1980s Assembly Line Magic: How the Ford Thunderbird & Mercury Cougar Came to Life

The 1983-1988 Ford Thunderbird was a major shift for the iconic car, ditching its boxy design for a sleek and aerodynamic look. Designed by Jack Telnack, it wasn't universally loved. Some praised its modern, fuel-efficient design, while others felt it lacked the power and presence of earlier Thunderbirds. The 1983 base price was $14,118, which translates to roughly $60,384 in today's dollars adjusted for inflation. Initially, reception was mixed. Some admired the new look, but others felt it was too small and underpowered compared to previous models.

The 1983-1988 Mercury Cougar shared the same platform and design language as the Ford Thunderbird, but with a more luxurious feel. Both were designed by Jack Telnack. While the Thunderbird's reception was lukewarm, the Cougar, priced slightly lower (around $13,500 in 1983 – equivalent to $57,730 in 2024), was seen as the slightly more affordable and stylish option. This strategy paid off, with the Cougar actually outselling the Thunderbird during this period.

Interesting fact: Designer Jack Telnack is best known for the groundbreaking 1986 Taurus, a revolutionary aero-look car that became the best selling car in America.

If you had a choice, which one would you pick? Let us know why in the comments.

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