2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

[BirdsAndBugs]

Yesterday I was browsing eBay and say these 2 1997 Limited Edition Ford Thunderbirds.

One is a pristine car that nobody enjoyed with only slightly more than 2,000 miles on the odometer. Basically the seller has a Buy-It-Now for $22,000 and I'm sure the reserve is pretty close to $20,000. Personally I think he's in fantasy land to think he'll get that for a 1997 model. After our retro birds came out, it's not the last Thunderbirds anymore.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-Ford-Thunderbird-Limited-Edition_W0QQitemZ290339339285QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS _Cars_Trucks?hash=item439992bc15&_trksid=p4506.c0. m245

The second one is a pretty good example with a little over 43,000 miles; but at a fraction of the price at $5,495.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-Ford-Thunderbird-LX-Limited-Edition-43K-Miles-Mint_W0QQitemZ260460560350QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Ca rs_Trucks?hash=item3ca4a8bfde&_trksid=p4506.c0.m24 5

I kind of wanted one of these Limited Editions when they came out as I thought they looked pretty sharp compared to the standard models but I had just bought a 1996 Pontiac Firebird convertible the previous year. Not looking to buy one or anything right now given my temporary employment situation; just curious as to what the rest of you think about these cars and the late 90's models in general.

[Gobird]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

I had a 95 Anniversary Addition that was the same color but with silver trim along the rocker panels. I held on to it until I placed my order for the 02.

[BilboBaggins]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

Not to offend anyone who owns one of these. But, I just dont see much style to the birds of the 80's or the 90's. On the plus side: the interior is pretty decent for a 90's mobile. This car just isn't going to win you any looks from passersby, unless of course they want you to just move it out of the way...

I definitely wouldn't pine for these when you have your retro-birds. They may carry the same name, but I don't think these cars even come close.

Just my 2 cents...

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

I thought they were a pretty nice vehicle back in 1997. I guess I still do for that matter. Of course, I wouldn't have babied one of these cars like I do my retro birds. It would have been daily transportation.

Either of these cars would make a great daily driver, but I agree they aren't really worth preserving as the one owner did with only 2,000 miles. Even when production stopped in 1997, you knew it wasn't going to be the end as Ford had a campaign saying "the Thunderbird will fly again".

[Chuck]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

I had a '92 cougar which shared the same frame, body style and interior. It was one of the better cars I've owned in my life - put almost 200,000 miles on the thing.

[ScottyNeutron]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

Not to offend anyone who owns one of these. But, I just dont see much style to the birds of the 80's or the 90's. On the plus side: the interior is pretty decent for a 90's mobile. This car just isn't going to win you any looks from passersby, unless of course they want you to just move it out of the way...

I definitely wouldn't pine for these when you have your retro-birds. They may carry the same name, but I don't think these cars even come close.

Just my 2 cents...

I guarantee you, the '89 Thunderbird Super Coupe was a fine looking automobile in its day. I also bet that if I ever had the opportunity to come upon a retro 'bird in my '89 Super Coupe, it would be the retro 'bird getting out of the way.

Further, it was the revolutionary styling of the '83-'88 Thunderbird that set the stage for the entire Aero renaissance at Ford back in the '80's, and lead to autos such as the Taurus; the best selling car for many years.

Oh, and no offense taken.

[gp97]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

I own a 1997 Thunderbird Limited Edition with about 31,000 miles on it. It is equipped with a 4.6, leather seats, stock chrome wheels, - color is laser red and has the windows tinted. I installed a Xenon body kit on it. I get looks and compliments whenever I drive it. As far as I am concerned, it is one of the best cars built in its day. I agree that it will never be a collector with a high value, but one that I will appreciate for many years without a lot of money tied up in it. I too have seen the one on ebay - priced to high in my opinion.
Gary

[robbie199]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

Three members of my family have owned this model of the Thunderbird. Ask them and they will tell you that it was one of the best Automobiles they ever owned. My daughter still drives her 95.

The two cars listed are far apart in their respective values. One is collector quality and the other a driver. As far as enjoying cars....collectors enjoy them as much as anyone.

Funny thing is, everyone really wants the pristine car but for the driver quality price. Normally, it simply doesn't work that way.

[nj susan]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

My '02 is my third Thunderbird. I previously owned an '85 and '95 and kept the '95 until the '02 was three years old (10 years total in 'bird years'). It was a gorgeous 40th anniversary edition black and silver with dove gray leather interior. It had every option available and was a pleasure to drive. When I traded it for my Hemi Charger I actually cried. I didn't want to part with it but it was starting to cost me a lot of money on repairs. The Dodge dealer said they didn't have a car as clean on their lot as my Black Beauty was after 10 years. I noticed in the pictures of the ebay special editions that it had beautiful embroidered floor mats - the 40th anniversary did too. Just a few short weeks before I sold her, she took first place in her category at an all Thunderbird car show. All that was wrong appearance wise was a few stone chips on the hood - not even any door dings.

[Treken]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

Kathy's (my better half) 96 Tbird just turned 30,000 miles and still looks great. Less miles than my 02.

[JoelK]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

I had a 92 and a 96. Both were fantastic. I drove both out to 200k. Really were well built cars

[toysax]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

We had an 88 turbocoupe. It would hold the road at almost any speed. Drove it for 250,000 miles one turbo three trannys. It is still running but recently the wiring caught fire so the new owner not sure what he is going to do with it. There is an 88 turbo coupe on ebay with less than 10,000. Still like the 04 much better.

[LBPatt]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

fugly...

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

If Ford ever does bring out another Thunderbird, I kind of hope things come full circle. I would like to see another 2 door 4 seat coupe like most of the Thunderbirds have been. Our retros were and still are fun, but I kind of miss the 2 door personal coupes. Cars like the Ford Thunderbird, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass, etc.

[LBPatt]

Re: 2 1997 Thunderbird Limited Editions

Our retros were and still are fun, but I kind of miss the 2 door personal coupes.

Ford calls it...Mustang.