Back in August 2024, a 1986 Ford Thunderbird Elan surfaced for sale at an online auction via Cars & Bids, which was notable given the fact that it had a mere 2k miles showing on the odometer at the time – a stunningly low number for any vehicle of this vintage. However, the super-clean, super low-mile T-Bird only sold for a mere $8,000, which seems somewhat low for such a machine – though admittedly, it’s just a base model of sorts with a V6 underhood and no fancy options. Regardless, the winning bidder is now apparently parting ways with their acquisition after just a few months.
This same low-mile 1986 Ford Thunderbird is now up for auction at Hagerty, and it hasn’t been driven much, if at all, since last August. After living its entire life in California and having been purchased from the original owner’s daughter previously, this clean T-Bird is now looking for a new home, however. It doesn’t have too many flaws to note – save for a couple of typical scratches and dings in the bodywork, coupled with some wear on the cassette tape holders inside the cabin. Otherwise, it’s an amazing survivor by anyone’s standards.
As far as amenities go, this Ford Thunderbird has a few, including a power antenna, windows, door locks, and mirrors, along with cruise control, power-adjustable seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and air conditioning. Power comes from the naturally-aspirated 3.8L V6, which was factory-rated to produce 120 horsepower and 205 pound-feet of torque, flowing to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission.
This Light Taupe Metallic-painted 1986 Ford Thunderbird remains in highly original condition with barely any miles on the clock, making it a desirable target for anyone looking to scoop up a potentially collectible vehicle for what could be a pretty low cost, judging by how much it sold for just a few months ago. It’s unclear if the same fate awaits the T-Bird on this second go-round on the auction circuit, but we imagine that it will sell for a bit more than $8k this time around.
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3.8 V6 with 120 horses? Ouch! I’m glad those days are over.