1978 Ford Thunderbird 2-Door Hardtop
The Thunderbird was Ford's mid-size personal-luxury coupe on the LTD II platform for 1978. Flory records 333,757 built for 1978 at a base price of $5,498.
Confidence
90%
Body code 87 is shared by the Thunderbird, Town Landau and Diamond Jubilee Edition in 1978; the VIN does not encode which.
8G87H177912
351 CID V8 (H)
Engine
2-Door Hardtop
Body
Chicago, IL (G)
Plant
Malaise Era
Era
No factory image on file
1978 Ford Thunderbird
VIN Breakdown
| Position | Value | Decoded |
|---|---|---|
| Year Code | 8 | 1978 |
| Plant Code | G | Chicago, IL (G) |
| Model Code | 87 | Thunderbird |
| Engine Code | H | 351 CID V8 (H) |
| Serial Number | 177912 | Production #177912 |
Basic Information
MakeFord
ModelThunderbird
Year1978
Body Style2-Door Hardtop
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
EraMalaise Era
Engine & Details
Engine351 CID V8 (H)
Cylinders8
Displacement351 CID
Assembly PlantChicago, IL (G)
Plant CodeG
Pattern SourceFord
Original Specifications
Height53.0
Length215.5
Wheelbase114.0
Width78.0
Source: Historical automotive documentation (1960-1972)
Powertrain Details Enhanced Data
Axle Type
Semifloating
Pricing & Production Enhanced Data
Original Base Price
$4924.00
No. Produced
21925
Body & Style Enhanced Data
No. Doors
4
Dimensions Enhanced Data
Weight
4630
lbs
Length
209.4
in.
Width
77.3
in.
Height
53.4
in.
Additional Specifications Enhanced Data
Displacement
389.09
cu. in.
Valve Lifters
Hydraulic
Type
Downdraft 4-barrel
Torque
427@2800
ft/lbs
Colors
Exterior Colors
Color Options (20)
Battery
12
V
Exhaust System
Dual
Ignition System
Distributor and coil
Cooling System
Centrifugal water pump
Cooling System
20.2 Quarts
Fuel Type
Premium
Radiator
Cross flow
Optional Equipment
Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission
Optional Equipment
Radio
Optional Equipment
Power antenna
Optional Equipment
429 cu. in. V8 engine
Optional Equipment
Power seats
Optional Equipment
Power vent windows
Optional Equipment
Power windows
Optional Equipment
Air conditioning
Steering Gear
Integral power
Rear Suspension
Coil link
Front Suspension
Independent ball joint with coil springs
Drive
Rear wheel drive
VIN Location
On tab on instrument panel close to windshield on passenger side visible from outside.
Spare Location
Trunk
Tire Size
8.15 x 15
Make
Ford
Origin
United States
Series
Thunderbird
Model Year
1968
Model Number
57C
Body Maker
Ford
Service
Power front disc rear self-adjusting drum
Brake Size
11
in.
Emergency
Cable and conduit on rear service brakes
Fuel
25
gal.
Transmission
26.5
pt.
Rear Differential
5
pt.
Oil
4
qt.
Carburetor
Autolite
Differential Ratio
3.0
:1
Differential
Hypoid
Wheelbase
115
in.
Rear Tread
62
in.
Type
V8 Valve-in-head
Cylinders
8
Rated Horsepower
52.41
hp
Lubrication
Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Compression Ratio-Std
10.5
:1
Brake Horsepower
315@4600
hp
Type
Cruise-O-Matic automatic
Clutch Type
Not applicable
No. Of Gears
3
B
&s 4 3/64 & 3 25/32
Enhanced Data Note: The enhanced vehicle data shown above represents the base vehicle configuration as manufactured. Individual vehicles may vary depending on factory options and modifications made throughout the vehicle's history.