Ford Thunderbird (eighth generation)

The eighth-generation Ford Thunderbird is a long-wheelbase variant of the rear-wheel drive Ford Fox platform; stretched to 108.4 inches, it shares its chassis with the Mercury Cougar XR7 (1980–1982), the Lincoln Continental (1982–1987) and the Continental / Lincoln Mark VII (1984–1992). The adoption of the Fox architecture marked the return to unibody construction for the Thunderbird (not used since 1966).

Shared with the Fairmont and Mustang, the Thunderbird had MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link live rear axle with coil springs on all four wheels; both front and rear axles were equipped with stabilizer bars.[6] As an option, the Thunderbird was offered with heavy-duty "handling" suspension, a limited-slip rear-axle, and aluminum wheels equipped with Michelin TRX tires.[4][7][8][9] For the first time, the Thunderbird was equipped with rack and pinion steering.[3] As with the Fairmont/Granada, the Thunderbird was equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.[6]

Sharing its powertrain with the Panther chassis, the standard engine for the eighth-generation Thunderbird was a 115 hp (86 kW) 4.2 L V8, with a 131 hp (98 kW) 5.0 L V8 offered as an option.[3][10] Both engines were paired with the 4-speed AOD overdrive automatic transmission.[10] For 1982, the 4.9 L engine was withdrawn, with the 4.2 L engine becoming the sole V8 offering.[11]

Late in the 1980 model year, the Thunderbird was offered with a six-cylinder engine for the first time.[4] Technically considered a delete option, Ford introduced an 88 hp (66 kW) 3.3 L inline-6 (shared with the Fairmont and Granada), paired with a 3-speed automatic; for 1982, the 3.3 L engine became standard. Slotted between the inline-6 and the 4.2 L V8, for 1982, Ford introduced a 3.8L V6, rated at 112 hp (84 kW).[11] In various forms, the V6 powered the Thunderbird until its 1997 withdrawal.

The eighth-generation Thunderbird was produced solely as a two-door coupe, branded as the Ford counterpart of the Mercury Cougar XR7. In contrast to the Thunderbird, non-XR7 Cougars served as the Mercury counterpart of the Ford Granada (replacing the Mercury Monarch). With the exception of the grilles and rear fascia, the Thunderbird is nearly identical to the Cougar XR7 with the exception of its hidden headlamps (the Cougar used four exposed headlamps).

Hoping to repeat the success of the 1977–1979 generation, Ford designers adopted many design elements from the previous generation directly onto the body of the 1980 Thunderbird, including its hidden headlights, rectangular radiator grille, taillights (revised to wrap into the fenders) and opera windows. However, many design features did not transition well onto the far smaller bodyshell.[4]

From 1980 to 1982, the exterior of the model line saw few fundamental exterior changes. Dependent on trim, several rooflines were offered for the Thunderbird; a full or partial vinyl roof was fitted to all examples.[7][8][9] For 1981, a simulated convertible top was introduced (on standard-trim Thunderbirds).[8] The model line marked the Ford debut of the Keyless Entry System, a 5-button door-mounted keypad allowing access to the vehicle (through the entry of a 5-digit code). In different forms, the system remains a feature on Ford and Lincoln vehicles today (alongside keyless-entry remotes).

As a consequence of its downsizing, the seating capacity of the 1980 Thunderbird was reduced from six to four.[9] Dependent on trim, several seating configurations were offered for the Thunderbird, with Recaro bucket seats offered as an option.[7][8][9] One of the last cars to offer functional vent windows, the model line also offered power windows, locks, and driver seat.[12] Alongside a standard analog instrument panel, an optional digital instrument cluster offered a speedometer and fuel gauge; in 1982, a trip computer was added to the latter system.[9]

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  1980 Ford Thunderbird (base trim) with TRX wheels
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  1980 Ford Thunderbird (base trim), rear
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  1980 Thunderbird interior (base trim)
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  1980 Ford Thunderbird Town Landau (aftermarket wheels)
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  1982 Ford Thunderbird Town Landau
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  1982 Ford Thunderbird Town Landau, rear

Each year of its production, the eighth-generation was offered in three trim levels; the Thunderbird served as the base trim, slotted below the Town Landau and Heritage (1981–1982).[2] For 1980, the commemorative Silver Anniversary Edition was the top-level trim, repackaged as the Heritage for 1981–1982.

Each trim level of the Thunderbird was distinguished by its own roofline. The standard Thunderbird was given the largest windows between the B-pillar; for 1981, a simulated convertible top became an option. For 1980, the Town Landau was styled with a recessed opera window, then sharing the roofline of the Heritage for 1981–1982. The Silver Anniversary Edition, Heritage, and 1981–1982 Town Landau have B-pillar opera windows in the style of the 1977–1979 Thunderbird (without the large rear quarter window).

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Thunderbird, Ford offered a commemorative "Silver Anniversary Edition" for the 1980 model year. Offered as a cosmetic option package as the top-level trim, the Silver Anniversary Edition consisted of an exclusive color scheme (Anniversary Glow Silver),[13] with silver/gray velour (or leather).[14] Offered only with the 4.9 L V8 and AOD transmission, the Silver Anniversary Edition included every feature offered on the Thunderbird, adding a "frenched" rear window, rosewood interior trim, commemorative badging, and an integrated garage door opener.[15]