Thunderbird was downsized in 1980. It moved to the compact platform developed for the Ford Fairmont/Mercury Zephyr. The 1980 Thunderbird was the first year for Ford’s new four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, providing the traditional economy benefit of overdrive without the hassle of shifting. Also new for 1980 was rack and pinion steering for precision and a proven all-coil suspension system.

On occasion, an investor has the opportunity to roll the dice, purchase a brand new car and tuck it away for safe keeping with the hopes that it may someday be a valuable collectors item. That may have been the case with this 1980 Thunderbird. The odometer on this showroom new Ford is hovering around 200 miles though it should be noted that the title states exempt. It is in exemplary condition and is very likely the very best example in the world. Few of these cars are known to have been held back and off the streets. It is fully equipped with an AM/FM/8-track player, power steering and brakes, power windows, tilt steering column, air conditioning, a 302-cid V-8 and the aforementioned overdrive transmission. Presented in medium vanilla with a matching padded landau roof, it has a nearly flawless tan cloth interior. It only take a little foresight for the next steward to bring this Thunderbird into their collection and allow it to become the best example anyone will ever see.