1979 Ford Thunderbird

The Ford Thunderbird was built from 1955 through 1997 and from 2002 to 2005 over eleven distinct generations. 1979 was the last year of the Seventh Generation, introduced for the 1977 model year. It wore new sheet metal, rested on a smaller wheelbase size of 114 inches, and had a price reduction by approximately $2,700 over the 1976 model year. The length was ten inches shorter and came with less standard equipment but available with more options.

Ford celebrated the company's 75th year as an auto manufacturer in 1978 by offering the 'Diamond Jubilee Edition,' which had a base price of nearly twice the cost of a base model. It was very well equipped with almost every available option except for a moonroof and an engine block heater. A similar option package was available for 1979, dubbed the 'Heritage.'

The 1979 Ford Thunderbird came equipped with a 302 cubic-inch (5.0 liter) V8 overhead valve engine delivering 245 horsepower. An optional 351 CID V8 had 135 or 151 horsepower depending on the configuration. The 400 cubic-inch engine was no longer available. A three-speed automatic transmission was standard. Body styles included a hardtop coupe with a base price of $5,875. Additional trim levels included a Town Landau and Heritage Edition.

Appearance changes for 1979 included a bolder front grille in a large 4x4 grid pattern with fewer horizontal and vertical bars and a new spoiler located below the front bumper. The clear fendertip parking lamps were positioned directly ahead of amber marker lenses. The full width taillamps were replaced by large rectangular units positioned on either side of a single backup lamp.

The Heritage trim level added 'Heritage' script on the C-pillar, as that model had no rear side window. They were painted in two monochromatic body color themes in light-medium blue or maroon, with a formal padded vinyl roof. The well appointed interiors were finished with 36-ounce cut-pile carpeting, leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver's lighted visor vanity mirror, sports instrument panel with tachometer and gauges, and split bench seats in soft velour cloth. Leather was optional.

The Town Landau, priced approximately $2,000 below the Heritage Edition and $3,000 above the base model of $5,875, had a color-keyed hood ornament, cast-aluminum wheels with accent paint, wide vinyl-insert bodyside moldings, and brushed aluminum wrapover applique.

New options for 1979 included an AM/M stereo radio with cassette, ultra-soft leather/vinyl upholstery, a 27.5-gallon fuel tank, and mud/stone deflectors.

Over the three year production lifespan of the seventh generation Thunderbird, over 955,000 examples were built making it the most successful in sales history. Despite its success, Ford continued to downsize the Thunderbird for emissions concerns and greater fuel efficiency, leading to a redesign for 1980.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020