1979 Ford Thunderbird 2-Door Hardtop
The Thunderbird was Ford's mid-size personal-luxury coupe on the LTD II platform for 1979. Flory records 284,141 built for 1979 at a base price of $6,328.
Confidence
90%
Body code 87 is shared by the Thunderbird, Town Landau and Heritage in 1979; the VIN does not encode which.
9J87F214638
302 CID V8 (F)
Engine
2-Door Hardtop
Body
Los Angeles, CA (J)
Plant
Malaise Era
Era
No factory image on file
1979 Ford Thunderbird
VIN Breakdown
| Position | Value | Decoded |
|---|---|---|
| Year Code | 9 | 1979 |
| Plant Code | J | Los Angeles, CA (J) |
| Model Code | 87 | Thunderbird |
| Engine Code | F | 302 CID V8 (F) |
| Serial Number | 214638 | Production #214638 |
Basic Information
MakeFord
ModelThunderbird
Year1979
Body Style2-Door Hardtop
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
EraMalaise Era
Engine & Details
Engine302 CID V8 (F)
Cylinders8
Displacement302 CID
Assembly PlantLos Angeles, CA (J)
Plant CodeJ
Pattern SourceFord
Original Specifications
Height52.8
Length217.2
Wheelbase114.0
Width78.5
Source: Historical automotive documentation (1960-1972)
Powertrain Details Enhanced Data
Axle Type
Semifloating
Pricing & Production Enhanced Data
Original Base Price
$5026.00
No. Produced
15695
Body & Style Enhanced Data
No. Doors
4
Dimensions Enhanced Data
Weight
4643
lbs
Height
53.4
in.
Width
77.2
in.
Length
209.4
in.
Additional Specifications Enhanced Data
Model Year
1969
Type
Downdraft 4-barrel
Displacement
429
cu. in.
Rated Horsepower
60.83
hp
Valve Lifters
Hydraulic
Cylinders
8
Torque
476@2800
ft/lbs
Colors
Exterior Colors
Color Options (30)
Exhaust System
Dual
Battery
12
V
Radiator
Tubular and fin
Cooling System
Centrifugal water pump
Ignition System
Distributor and coil
Fuel Type
Premium
Cooling System
19.9 Quarts
Optional Equipment
Power antenna
Optional Equipment
Power windows
Optional Equipment
Power seats
Optional Equipment
Speed control device
Optional Equipment
Radio
Optional Equipment
Air conditioning
Steering Gear
Integral power
Front Suspension
Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear Suspension
Coil link
Drive
Rear wheel drive
VIN Location
On plate on top of left side of dashboard visible through windshield.
Tire Size
8.25 x 15
Spare Location
Trunk
Make
Ford
Origin
United States
Series
Thunderbird
Model Number
57C
Body Maker
Ford
Service
Power front disc rear self-adjusting drum
Front Size
11 23/32
in.
Brake Size
11 1/32
in.
Rear Brake Size
10
in.
Emergency
Cable and conduit on rear service brakes
Rear Differential
5
pt.
Fuel
24
gal.
Transmission
26
pt.
Oil
5
qt.
Carburetor
Autolite
Differential
Hypoid
Differential Ratio
2.8
:1
Wheelbase
114.7
in.
Rear Tread
62
in.
Main Bearings
5
Type
V8 overhead valve
Brake Horsepower
360@4600
hp
Lubrication
Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Compression Ratio-Std
11
:1
Type
Select Shift automatic
Clutch Type
Not applicable
No. Of Gears
3
B
&s 4.36 & 3 1/29
Enhanced Data Note: The enhanced vehicle data shown above represents the base vehicle configuration as manufactured. Individual vehicles may vary depending on factory options and modifications made throughout the vehicle's history.