Having originally made its debut for the 1955 model year, the Ford Thunderbird was Ford’s personal luxury car answer to the Chevrolet Corvette sports car. The Thunderbird would be continuously produced from 1955 through 1997, before being discontinued only to return for the 2002-2005 run, spanning 11 generations.
Though the Ford Thunderbird was more focused on personal luxury, performance was also part of the equation. In 1957, the Thunderbird’s 312 cubic-inch V8 could be had with dual four-barrel carbs or a supercharger. The next generation Thunderbird grew to a four-passenger car, and could be optioned with a 430 cubic-inch V8 good for 350 horsepower. By the T-Bird’s fourth generation, a 428 cube mill was available.
Beginning in 1989 with the 10th generation, the Ford Thunderbird was available with the Super Coupe performance package. The Super Coupe, or SC, was propelled by a 3.8-liter V6 topped by a Roots-style Eaton M90 supercharger that made 210 ponies and 315 pound-feet of torque. The SC package also included an Adjustable Ride Control System, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Traction-Lok rear differential, electronically-controlled speed-sensitive power steering, and 16 x 7-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle tires.
Our feature 1990 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe is a 35th Anniversary Edition, one of just 3,371 to leave the factory. It is finished in two-tone Black over Light Titanium lower panels, accented with a blue pinstripe and 35th Anniversary stylized Thunderbird emblems. The original finish presents quite well, with only a small crack on the passenger front chin molding to detract from the car’s well preserved condition. Alloy wheels are painted the same black hue as the upper body panels, and show no evidence of curb rash. Panel gaps look to be consistent with build quality of the time. The windows have been deeply tinted.
Inside the Ford Thunderbird SC, the two-tone black and titanium leather seats with suede inserts show minimal wear, showing just a bit of creasing on the seat bolsters. The steering wheel and shifter are both leather-wrapped. Carpets appear to be colorfast, stain-free, and protected by black and titanium striped carpet mats. The Thunderbird is well equipped with power disc brakes, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power sunroof, power front seats, JBL Premium Audio System, keyless entry, automatic dimming headlights, and cold A/C.
Beneath the hood of the Ford Thunderbird SC Anniversary Edition is the 3.8-liter V6 fed by the Eaton M90 supercharger. The V6 mill is backed by a four-speed automatic transmission. The engine bay is clean-ish, but could benefit from a more thorough detailing.
Source: Ford Authority
