The early 1980’s saw a completely different direction for Thunderbird – it was smaller, more angular in styling and targeted to a more conservative, fuel-economy concious customer. Not destined to be a favorite of collectors, it was not long for the cycle-plan. The eighth generation Thunderbird was offered solely as a two-door personal luxury coupe.
The standard engine for the eighth-generation Thunderbird was a 115 hp (86 kW) 4.2 L V8, with a 131 hp (98 kW) 5.0 L V8 offered as an option. Both engines were paired with the 4-speed automatic transmission. For 1982, the 4.9 L engine was withdrawn, with the 4.2 L engine becoming the sole V8 offering.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Thunderbird, Ford offered a commemorative “Silver Anniversary Edition” for the 1980 model year. Offered as a cosmetic option package as the top-level trim, the Silver Anniversary Edition consisted of an exclusive color scheme (Anniversary Glow Silver), with silver/gray velour. Offered only with the 4.9 L V8 and AOD transmission, the Silver Anniversary Edition included every feature offered on the Thunderbird, adding a “frenched” rear window, rosewood interior trim, commemorative badging.
