Sharing the Ford Fox platform with the previous generation, the 1983 Thunderbird adopted a shortened 104.2-inch (2,647 mm) wheelbase.

Featuring a variant of the Mustang SVO drivetrain, the 2.3-liter Thunderbird Turbo Coupe was designed as the high-performance flagship of the model line for the entire generation.

As the 1970s turned into the 1980s, personal luxury cars gradually became more sporting in image, with vehicles like the BMW 6-Series increasing in popularity.

The Continental Concept 90 Aero Luxury Car proposal was designed in the Lincoln-Mercury Studio which Mr. Petersen liked.

As a necessity to control development costs, the 1983 Thunderbird was forced to retain its Fox-platform chassis, including some of the interior being carried over slightly modified from the previous generation.

Both the base and the Heritage came standard with a 3.8 L (232 cu in) Essex V6 that was rated at 110 horsepower (82 kW) mated to a three-speed automatic transmission.

Other improvements included a limited-slip differential (called "Traction-Lok"), larger tires and wheels, and a sportier interior complete with analog gauges.

From 1985, Georgia-based dealership Bill Elliot Ford started producing special dealer packages for the Thunderbird which consisted of a ground effects body kit, rear spoiler, gold body stripes and gold-coloured honeycomb alloy wheels.

Minor changes were made in 1986, including the addition of a center high mount stop lamp, and the deletion of the FILA edition.

Models with the five-speed manual were given a power increase to 190 hp (142 kW), making them capable of attaining a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).

Turbo Coupes were equipped with anti-lock disc brakes on all wheels, Automatic Ride Control, and 16-inch 225/60VR performance tires.

The Mach 1 Edition Turbo Coupe was produced in 500 examples and was available in bright red only with a rear spoiler, while a total of 50 Bill Elliot Signature Editions celebrated NASCAR driver Bill Elliot's racing efforts and featured red upper and silver lower paint, a V8 engine, tape stripes and an aerodynamic body kit including a rear deck wing and special wheels.