funny looking T-bird

[tr cruiser]

I was riding into work the other day and noticed an unusual, but familiar looking lime green two-seater with a removable porthole top. I looked for the badge and saw what appeared to be an oversize Chrysler pentagon with something else superimposed. It passed by too quickly for a good look.

I started asking around to see if anyone could identify this strange roadster. The lines were wrong for a T-bird, but it did have that porthole top. Finally, someone suggested the Maserati TC, and a web search revealed its true identity. The badge is a combination of Chrysler's pentagon and Maserati's trident.

The TC [touring convertible] was a joint effort of Chrysler and Maserati from 1989-91. There were only 7301 cars produced and this was probably the only one I've seen with the porthole top. In looking for pictures, I came upon chryslertcnut's web site. Now that I've come full circle, here's a picture of the mystery T-bird courtesy of George and Dot.


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[Gobird]

That is not strange, that is dum looking. The top looks like the after market top on my MGB. The back looks too much like a LaBaron.

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02 T-Bird 9293
69 Vette
73 MGB
97 F-150 4x4
2-Seadoo Jet Skies
a dog a cat and a couple hundred fish in my pond

 

[TbirdSandie]

Good grief, that is one butt ugly car.

 

[RTBRD_aka_jodrod]

George/Dot,

Please do not take offense.

 

[Hobobob]

I would like to take this opportunity to defend the Chrysler TC/Maserati. We bought one new in 1989. We had seen pictures of the promo in magazines and since we were T-Bird enthusiasts, we were attracted to the removable porthole top. Like the 2002 T-Bird, we put a deposit down 2 years before we ever got the car. Naturally, I don't think it's "dum looking". Geez Gobird, you and I really have different tastes, other than the new T-Bird, if I remember correctly, you are one of the very few people who didn't care for the fairlane stripes on my 55 T-Bird. Of course it's everyones privilege to voice their opinion and I respect that. A few good points about the TC/Maserati are: the interior is all Italian leather and I hate to say it, but it is much better quality than our new bird, it is only a 4 cylinder but is turbocharged and when the turbo kicks in, you go. It handles very nice on the road and attracts about as much attention as a t-bird. We have had ours 13 years and it has been trouble free. Some will say, if it was so darn good, why did you get a new t-bird? I guess it's because everyone likes a change now and then. Our number one choice of cars is still t-bird, but there is nothing wrong with the little TC. It has never been the collector car the t-bird is and never will be, but most people think it's a cute car. We still get a lot of compliments on it. Since we got the t-bird the TC is setting in the shop with a car cover and hasn't been driven one mile. I'm sure George and Dot can add much more to what I have said in defense of the TC.

 

[InfernoRed]

Also my good friends,let's not forget that it was for all practical intense and purposes Chrysler that made the "retro" car concept not only plausible but successful with two production models(3 if you include a certain muscle car which owes it's basic features to the legendary 427 Shelby Cobra)and has paved the way for the other big two to get enough guts to produce there bueatiful machines.

Chrysler can possibly be called many things, BUT scared to push the envelope in design is NOT one of them.Viper,Prowler,PT,the upcoming CrossFire are vehicles that redefined acceptable American car ettiquette as is the full size Ram in the truck arena.Kudos to Chrysler for thinking outside the box(or the "jellybean").

InfernoRed

 

[Gobird]

Hobobob, like you say everyone has their own opinion and that's all I was saying. As far as the 55 Bird I just like them the way they are. Hay, what ever floats you boat. Hope no hard feelings.

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02 T-Bird 9293
69 Vette
73 MGB
97 F-150 4x4
2-Seadoo Jet Skies
a dog a cat and a couple hundred fish in my pond

 

[txktom]

Personally, I think the '89 Chrysler TC/Maserati is better looking than the '89 Thunderbird.

 

[Hobobob]

Gobird, no problem! And to txktom, ditto!

 

[thenewtbird2]

First - thank you! to tr cruiser for doing your research.

Originally posted by RTBRD_aka_jodrod:
George/Dot,
Please do not take offense.

I just have to take offense. I have a very good comparison page of the 55 T-bird, the 02 T-bird & the TC plus support my husband's website.

The TC outclasses the new T-bird in most of the areas they are compared with ( not in speed or HP). When it came on the market in the late 80's it was one of the best looking autos of that era though it was outshown by the LeBaron convertibles. I like the TC (we have 2) & love my LeBaron but my greatest car love is our 57 Thunderbird. I have yet to form a strong attachment for the new Thunderbird since we don't have ours yet so you'll just have to wait for that report.

Many of the ammenities that people gripe about the new T-bird lacking, the TC has & came with, right from the first year - lighted mirrors at the top of the list!; an easy to use boot that does not need to be stored - it's attached & looks good whether the top is up or down; lots of trunk space; no marks on the rear deck from the hardtop - has protective strip there & was not an afterthought. A very useable storage area behind the seats along with a compartment that can be locked.

The fact that the LeBaron and the TC look similar is not a bad thing (and they don't look alike when parked next to each other). It's much like the 55 Thunderbird looked like the 55 Ford only in a smaller scale. It makes for brand identity - which was "Chrysler" for the TC & LeBaron & would have been a high mark for Lee Iacocca as he was after brand identity in bringing Chrysler back from near bankruptcy in the 70's.

BTW - the TC was to be at dealers BEFORE the LeBaron body style change but circumstances stalled its debut. At least the T-bird has had better luck with it's debut.

And I should add - Every TC came with a porthole top and a soft top. No choices of color for the hardtops and there were 2 colors of softtops available.



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