45k-Mile 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX

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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The 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX represents the final year and arguably most refined iteration of the tenth-generation "aero bird," a platform that had matured considerably since its 1989 introduction. Built on Ford's MN12 rear-wheel-drive platform, the LX trim offered a blend of comfort and capability that distinguished it in the personal luxury coupe segment.

Under the hood was the standard 4.6-liter Modular OHV V8 paired with the electronically controlled 4R70W four-speed automatic transmission. Chassis engineering was a genuine strength: the independent short/long-arm (SLA) front suspension and multi-link rear setup gave the Thunderbird a controlled, planted ride quality rarely matched by domestic competitors of the era. Standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS added confidence-inspiring stopping power.

Inside, the LX trim brought thoughtful touches — analog gauges with clean typography, supportive seating, and a dashboard layout that balanced classic Thunderbird cues with contemporary ergonomics.

This Black ’97 LX shows under 45,400 miles, and powered by Ford’s famed 4.6-liter V8, it’s a late example from the swan song of the “aero birds.”

This 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX is now represented at no reserve by a Broad Arrow Specialist with a CARFAX Vehicle History Report and a branded Alabama title in the current owner's name describing it as a 1996 model.

Highlights

• Offered from The Generous Collection

• Last of the MN12 “Aero Birds”

• Finished in Black Clearcoat (UA)

• Light Prairie Tan leather interior (B7)

• 4.6-liter Modular OHV V8 engine

• 4R70W four-speed automatic transmission

Factory Equipment

• Four-wheel disc brakes

• Independent front and rear suspension

• P215/70R15 tires

• Power windows and door locks

• Power trunk release

• Tilt steering wheel

• Analog gauge package

• AM/FM stereo cassette player

• Driver's side courtesy lights

Modifications

• Aftermarket head unit

• Window tint

Servicing & Documentation

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

• June 2023: Maintenance inspection completed, four tires replaced

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.

• Scratches by fuel filler

• Wear on interior surfaces

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

Ownership History

This 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX is offered from The Generous Collection of no-reserve automobiles. The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report lists Alabama registration history.

Additional Information

Note: This 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX is titled as a 1996 model.

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.