Rare Fila Edition: 1985 Ford Thunderbird Garage Find
Seeking to bring back some elements of excitement lost with the eighth-generation models, Ford redesigned the Thunderbird again in 1983, and for the first time, a Turbo Coupe became available, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood. Another noteworthy edition also introduced during the ninth generation of production was known as the Fila, a result of the clothing manufacturer teaming up with Ford to create a top-of-the-line Thunderbird loaded with luxurious accessories. These cars were quite expensive when new, and although this one needs work, this 1985 Ford Thunderbird Fila Edition is priced at $2,900. With the low initial investment, hopefully, the next owner will have some cash left to make some repairs needed to get this one back on the road.
In terms of rarity, the Fila is not a common T-Bird, with a total of just 2,532 examples produced. The seller says he’s working with the family of the original owner, who has passed away, to find this one a new home. Although the car is said to have been stored away since 1998, it’s the elements this one was exposed to before being taken off the road that the next caretaker will be dealing with, including some rust issues in the lower body areas. However, the floors and frame are stated to still be solid, so perhaps the tin worm limited his diet to mostly the exterior panels.
It doesn’t appear that a whole lot of effort was made to clean up the interior before the photo shoot, so maybe after a thorough cleansing the seats and inside panels will look better. One item that will require replacing is the headliner, which has fallen and shows little hope of being salvageable. Some good news is the Thunderbird appears to be complete inside, with the digital odometer reading 138k miles.
Even though it won’t start, the 302 will still turn, but with all the miles plus a quarter-century of not running, I’m guessing the engine will probably need a complete rebuild. However, this one is kind of rare, so if you’ve been looking for a project, this 1985 Thunderbird Fila Edition is located in Germantown, New York, and can be found here on eBay. It’s worth noting that the seller is also accepting offers, in case you’re finding the asking price a bit optimistic. What’s a reasonable amount to sink into this one?
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Comments
Looks a bit crusty in a few areas, headliner is the least of the next owners worry. I see hoses where lines should be and a fair amount of rust growing in the unibody.in the rear. Yep was a nice Bird.
This car was also featured May 24.
Yep, another BF repeat.
I had this same car only it was a 5L V8. I loved it and wanted to keep it forever but it wouldn’t let me. Had problems with virtually everything. Huge rust, electrical troubles, a/c drained on my feet. Electric lock-up torque convertor incessantly clunked when trans shifted up or down. Digital dash display kept conking out and electric door locks wouldn’t unlock so I was trapped in the car.
Traded it for a ’70 F100 and was never happier.
Big John, I do believe that a 302 and a 5.0L are the same basic engine.
I don’t know why Mike would call it a 302. I’ve heard that’s a no-no since
oh, about 1979. Anyway, FYI.
Not interested mostly because the cars location
LOL! Outstanding warrants in Germantown, NY?
I have a 1985 Turbo 4 cyl. with all the addons available at the time from the factory. It has 8,500 miles on it. Air scoop hood air dams all the way around and a air foil on the trunk. I would not trade for anything. The only owner.
Had one in 1998..paid $800 for it with 45k miles and was a decent car then..older couple purchased it new. Rear tulip panel rusted away few years later. Replaced it with one I cut out of a junk car. That one rusted out in a couple of years. Interior plastics changed colors and deteriorated…crumbled away. Electrical wasn’t the best nor were the brakes. Replaced the left side engine mount 4 times, but the a/c was cold and it got decent mileage. Never left me or my family stranded. It served its purpose and was well used..lol! Sold it to a junk yard in 2007 for $200.