monitoring systems found on today's cars that will completely disable a car from functioning.

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

had a buddy in highschool with one of the 302 2dr Granadas - heck of a sleeper, (but that Ford steering box... whoo boy, you could barely keep it in the lane.)

[@artjones2498]

waffles it wasnt the box but the goofey hydraulic steering cylinder that made them steer like that ...it was a varitiation of the earlier 71 2 and 3 mustangs...yes it was awful