13,950 Actual Mile Thunderbird Coupe 3.8L Supercharged 5 Speed Survivor

Unique, low-mileage collector cars are like buried treasure: you know they're out there, but they're almost impossible to find. That's especially true when you're looking for a showroom-fresh oddity like this V6-powered Thunderbird Super Coupe. With only 13,950 summertime miles, it is absolutely one of the finest tenth generation T-Birds on the planet. And with an asking price of only $20K, it's going to disappear faster than gold bars on a pirate ship!

The late '80s wrought some of the most interesting offerings from Detroit's Big Three. Possessing the fading ego of industrial America, and attempting to meet stricter emissions and tighter safety standards, the companies felt a need to maintain their swagger while fostering an unprecedented break from convention. And this coupe is a serious testament to just how far that mindset sprang, or stumbled – depending on whom you talk to. The car's traditional Ford Black pigment is decidedly contemporary, proving once again that good taste never goes out of style. With that pigment comes tidy sheetmetal, which, thanks to decades of spending time in a dry garage, appears straight, clean and as crisp as the day it was stamped. That solid metal lines up beautifully, featuring wide doors, which open and close with ease. And overall, this T-Bird's looks defy the decades its VIN suggests.

Speaking of fit and finish, everything on this incredible Dearborn creation is exceptionally well planned. And the car carries just the right amount of old school NASCAR charm to inspire lust and exude presence. At the front of its body, a sculpted fascia hangs simple driving lamps beneath a small Thunderbird emblem and aerodynamic headlights. A characteristically linear profile complements flip-up door handles and a power antenna with painted mirrors and small rocker extensions. At the top of the car, original glass rides behind matte-finished frames. And clean taillights illuminate a small Ford emblem and “THUNDERBIRD SC” branded bumper.

The top engine for the 1989 model year was Ford's supercharged Essex V6. Utilizing an Eaton blower and lightweight aluminum heads to twist 210 horsepower into 315 lb./ft. of torque, the tough mill glides this beast, and all its power accessories, with the silky smoothness of an electric motor. Like the rest of the car, the engine bay is immaculately preserved, from its hulking air tubes all the way to its little markings and decals that are still clearly visible throughout. Ideally suited for judging, this coupe will easily score very well in competition due to its astounding preservation. It runs as new, starting easily and idling almost imperceptibly. And on the highway, it wafts along effortlessly, virtually whispering at high speeds.

A rugged, Mazda-sourced M5R2 5-speed shifts the gears, spinning power straight to this Ford's rear wheels. The 4-wheel independent suspension appears original in every way, providing a smooth ride and reliable handling with the help of modern power steering. And power-assisted disc brakes create enough resistance to reel the car in at will. Take special note of the condition of the floors, which still appear factory-fresh. There's a single-pipe exhaust system that's likely factory equipment. And original aluminum wheels spin 225/60R16 Dunlop SP Sports around Thunderbird-branded center caps.

Naturally, the light gray interior is just as cool as the rest of the car, wrapping minimal wear in exquisite '80s comfort. Power cloth seats are nicely pleated pieces that feel every bit as supple as they look. In front of those seats, a silver-trimmed dash hangs a full gauge pack above factory air conditioning and a correct Ford tape deck. Below that dash, a black console frames a small shifter in front of adjustments for the car's Ride Control. Below that console, gray carpet shows a surprisingly minimal amount of wear thanks to heavy duty floor mats. At the sides of that carpet, metal-trimmed door panels feature small power window switches, small power door lock switches and controls for power mirrors. Above those panels, a tight headliner founds a self-dimming mirror. In front of the driver, an attractive, “SC” branded steering wheel spins cruise control toggles around a tilting column. And behind the cockpit, a small spare tire hides beneath ample storage space.

V6-powered Thunderbird Super Coupes were only produced for seven years, and because of the cars' specialized nature, they were pretty exclusive. This '89 was the best of the breed before T-Bird performance once again became the exclusive domain of the V8. And with its low mileage and roster of original equipment, this car would be right at any local cruise night. Don't miss your opportunity to own a rare piece of Ford history!