Finger Lookin Good: 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX
Tipper SecondMouse sent in the following car with these words of wisdom: You say you’re dying to do some smoky burnouts in a RWD 2 door V8 with 4 wheel independent suspension, but you don’t have a champagne budget, or even a beer budget (more like a tap water budget)? SecondMouse has you covered with a decent copy of the last of the everyman’s Thunderbird here:
Find this 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX offered for $1300 in Houston, TX via craigslist.
From the seller’s finger:
Selling clean title strong running FAST 1997 ford thunderbird LX 4.6L V8!!
Clean title, cold air and heater work, some paint blemishes and dents but no major body damage. Clean Good running 4.6 V8 in a coupe always makes for a good project car. New sticker just last month. Call or text for more info.
See another fingered classic that needs pointing out? tips@dailyturismo.com
Flipping the finger or the bird?
Looks like a left "pointer", so the finger….lol
Anyone here have ownership experience with one of these Thunderbirds? I hadn't really thought about these much before, but it's a cheap way to get a Modular V8 with RWD and independent suspension. I would think this would compare well to a Mustang GT of the same era. Maybe a little heavier, but probably better handling and more comfort. I've thought about picking up a cheap 90s Mustang, but is this a better option?
They're kind of soft compared to the Mustang, and the suspension is flaccid. The body structure always seemed too flexible to me too.
Kind of looks like a clone of 6 series BMW coupe of the era.
Not to sound like a BMW fanboy but….there is no 6 series from this generation.
Maybe a 840i after many Jager shots?
That's likely the Sport trim level, which means it had a somewhat upgraded suspension. It was also a way for Ford to use up excess Thunderbird SC wheels in the 1996 and 1997 model years, after they – sadly – killed off the SC itself. I had a '96 Sport in the household when it was new and it was a very good car in basically every way – just a lot of car in terms of width. This is basically a segment that no longer exists – personal luxury coupe under a non-luxury brand; so there's some serious throwback appeal here.
I'm drawn to this platform still, but I'm holding out for a low mileage 89 or 90 Cougar XR-7 with a manual trans. Well, I'm also holding out for more cash and more space for vehicles…