what is the best year of the SC (body style wise)

[TurboBird]

what do you guys think, my vote go's to the 92's..........and the 94-95 LX...they look sweet

[TurboBird]

I only like the 95 Lx's cuz i own one LOL......they do look cool with 18x9 rims tho

[Mike Manzo]

1993 I believe is one of the best looking years..I own a 1993, so there is some bias, but I believe that the 1993 had the best out of all "three versions" of the SC evolution...

The 1989-93 years front and rear bumpers seemed to me a bit more "meaner" or Nascar-Ish than the 1994-95. I love the look of a white or red SC where you can see the front and rear bumper ground effects. I think that with slight modification to the 1994/95 rear bumper, it could look better. I think that the black plastic thing in the rear bumper should be evened out and a honey-comb mesh be inserted similar to the SVT Contour. A set of straight through pipes (conservative) would accent it well...

The 1992-1993 model years were the only ones that had the old ground effects style with the rear trunk lid tail lights. That is probably the biggest reason that I think the 1992-1993 look the best...

The reason why I say the 1993 stands out as one of the best looking SC model years is a combination of the 1989-93 front and rear bumpers, the 1992-93 trunk-lid led lights, and finally it the only year that came with all that and the 1993-1995 SC rims...Although, they did not have the Thunderbird logo on the center-caps..Only an impression...

I just think that the 1993 has the best of all the worlds...BUT! The 1994/95 has the BEST interior...NO PLASTIC SQUEAKS!!!!

[Micahdogg]

Weren't the 92-93's different? I thought 93 got the new style wheels while the 92's had the older ones? I would have clumped 89-93 and 94-95. When you get down to it I'm sure the only years that really did not change at all were 89-90.....surely the rest of them all had some minute change that is worthy enough (to some) for each year to receive it's own catagory.

That being aside....I shall state my opinion on the matter.

I don't think anyone can argue that the 94/95 SC's look more modern. And some would even say that that 89-93's look dated....especially from an interior standpoint. I think the 94/95 interiors look more than just a bit nicer. Unfortunately, they are not as roomy/functional. Some space is lost around the leg area...and when you are 6'8" you notice every inch baby. So to me, function outweighs looks in that department....and I shall call it a draw on interior (still giving Kudos to the looks of the 94/95 not only cosmetically, but it appears to be better quality) Aside from my height it would otherwise be a +.

Outside...I think the trim around the car looks way more modern on the 94/95. IT looks more refined. I like the look of the black stripe that wraps around the entire car of the 89-93, but the newer trim looks smoother. Unfortunatly the trim was all color coded in the 94/95's, but envisioning a titianium 94/95 with the trim black....I think It would look cooler. So I give the 94/95's the + there.

Rear valence....I think the 89-93 style makes the car look lower and wider than the 94/95. Plus I like how the 89-93 style is totally cut through whereas the 94/95 is a sticker/painted or something? That's kind of a no-no in my books. Plus I am not nuts about the way the 94/95 bulges around the exhaust cut-outs....I definitely give the 89-93 the + there.

Front ends....hmmm. No doubt the 89-93 has more "edge" to it whereas the front of the 94/95 is smoother. Areodynamically the 94/95 would be better....just how much better is to be debated? I think the newer headlights look better proportioned to the front end, but then again after years of staring at the 89-93 I happen to think the older ones look agressive. The 89-93 headlights definitely make the car look lower and wider...which again is a good thing to me. One thing between the two that I really prefer however is how the hood sits flush with the bumper (between the lights) whereas the newer style hood meets a little grill. I like the 89-93 style better....it just seems like they tried to shove a grill in the 94/95 where they really didn't have room. So...that would be the only factor to me that gives the + to the 89-93.

As for wheels....I think the 89-93 look more solid, but also look more dated. For some reason the 94/95 look...dare I say, cheaper? BUT---I think the bulge in the 94/95 style add to the wider look again, whereas the 89-93 really don't. Otherwise both style are pretty similar.....I don't care for the plastic caps in the 94/95....but still give the 94/95 the +

I think that is about it without getting nit picky over doorhandles and taillights, etc... Overall I guess I would say the 93 is the best looking year. It keeps the front end and valence which I prefer, the interior is more functional for me, and it's got the newer style wheels.

Then again, I've got a freakin' ram air hood and Cobra R's...like I even need to like a car in stock trim?!?

Micah

[Thomas A]

A 93 SC looks the best, but oh man what I would do for that new engine and tranny and a little traction assist. Yummy!

The 96-97 LX's are my favorite MN12, non SC.

On the Fox chassis, I like the 85-86 the best.

