Frame Off Built Thunderbird 4.6L 32V EFI V8 4 Speed Auto Air Ride ABS Disc Brake

SUMMARY

* Modified 1961 Ford Thunderbird body / 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII mechanicals
* 4.6 liter Lincoln InTech V8
* 4R70W 4-speed automatic transmission / 3.08 rear gears
* Lincoln Mark VIII interior / Modern air conditioning
* Lincoln Mark VIII air ride suspension
* Power moonroof / Power windows
* Remote Keyless Entry / Power door locks
* 17-inch Dayton wire wheels
* Power rack-and-pinion steering / 4-wheel power disc brakes
* Sale includes build photos and build receipts

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Since the earliest days of hot rodding, engine swaps have served as a means for sophisticated gearheads to continually satisfy their need for more speed, better performance and less weight. But rare is the masterpiece that can so seamlessly blend two completely different vehicles as this stately Ford Thunderbird. You see, this classic bird's profile is merely an attractive illusion as, underneath its surface, smooth 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII mechanicals are right and ready to cruise! Complete with a rebuilt InTech V8, a modern automatic transmission and independent air ride suspension, this stunning Lincoln, err, Ford mixes the best aesthetics of one of Detroit's most storied creations with the mechanical prowess of one of America's greatest luxury coupes. Looking for a truly exceptional, truly unique collector car? This imposing 'Bigbird' is unmistakably you!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Professionally assembled by Charlotte's own Finished Dreams Restoration, and professionally painted by Winston-Salem's The Paint Shop, this Ford's lust-inducing body reflects a picturesque coat of Raven Black 2-stage. From its glossy shine to its chip-free rocker panels, that paint's deep finish is nice enough to be the star at any local cruise night, and certainly nicer than the car's original, factory-applied pigment. Naturally, a star of that caliber requires top notch panel fit, as the folks who bolted this coupe together spent ample time making sure its jet-inspired fuselage maintained excellent cohesion. Modern headlights, Mark VIII door handles and a power moonroof perfectly complement turquoise birds and brilliant trim that was carefully refinished by the pros at Advanced Plating in Nashville, Tennessee. And today, this classic rolls as a stunning tribute to one of the coolest designs to ever fly out of Dearborn, Michigan.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN

Toss the car's chrome-trimmed hood and you'll find a 32-valve dual overhead cam Lincoln InTech V8 that's one of the hottest and most versatile engines Ford ever produced. Stout, solid and highly adaptable, these Teksid aluminum blocks have spent the last two decades powering everything from Mustangs and street rods to Aviators and Panoz roadsters. And not only does the modern gem crank out roughly 300 horsepower, it also features a tidy appearance that, when combined with the car's monochromatic engine bay, literally looks tailor-made. That high tech mill, fully rebuilt back in 2009, sends power to a Mark VIII-spec 4R70W 4-speed automatic transmission. And that gearbox twists a Mark VIII-spec rear axle that's fitted with mild, 3.08 gears.

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION

The interesting thing about Finished Dreams is the quality of their conversions. Instead of a simple engine swap, or a pro-touring style adaptation, this '61 T-Bird's body is actually mated to its Lincoln donor chassis as one complete structure. The car's floor and frame are straight Lincoln. That duo is supported by Lincoln's fully independent suspension, which retains the computer-controlled air ride that made the Mark VIII so famous. Power rack-and-pinion steering provides modern turning ability. Pound on the left pedal and power-assisted, 4-wheel disc brakes utilize factory ABS to fulfill a quick stop. Romp on the right pedal and a Ford-spec exhaust system creates a subdued roar. And at the corners, handsome Dayton wires twist 275/40ZR17 BF Goodrich g-Force Sports.

INTERIOR

One of the central themes of pro-touring is creating cars that, despite their appearance, are much easier to live with than their factory-correct peers. Nowhere is that mindset more prevalent than inside this 'bird's full Mark VIII interior. The passengers are treated to plush leather seats, which feature full power adjustment for the driver and front passenger. In front of those seats, a driver-oriented dash anchors Lincoln telemetry beside Lincoln air conditioning and Lincoln audio. Below that dash, fresh carpet centers a simple console between color-keyed floor mats. At the sides of that carpet, sculpted door panels cap power windows and remote controlled power door locks. In front of the driver, a Thunderbird-branded steering wheel laps a modern, tilting column. And behind the passengers, a fully finished trunk features enough luggage room for a quick weekend getaway.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* Build photos
* Build receipts
* Alignment specs
* A copy of Standard Catalog of Thunderbird 1955-2004
* A 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII Owner's Manual
* A 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII introductory cassette
* Two keys and fobs

This splendid Thunderbird is an extremely impressive cruiser that's been professionally finished to exacting standards. It'll run the tires off a stock T-Bird. It rides like a true luxury coupe. And best of all: the car's modern mechanicals can be serviced at any Ford dealer on the planet. Pro-touring is rarely this accessible, and if you're the kind of guy who wants something nobody else has, here's your first class ticket to exclusivity!