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Ford Thunderbird (eighth generation)
Encyclopedia
1980 saw a new downsized Thunderbird that was an upmarket derivative of the Ford Fairmont
sedan with nicer trim. The 1980 Thunderbird was a unibody car, weighing 800 lb (363 kg) less than the 1979 model, and was 17 in. (432 mm) shorter. It was based on the Fox platform
, and the lighter weight resulted in better gas mileage.
These cars were not well received by the general public, and sales dropped off dramatically after 1980. The squarish upright lines favored by Ford design vice-president Eugene Bordinat
, similar to the popular 1977-79 models, didn't translate well to the smaller platform.
The base engine was a 4.2 l (256 cu in) V8, or an optional 140 hp 302 cu in (5 l) Windsor V8. A 3.3 l (201 cu in) I6 was offered as a delete option in late built 1980 models and became the standard powerplant in 1981. The 3.8 l (232 cu in) V6 was made available as an option in 1982, and the 302 cu in (5 l) Windsor 5.0 V8 was dropped.
The 1980 and 1982 Thunderbirds offered vacuum operated hidden headlamps
. Digital instrumentation was also available, along with a variety of trim packages. The 1980 Thunderbird was also among the first cars with a keyless entry keypad available. Recaro
bucket seats were optional, and power windows were available.
In 1980, Thunderbird was offered as a "Silver Anniversary Edition" model commemorating the 25th anniversary of the car. The external color scheme was called "Anniversary Glow Silver" and the interior was a silver/gray velour with optional leather available. The standard list of features was very comprehensive including the 302 V-8 as standard, as well as a host of luxury trim and convenience options above what the "Town Landau" model offered. Standard features included a garage door opener and a unique landau roof treatment with unique trim and exterior model designation badging.
Ford Fairmont
The Ford Fairmont is a compact car produced by Ford Motor Company for the North American market. Introduced for the 1978 model year, the Fairmont was produced in several bodystyles until it was replaced by the Ford Tempo for the 1984 model year...
sedan with nicer trim. The 1980 Thunderbird was a unibody car, weighing 800 lb (363 kg) less than the 1979 model, and was 17 in. (432 mm) shorter. It was based on the Fox platform
Ford Fox platform
The Ford Fox platform is a rear wheel drive, unitized-chassis, automobile architecture used by Ford Motor Company in North America. Introduced for the 1978 model year, it would go on to be produced until 1993 in its original version; a substantial redesign of the Ford Mustang in 1994 extended its...
, and the lighter weight resulted in better gas mileage.
These cars were not well received by the general public, and sales dropped off dramatically after 1980. The squarish upright lines favored by Ford design vice-president Eugene Bordinat
Eugene Bordinat
Eugene Bordinat, Jr. was a Ford Motor Company styling executive whose career spanned several decades.-Early career:...
, similar to the popular 1977-79 models, didn't translate well to the smaller platform.
The base engine was a 4.2 l (256 cu in) V8, or an optional 140 hp 302 cu in (5 l) Windsor V8. A 3.3 l (201 cu in) I6 was offered as a delete option in late built 1980 models and became the standard powerplant in 1981. The 3.8 l (232 cu in) V6 was made available as an option in 1982, and the 302 cu in (5 l) Windsor 5.0 V8 was dropped.
The 1980 and 1982 Thunderbirds offered vacuum operated hidden headlamps
Hidden headlamps
Hidden headlamps, also commonly known as pop-up headlamps or headlights, are an automotive styling feature that conceals an automobile's headlamps when they are not in use...
. Digital instrumentation was also available, along with a variety of trim packages. The 1980 Thunderbird was also among the first cars with a keyless entry keypad available. Recaro
Recaro
RECARO GmbH & Co. KG, commonly known as Recaro, is a German company based in Kirchheim unter Teck in the vicinity of Stuttgart, known for their automobile bucket seats...
bucket seats were optional, and power windows were available.
In 1980, Thunderbird was offered as a "Silver Anniversary Edition" model commemorating the 25th anniversary of the car. The external color scheme was called "Anniversary Glow Silver" and the interior was a silver/gray velour with optional leather available. The standard list of features was very comprehensive including the 302 V-8 as standard, as well as a host of luxury trim and convenience options above what the "Town Landau" model offered. Standard features included a garage door opener and a unique landau roof treatment with unique trim and exterior model designation badging.
Production Totals
| Year | Production |
| 1980 | 156,803 |
| 1981 | 86,693 |
| 1982 | 45,142 |
| Total | 288,638 |