After the Malaise Era came the Turbo Mullet Era. The name should be descriptive enough, but the time refers to the mid-80s to early 90s when automakers were sure turbocharged four and six cylinder cars would obsolete V8s. Something about head gaskets, octane ratings and auto mechanic competence ensured that dream was never fully realized, but the departure from 130hp 2bbl big blocks was still a breath of force-fed fresh air.
The question of which car best represents the Turbo Mullet Era remains without definitive answer (Mustang SVO?, Turbo K Car?, Chevy Sprint Turbo?, Buick GNX?, Various Mazdas? weigh in below), today we’re deciding between a T-Bird Turbo Coupe and a 300ZX…
The Turbo Coupe T-Bird seems a more fitting competitor to a 300ZX, in that both are more luxury tourer than hard-nosed track car. Mid-80s Turbo Coupe road atop the versatile Fox Platform, with a 190hp turbo 2.3L Lima (aka Pinto) I-4 providing the motivation. It had four-wheel discs with ABS, a Turbo Coupe-specific nosecone and a host of techy goodies. This particular model comes in a hideous (but very 80s Ford) maroon-on-maroon shade, with almost every option selected. The body kit and wheels are about 15% too much, but that’s nothing that can’t be undone. Come to think of it, I’m not sure what the proper wheels would be for an 80s Turbo Coupe, save the stock 16″ snowflakes.
The seller’s asking $4200 and the auction ends Wednesday.
In the “Import” corner, the 300ZX 50th Anniversary (but maybe not a “Black Gold” edition?) undoubtedly checks more 80s boxes: t-tops, digital dash, “Turbo” script rocker decals and an asymmetrical scoop. It makes about 200hp from its VG30ET engine, which features lower compression (7.8:1), lower boost (6.8psi) and no intercooler, all of which put it below the T-Bird on the spec sheet. This one seems to be in slightly better (and definitely more stock) shape than the T-Bird. The seller has an unfortunate habit of saying “everything’s perfect” then following with a number of minor issues at odds with the concept of perfection.
It’s sitting a notch under $4,000 with the reserve unmet and an auction ending on Wednesday.
For reference, the Z cost $18,699 in 1984, while the Ford cost a mere $16,800 in 1988. Those are $42,800 and $33,700 in today’s dollars. Will the price difference hold 30 years on?
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