1979 Ford Thunderbird Heritage

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.

* * *

“Heritage is the most exclusive new Thunderbird you can own,” said Ford. The 1979 Thunderbird Heritage stood at the top of the Thunderbird range, representing Ford’s vision of personal luxury at the close of the 1970s. Distinguished by its long hood, formal roofline, and tasteful chrome accents, the Heritage combined elegant styling with premium comfort and refinement. Exclusive trim, upscale interior appointments, and attention to detail set it apart from lesser models.

Power was supplied by dependable V8 engines, including the 351cu Windsor found in this example, paired with an automatic transmission for effortless cruising. A comfort-oriented suspension, power steering, and power-assisted brakes delivered a smooth, confident driving experience. Inside, plush seating, deep carpeting, simulated woodgrain accents, air conditioning, power accessories, and available premium audio underscored the Heritage’s reputation as a true luxury grand touring coupe.

This Thunderbird Heritage is finished in stylish Light Medium Blue with a Medium Blue vinyl roof. It was ordered with the upgraded 351ci V8, and the Blue Luxury Cloth interior features that essential piece of 1970s driving, a Motorola Mocat CB radio. That’s a big 10-4.

This 1979 Ford Thunderbird Heritage 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 Medium Blue (3F)

• Medium Blue vinyl roof (Y2) and Blue Luxury Cloth (TB) interior

• Powered by a 351cu (5.7L) Windsor 2-bbl V8

• SelectShift 3-speed automatic transmission

Factory Equipment

• Power steering and power brakes

• Concealed (hidden) headlights

• Full-width taillights

• Features of the Heritage model include:

  • Formal Landau-style vinyl roof with distinctive opera windows

  • Heritage identification badging and upgraded exterior trim

  • Color-keyed luxury interior with premium cloth seating surfaces

  • Plush cut-pile carpeting and additional sound insulation for a quieter ride

  • Woodgrain interior accents and upgraded instrument panel trim

  • Split-bench front seat with center armrest and passenger recliner

  • Power steering and power front disc brakes for effortless operation

  • SelectShift automatic transmission paired with a choice of V8 engines

  • Cast-aluminum wheels

  • AM/FM stereo audio system

• The chassis number (9G87H103993) decodes as:

  • 9 – 1979 model year

  • G – Chicago Assembly Plant, Chicago, Illinois

  • 87 – Thunderbird 2-door hardtop coupe

  • H – 351ci Windsor V8, 2-barrel carburetor

  • 103993 – Consecutive unit production number

Modifications

• Motorola Mocat CB radio with mic

• Cup holders

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.

• Paint blemishes

• Wear on interior materials

Included Items

• Spare tire cover

Ownership History

This 1979 Ford Thunderbird Heritage 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: Ramsey Potts Phone: 912.508.4096 Email: rpotts@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.