>>Ford Thunderbird (seventh generation)

Ford Thunderbird (seventh generation)

Seventh generation Ford Thunderbird

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Also called	Guri Conquistador
Production	USA: 1977–1979 YV: 1978–1989
Assembly	Wixom, Michigan Chicago, Illinois Los Angeles, California Barcelona, Venezuela
Predecessor	Ford Thunderbird (sixth generation)
Successor	Ford Thunderbird (eighth generation)
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	FR layout
Engine	302 cu in (4.9 L) Windsor V8 351 cu in (5.8 L) 351W V8 351 cu in (5.8 L) 351M V8 400 cu in (6.6 L) Cleveland V8
Wheelbase	114.0 in (2,896 mm)
Related	Ford LTD II Mercury Cougar

For the 1977 through 1979 model years, the Thunderbird nameplate was shifted to the smaller 114" wheelbase chassis that underpinned the 1972-76 Ford Torino and its replacement, the concurrent 1977-79 LTD II, as Ford's first effort at downsizing the car. The squarer, sharper styling was popular, and this generation of Thunderbird sold well. Helped by a $2,700 drop in price from 1976, this generation was by far the most popular in Thunderbird history, with over 318,000 sold in 1977 and 352,000 in 1978 (the best single sales year in Thunderbird history), followed by 295,000 in 1979. In essence, this generation was really a continuation of the 1974-76 Ford Elite, Ford's successful first attempt at competing in the market created by the Pontiac Grand Prix and Chevrolet Monte Carlo. It also inspired Ford to market a smaller version called the Ford Fairmont Futura coupe and the Mercury Zephyr Z-7 variants.

Compared to the 1972-1976 T-Birds, the car lost 10 inches (254 mm) of length and 900 lb (408 kg) of weight, while height and width were essentially unchanged. A substantial part of the weight reduction was in the drivetrain, where a small-block V8 replaced the heavy big-block V8 of previous years.

The base engine was the 302 cu in (4.9 L) Windsor V8, while the larger 351 cu in (5.8 L) 351M and 400 cu in (6.6 L) and T-tops were available as options along with the 351W. In California, the 351 was the only engine available. Although power was definitely down by 1977, the lighter car did compensate. The 400 was dropped in 1979 with the introduction of CAFE requirements.

Diamond Jubilee Edition for 1978

1978 Ford Thunderbird

In 1978, Ford offered the "Diamond Jubilee Edition" Thunderbird to commemorate the company's 75th year as an auto manufacturer. This option package escalated the price of the car to almost US$12,000, virtually doubling the base price. Naturally, it included every option available except for a moonroof and an engine block heater. It was originally available in only two colors- Diamond Jubilee exclusive "diamond blue" metallic, or "standard issue" ember metallic; both with matching velour cloth seats with a "biscuit" design. Later in production, Ford offered Leather as an option, and offered white as an exterior color with blue or white trim and interior. This option was available on the Lincoln Continental Mark V as well for the much more substantial cost of US$23,000. In 1979, a similar option package was available named "Heritage". It included basically the same optional equipment, still with only two color options available: Heritage Maroon or Heritage Baby Blue. The "Heritage" option remained available into the next generation of the car.

Production Totals

Year	Production
1977	318,140
1978	352,751
1979	284,141
Total	955,032