[Stryford]

i own a '94 SC, but i'd have to agree with Mike Manzo that the '93 is the best looking overall. i would've bought a '93 if it wasn't for the lower stock HP and torque, and the interior. the interior isn't bad, but i used to own a '92 TBird Sport, and i guess i'm tired of that interior. i don't like the '94-'95's rear valence with that cheap looking black plastic that's supposed to look like a hole. i also don't like the "shoved in grill" look, as Micahdogg put it. i like the '89-'93 headlights, but i love the '96-'97 clear lens headlights more, along with the hood and grill (which doesn't look shoved in). but i love the '93-'95 wheels, and the '94-'96 interior ('97 has a different instrument cluster and has those exposed cupholders and change holder in the center console.). i also like the LED taillamps on the '92-'97 TBird's. a '95 SC with a '93 front bumper and rear valence, and '96 headlights, hood, and grill, would be perfect, i think.

[pdennis]

its got the older body style (which in my opinion looks sportier and more aggressive than 94/95)

and its got the better ABS

now if only ford had put the 230hp motor in in 1993 instead of 1994

[drtanger91]

I would have to say the the 89-91 years. I like the look of the tail lights, they connect all the way across the back. It would have been nice if Ford had illuminated all that, instead of just the outside lights/turn singles. The 93 looks like to me that they ran out of material when making the lenses.

For the wheels, definetly the 89-91 they look more stout and broad, the 94 and 95 like someone said they look to cheap. Another thing it looks like they ran short on material. I will not disagree , wish they had the more horses in 91 instead of 94/95.

[doug93sc]

I do own a 93 and agree that they are the best looking outside(rims, tail lights, ground effects) also they have the better ABS and front spindles(to upgrade easier.) I do however like the interior of the 94/95 much better. I am droping a 94 engine in mine so I'll have the slightly better engine as well. But all SC's are sweet!!!!!!

Doug DeBiase
93 SC Auto

[Doug Williams]

I like a combination:

I think the 94-95 front end would look real good with 96/97 headlights and hood. Either rear end is good with the 94/95 looking more modern and clean(No hole hanging down).

I like the early interior hands down. It looks more dated but I like the layout a lot. I have ridden in the 94/5 pasenger seat and felt really left out. It's just too friendly looking!

Wheels are even, I would go aftermarket!

[blwnbrd]

Yeap a combo of both is what I'm going for, I still think the 89-93 looks meaner, so I bought the 93 and up spindles and rims for my 92. No doubt the rear on the 89-93 looks meaner plus the LED's look modern.

[tomb3]

Ricardo's 94 SC with the 97 nose with the Xenon Gfx is the best looking one.

Tom


http://www.scperformance.com/asp/ricardoa1/anothermycar.gif

[93 Mark VIII]

since my 91 Sport just got totaled from the front end, I am going to try a combination.

I got a 95 LX front end, with new fenders, headlights, hood, and bumper cover. I almost bought a set of 96 Mark VIII HID lamps and ballasts to retrofit, but i changed my mind ($475 price tag).

I also got 89-93 SC wheels, i like those more than the 94-95's... they just don't look plastic.

I am keeing the black 91 interior, it may be cheaper looking, but i don't think there's any doubt that it's much more roomy.

The car is bright red, and originally had the black stripe running all around back all the way to the fenders, so i am going to try and keep that.

I am also trying to track down a 92-97 trunk lid with LED's. A definate must.

I'll get some pictures after it hits the paint shop in a week or so.

[Andy 94Sc]

Looks like George D's SWB is a combo of 97, 94, and a '89 I think. I think that is one of the best I have seen. I would prefer the newer interior though, Doug, if you are in the DRIVERS seat you don't feel left out.

[Doug Williams]

Kind of like a jet-fighter @#%$pit?! I think I feel wierd riding in the passenger seat of any car!

[Doug Williams]

A jet-fighter area where the pilot sits?? I think I spelled it right...

[ThunderingSC]

Although I am biased seeing how I have a 90 SC, I do think the 89-93's look more agressive and saying that they would get my vote.

[sam rickenbacker]

I like the 94/95. More aerodynamic than an F360 Modena, and very sleek.

<marquee><marquee><marquee><marquee><marquee>SLEEK! AERODYNAMIC!</marquee></marquee></marquee></marquee></marquee>

[IMBIGPIMPINMYXR7]

YOU FORGOT THE NICEST LOOKING ONE! THE 90 COUGAR XR7. T-BIRDS LOOK GOOD TOO, BUT SORRY NOT AS GOOD AS US.

[No1Ambroz]

I prefer the 90 XR7 with out the cup holder in the dashboard. Something about the rims and the grill I love. I was in the market for a SC/XR7 for 2 years before I settled on a cougar. Performance wise, I would love to have a 94/95 SC with a 5 speed but for now the Cougar will do.

