The Ford Thunderbird - A Turbulent Year in Motoring History

1987 was a tumultuous year for me as I transitioned from junior school to secondary school, and it was also a significant year in the motoring world. For car enthusiasts, 1987 marked a year of epic battles between American muscle cars on foreign soil. Wheels magazine took an Aussie Holden Commodore to the US and pitted it against the likes of the Buick Grand National, Chev Monte Carlo SS Aero, Ford Mustang GT, and the star of this article - the 88 Ford Thunderbird.

As I flipped through the pages of that iconic Australian motoring magazine, one car caught my eye. The Calais Director, with its unusual bodykit and Opel Senator-based independent rear suspensions, was perhaps the zenith of Holden's (HDT) modifications. Little did I know that this sleek machine would play a significant role in shaping my automotive coming-of-age.

As a 13-year-old Kiwi kid starting secondary school, I felt like I was transitioning from being one of the big kids to becoming an outcast. The thought of leaving behind the comfort and familiarity of junior school was daunting. But as I delved deeper into the world of motoring, I discovered that 1987 was also a time of great change for the automotive industry.

The Ford Thunderbird, with its iconic design and powerful V8 engine, was one of the many cars featured in Wheels' epic road test. This particular model, with its full 21-piece 'Director' kit, showcased HDT's attention to detail and commitment to creating a unique driving experience.

While I never got to own or drive this magnificent machine, seeing it on those magazine pages sparked something within me. It made me realize that the world of motoring was more than just about speed and performance - it was about style, engineering, and the passion of those who created these machines.

As I look back on my junior school days, I'm grateful for the experiences that shaped my automotive journey. The 88 Ford Thunderbird, with its sleek design and powerful engine, may have been just a car to some, but for me, it represented a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the thrill of the open road.

In conclusion, 1987 was not only a significant year in motoring history but also a transformative one for me as a young Kiwi kid. The Ford Thunderbird, with its unique design and powerful engine, played a small part in shaping my automotive coming-of-age. And who knows? Perhaps someday I'll get to own or drive this magnificent machine, reliving the memories of that tumultuous year and embracing the thrill of the open road once again.

88 ford t bird