1979 Ford Thunderbird

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong.

The Generous Collection returns with Part 2 offering over 250 cars in August all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy.

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As the final model year of the fifth generation, 1979 Ford Thunderbird represented a refined evolution of the personal luxury coupe formula that had made it an icon since 1955. Riding on Ford's Panther platform, this Thunderbird offered a more efficient, right-sized package compared to its larger predecessors, responding gracefully to the fuel-conscious spirit of the late 1970s without abandoning the comfort and presence buyers loved.

Its long hood, crisp lines, and distinctive opera windows gave it an unmistakable silhouette, while the choice of interiors delivered the kind of cushioned, quiet ride that defined American luxury motoring. Buyers could choose from a range of V8 engines, including the standard 302ci, offering smooth, torquey power suited to relaxed cruising.

This 1979 Thunderbird features a 302ci V8, Light Wedgewood Blue with a contrasting White vinyl top, and styled wheel covers over a cloth and vinyl interior. As the brochure stated, “Thunderbird. Ready for takeoff.”

This 1979 Ford Thunderbird is now represented at no reserve by a Broad Arrow Specialist with a clean Alabama title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Offered from The Generous Collection

• Finished in Light Wedgewood Blue (3H)

• White vinyl top (YW) and blue cloth/vinyl

• Powered by a 302cu (5.0L) Windsor 2-bbl V8

• SelectShift 3-speed automatic transmission

Factory Equipment

• Power steering and power brakes

• Concealed (hidden) headlights

• Full-width taillights

• Opera windows

• Simulated burled walnut interior and instrument panel trim

• Split-bench front seating with individual armrests

• The chassis number (9J87F184159) decodes as:

  • 9 – 1979 model year

  • J – Los Angeles/Pico Rivera assembly plant

  • 87 – Thunderbird 2-door hardtop

  • F – 5.0L V8 2-barrel

  • 184159 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Third brake light

Known Imperfections

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of vehicles in this collection, it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present. Please refer to the photo gallery.

• Rust on trunk lid

• Faded vinyl top

• Aging paint

• Wear on various interior surfaces

• Underside corrosion

• A highly detailed underside scan can be viewed in the gallery.

Included Items

• Owner’s manual

• Owner card

Ownership History

This 1979 Ford Thunderbird is offered from The Generous Collection of no-reserve automobiles.

Additional Information

Motor vehicles older than 35 years (1991) are exempt from Alabama’s titling requirements. In states that issue titles, an Alabama registration converts to a title upon transfer.

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Matt Lowney   Phone: 623.308.2640   Email: mlowney@hagerty.com

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide very limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential; however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require extensive additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is.  

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Broad Arrow representative is onsite, between the hours of 9AM to 6PM local time beginning Monday, September 14 through Wednesday, September 30. No cars can be retrieved prior to September 14, and any lots remaining after September 30 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.