1989-1990 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe
The 1989-1990 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe was the successor to the Turbo Coupe as the hotshot T-Bird in 1989's new 11th generation. It was still a closed five-seater, but broader of beam, five inches longer in wheelbase, and some 300 pounds heavier. The Thunderbird's old 2.3-liter turbo four was junked in favor of a newly supercharged 3.8 V-6 with 20-60 more horsepower.Classic Cars Image Gallery
1990 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe. See more pictures of classic cars.
The Thunderbird Super Coupe came with manual five-speed and automatic four-speed transmissions, all-disc antilock brakes, auto-adjusting shock absorbers, and uprated rolling stock as before; independent rear suspension on this model was a first for the T-Bird. Styling for this model was simpler and more graceful, although it was made racier on the SC via perimeter lower-body skirts, twin-venturi front bumper, and debossed I.D. lettering on both bumpers.
The Thunderbird Super Coupe's cabin was plusher than ever, enhanced by a new low-profile dash. The Super Coupe was criticized by road-testers (and admitted by Ford) as too heavy for real agility, but it had lots of cornering "stick" and smooth, rapid acceleration.
The Super Coupe was not a super-seller in the troubled late-'80s market, but its low volume plus its many laudable qualities argue for it as a future collectible. A handful of special 35th Anniversary 1989 models may have a slight value edge.
Pluses of the 1989-1990 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe:
- An American BMW 6-Series
- Fast mover (under 8 seconds 0-60)
- Secure, "beefy" steering/handling
- ABS brakes
- Luxurious
Minuses of the 1989-1990 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe:
- Heavy and thirsty
- Manual shift a chore
- Trunk and back-seat space limited
- Some interior trim tacky
Specifications of the 1989-1990 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe:
Wheelbase, inches: 113.0
Length, inches: 198.7
Weight, pounds: approx. 3,600
Price, new: $20,000-$23,000
Engines for the 1989-1990 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe:
TypeSize
Horsepower
Years
ohv V-6*232 cid210-2301989-1995
*Supercharged
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