Unlike most of its American competitors, it featured an independent rear suspension, which added comfort for the big vehicle.It's OK to use the Mercon V it is a newer formulation, and recommended by Ford for thier cars and light trucks. It was available with a 5-speed manual from Mazda and could keep-up with the most important German sport luxury coupes. The V6 supercharged, also known as the SC, was one of the best from its series. But the bland design was under the exterior's look.įord offered the Thunderbird with a choice of V6 and V8 engines. In the back, there was room enough for two adult passengers.

At least, the center stack was right, with a logical layout for the stereo and the air-conditioning unit. The high, adjustable bolsters on the sport seats didn't look that good. Perhaps it was the interior that spoiled the car. Unusual for those times, its rear wheels were placed behind the C-pillar and made the car look more advanced than its competitors. A grille on the lower side of the bumper plus two air-intakes right under the hood kept the engine cool. On the hood, it featured the Thunderbird badge and a pair of slim, horizontal headlights. Just by looking at it, it was considered a good competitor for the BMW 6-series. All of a sudden, the T-Bird was the black sheep of the family who didn't get the much-needed lunch-money (advertising), and it didn't get the sales it deserved. The car exceeded its target price and its weight. Designed to compete against the finest luxury German coupes on the market, the 1989 Ford Thunderbird was an underrated vehicle.Īfter the car was born, there were huge controversies in the Ford Motor Company, which led to the retirement of Anthony Kuchta, the man behind the project.

92 ford t bird