26th Oct 2002, 13:35
Hrm... my 302 is still totally stock with well over 100k miles on it and although I've never really pushed it much I've had it up to at least 115... which isn't that fast, but its curious that a 351 would barely be able to crack 100.
9th Apr 2003, 07:42
Are your eyes brown? This is the biggest joke I have ever seen. There is no way that a 4000 pounds went 168mph. The 4.11 gear and the 3 speed trans will not allow you to get any top end speed. This is the biggest lie ever possible to be told.
26th Jul 2004, 21:44
I own a '79 Thunderbird, 83,681 actual mileage, and all I lack for its total restoration is repairing the electrically wound mechanical clock and rebuilding the heat-cracked steering wheel. I have over $9,000 in (a $600 car) it and most of the work I did. The engine is a 351 modified and the trans a FMX 3 speed. I have not driven the car more than 85 and probably won't go faster because I don't like high speeds. The automobile is beautiful, makes heads turns and is not for sale. ROLL TIDE!
15th Mar 2006, 19:33
I almost bought a 1979 Thunderbird new back then. It was white with a dark green cloth interior and a two section green vinyl roof. Drive out was around $5,000. I didn't buy it because I dated a girl that didn't like gas guzzler cars. The girl didn't work out. A guy I knew had a Heritage edition that cost as much as a Lincoln. Really great looking cars.
Anyhow, the following year, I bought a 1966 Cadillac convertible, a real gas guzzler. Wish I still had it.
15th Mar 2006, 21:00
My aunt had a 1978, virtually identical to your model except for the rear lights. It was my first time riding in a brand new car. As a 9 year old, the TBird left an indelible image impressed upon me. The new car smell, that land barge smoothness, the muffled purring of the high torque (though not really fast by today's standard) v8 all worked in unison to mesmerize me. So in love was I with it my first new car was a 94 Tbird, and although it lost that opulent touch by then, I loved it just the same as my aunt's 78.
11th Aug 2006, 13:35
I've got a 79 T-Bird that I bought when I got out of the military in 2003. it had 78k when I bought it. Beautiful car, Town Heritage Edition. Burnt Orange Glow with red suede interior. everything on the car is original. I still have it, and just drove it down to Texas (where I moved to from Wisconsin in 2004 and the car was sitting in my parents garage) The car now has 83k on it, but is only a weekend cruiser. ON the way down to Houston, I got 19MPG. That's better than my truck gets. The car has a 351M in it, that runs beautifully yet. It's my pride and joy. I love my 79 'Bird.
4th Apr 2009, 21:24
I own a 1979 T-Bird. I purchased the car, brand new back in 1979 when I was just 19 years old. Well, I'm now 50 years old and I still have the car. It has only 32k on it and it is in mint condition. My 15 year old son is quite excited as he knows that he will get the car when he turns 21 (with conditions). All in all, my 79 T-Bird is a great car with a lot of fund memories. 302CI, Lt. Metallic Green Exterior and, Green Interior.
8th Jan 2011, 13:59
I just got my '79 T-bird a couple of days ago. I love the thing, it's black with red interior, not in the greatest shape, but it's pretty fast. It has a 302m in it. I get about 15MPG, and the electrical system for the blinkers short circuits sometimes.
Overall, it's a nifty car, and I'm hoping by the year 2017 I can get the car up to speed and ready to rumble the drag strip. - T-Bird Forever.
29th May 2011, 16:12
Hi, I am from Germany and just bought a 79 Heritage in light blue. The car has a 351M V8 engine with 153 HP and ran only 11.708 mls (well documented history came along with the car and I had a chance to the first and only owner, living in SC).
I have had no chance to test mileage so far, but otherwise the car is in excellent condition, except that it has problem with the fuel tank. Gasoline is leaking when the tank is filled up completely. Well I assume it's only a minor problem which can be solved easily.
I have driven the car just 100 mls myself now, but I have already fallen in love with the smooth ride.
I will certainly replace some of the original parts in the next 1 or 2 years simply because they are worn out due to age. But other than that I want to keep the car as original as possible.
28th May 2002, 21:05
Sir, your '79 is an inspiration to all of us with one of those "sleepers". There was indeed a reason they sold like hotcakes. Give the new one about 20 years to grow a hood, grow some corners & lose about $15K off the sticker; until then I think I'll keep the '77 I have.