>>Ford Thunderbird (eighth generation)

Ford Thunderbird (eighth generation)

Eighth generation Ford Thunderbird

Production	1980–1982
Assembly	Lorain, Ohio Chicago, Illinois Wixom, Michigan
Predecessor	Ford Thunderbird (seventh generation)
Successor	Ford Thunderbird (ninth generation)
Body style	2-door coupe
Platform	Ford Fox platform
Engine	200 cu in (3.3 L) Thriftpower Six I6 232 cu in (3.8 L) Essex V6 255 cu in (4.2 L) Windsor V8 302 cu in (4.9 L) Windsor V8
Related	Ford Fairmont Ford Mustang Mercury Capri Mercury Cougar Mercury Zephyr Ford Granada

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 (255 cu in V8), or an optional 140 hp (104 kW) 5.0 L (302 cu in) 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 4.9 L (302 cu in) 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 Thunderbird

Production Totals

Year	Production
1980	156,803
1981	86,693
1982	45,142
Total	288,638