page_title: Ford Thunderbird (ninth generation)
section_title: 1983–1986
hierarchical_section_title: Ford Thunderbird (ninth generation) / Model year changes / 1983–1986
caption_attribution_description: English: Rear view of 1986 Ford Thunderbird
context_page_description: The ninth generation of the Ford Thunderbird is a personal luxury coupe that was manufactured and marketed by Ford for the 1983 to 1988 model years. In response to the sales downturn of the 1980–1982 Thunderbird, the Thunderbird underwent an extensive model revision for the 1983 model year. While remaining a personal luxury coupe, the redesign of the Thunderbird marked a transition of the model range, emphasizing performance and handling over outright luxury and comfort content. As a central theme of the design, the ninth-generation Thunderbird marks the introduction of highly aerodynamic body design to Ford vehicles in North America, followed by similarly designed model lines, including the 1984 Ford Mustang SVO, 1984 Ford Tempo, 1986 Ford Aerostar, and 1986 Ford Taurus.
  The ninth-generation of the Thunderbird is derived from the Ford Fox platform, as with 1980 Thunderbird. The 4.9 L V8 made its return for 1983, coupled with the first four-cylinder Thunderbird. Powered by a variant of the Mustang SVO drivetrain, the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe was developed as a high-performance variant.
context_section_description: Following its redesign for the 1983 model year, the Thunderbird was available in base, Heritage, or Turbo Coupe, which was the most expensive performance-oriented model. Both the base and the Heritage came standard with a 3.8 L (232 cu in) Essex V6 that was rated at 110 horsepower (82 kW) mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. A 5.0 L (302 cu in) Windsor V8 with 140 horsepower (100 kW) was available with the former two models as well. The Turbo Coupe, the top-of-the-line model was special for several reasons. It used a turbocharged 2.3 L (140 cu in) four-cylinder engine with Ford's EEC-IV electronic engine control system. Unlike the other models, the Turbo Coupe came with a standard five-speed manual transmission. Other improvements included a limited-slip differential (called "Traction-Lok"), larger tires and wheels, and a sportier interior complete with analog gauges.
  For the 1984 model year, few changes were made. The Turbo Coupe gained a three-speed automatic transmission as an option. A FILA model was introduced, which featured unique paint, unique interior, and wheel choices, as well as badging to provide the car with a more European feel. The mid-range Heritage model was renamed élan.
  For 1985, the Thunderbird celebrated its 30th year in the Ford model lineup; a 30th Anniversary Edition model was offered, that featured unique blue paint and stripes, and came loaded with options. It was loosely based on the élan trim and most examples were equipped with the 5.0 L V8. All Thunderbirds received an updated interior with a redesigned instrument panel. The grille and taillamps were also revised. Engine output rating increased to 155 horsepower (116 kW) for the Turbo Coupe.
  Minor changes were made in 1986, including the addition of a center high mount stop lamp, and the deletion of the FILA edition. In 1986, Ford began work on the "MN12" project which would serve as the basis for an all-new Thunderbird generation. Supposed to compete against the BMW 6-Series, Ford believed that the new Thunderbird would be too big a change for the public and still wanted to capitalize on the success that the existing generation of Thunderbirds had brought.
caption: 1985–1986 Ford Thunderbird (rear view)
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