[TurboBird]

oh ya don't think i forgot about the couger
i love them
i almost bought a black 90 XR7......i am getting a set of their rims, they are better than SC ones

Ray

[Phat SC]

Hi, I am a new owner of a 35th ann SC. I could have pick out any one i wanted and saved up money for that one. I just love how the 35th just stand out more then anyother SC. In my opinon they stand out more because of the diff gray gound part. I dont like the 94-95 that much because they look to nice and new. I am only 18 and i like the "In your face" look. I just love the way the inside is. It seems like that car was bilt just for me. I am a biger boy and those seets just feel great. {Not fat, 6foot at 180lbs}

So i will go with 89-92 body stile

[RedSC]

I like the first 3 yrs the best. they do look meaner, and to me they seem to look much lower to the ground. I think the body kit in the 94/5 models are less noticeable. i do like the interior and the exta power. I just don't like the new ones as much because i almost mistook one for an lx because the ground fx didn't seem to stand out. I love how the 89-91s look when looking at the rear quarter panel standing behind it.

But all SCs kick ~~~ so it really doesn't matter

[Vic W]

I favor my 90, I bought it cash (cheap) and insurance is also cheap. My wife noticed that it catches attention while we are out driving, she is not used to that in her 97 LX

[SCandelous95]

we all have biased opinions based on our own cars. i can say i do and i go with the 94-95. ill probably get chastized for this and people will get angry, ive looked and looked at the 35th aniv and i think it is UGLY. mainly the grey trim and the ground effects dont look as pronounced on the 94-95's.Hands down, the black wheels are the ugliest ever made. looks like they lost their hub caps! i dont get it. to me the 94-95's look much more modern and the air ports under the headlights are bigger and more stylized scoop look, not to mention cooler interior and more hp. the early birds look dated now to me. anyways, not bashing anyone, just my biased opinion.

i do agree that the 93's look much better and more up to date though.

Deano

[cary Jackson]

89-90-91 Get my vote.It just looked unique as compared to some of the body parts shared in the newer ones. In 89 when you saw an SC coming, you knew that's what it was. In 92 you could be fooled when you saw a bird coming. Could be an SC or an LX. XR-7's are cool also. I'd take an 89-90 XR-7 any day.

[cary Jackson]

When the new birds came out in 89 they caught my eye immediately. You know how some cars have to grow on you, well this one did'nt have to grow on me. I thought the body was so cool (birds and cougars) that I wanted one immediately. I was driving a 79 heritage T-bird at the time(still looking for the perfect diamond jubilee) and just could not afford a new car. Then I saw an SC and fell in love at first sight. Thats probably why I love the 89-91 better than the rest, although I like them all. But back in 89 if I had the cash I would have gotten a Bostonian, or a Super coupe. Long live the MN12 body!

[SCandelous95]

i dont think this is too accurate because there were way more SC's made 93- than the 94+. most people are more likely to have an older model and will be more parial to that.

95 all the way. Oh, and by the way, that of course has nothing to do with my car being a 95 and all... ;)

[MN12 KID]

I like the '92/'93 style SCs, not only because I own one, but with the aggressive '89 - '93 bumper covers, and the curved taillight lenses, shaped like a lady's firm rearend.

The '89 - '91s look little like an oversized Mustang GT from a distance, in the rear with the flat lenses.

The '94/'95s have the wavy bumper covers that distort the SCs image (but I like it's engine specs and interior :p ).

My opinions aren't meant to intentionally insult anyone's SC. I think any SC owner is a great one, regardless of what year they own - just as long as they don't foolishly destroy the car. I'm basically just stating my preference.

[Damon Slowpoke Baumann]

Well I had an 89 and a 91....The 89 could have done away with chrome interior dash peices..Which they did ..Lookwise earlier is def meaner..Interior wise the later..My 2 cents:o )

[SCrazy]

I agree with Cary after '91 to many parts were shared with lx's and the SCs lost alot of their unique look.

[5thWaveSC]

In reading all the sharing of opinion, it borders too
much on the personal, and not enough on trying
to extract unique characteristics, if any, from
some considered theoretically informed perspective..

For theoretical reasons, I prefer my 35th: The
coloration is unique including the approach to
the wheels. No, not necessarily universal in appeal
to some, but to a distinctive look, a definite yes!
All the other colorations are shared across all
other cars, so there's nothing that unique about
them, is there?!!! Anyway, just some brevity &
levity...!(!)

Secondly, the 35th LOOKS lowered when it isn't...
And has a definite lowered rear-end squat that I
attribute to giving me an edge in all drag races,
because more weight shifts onto the rear treads
to squirm them into the pavement for the grip!!!

Third, for what it's worth, put Cougar spoke wheels
on my wife's silver '95lx and 245-50-16 tires: Looks
lowered and mean and gets stares as to what the
hell is that tough looking car...?!!! All-silver motif !
Car looks like a damn, don't know why Ford didn't
share that wheel design across these two
platforms!!! And oh yes, put factory wing painted
silver on there, too !

But, when my 35th passes, it's own 2-tone look
does all the head turning. Not to mention about
10 coats of hand polished clear coat that makes
the black look like straight out of the Black hole
of Calcutta, or should I say, hell? (!)
Peace, virgil

[jonimag56]

94 and 95 SC's though I go back and forth about earlier vs later yr. rear bumpers. Sometimes the earlier ones look sportier sometimes they look gawdy and too low to me.