[Andy625UK]

Saw this today on Ebay over here. Anyone give me any more info on "Californian Customs"? Just interested as you see so few over here. Is this rare??

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Thunderbird-V8-Californian-Custom-/290680215831?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43ade41917

He's advertised it as an 89, the reg R****** means its registered as a 98, but it looks like a 94 to me with those rear lights and violin case.

 

[theterminator93]

Yeah, it looks like a 94/95. The only way to know for sure is to look for the VIN (assuming it still has one) in the lower driver's corner of the front windshield. As far as the branding, I would assume it's just a car someone had a company modify for them. Not a factory or dealer option.

 

[tbirdsps]

When importing cars to Europe sometimes the year model is "assigned" and has nothing to do with the VIN or actual year of manufacture. Strange but true.

Nobody commented on 30mpg. Also remember that Imperial gallons are bigger so that answers that question.

I like it.

 

[Mgino96tbird46]

I really like the style. If I were living over there, I'd buy it.

 

[Andy625UK]

I really like the style. If I were living over there, I'd buy it.

Yes it looks quite nice. I'd buy it, but I already own the best T-bird in the UK...

When importing cars to Europe sometimes the year model is "assigned" and has nothing to do with the VIN or actual year of manufacture. Strange but true.

Nobody commented on 30mpg. Also remember that Imperial gallons are bigger so that answers that question.

I like it.

The year of manufacture for UK cars is shown in the first letter of the license plate no. R=1998, P=1996 etc. I think this should be a L (1994). I reckon they didn't have proof of year of manufacture when it was imported maybe.

Yes UK gallons are slightly larger. Mine regularly gets 26 on a 50m/day commute. I did a trip last year of a couple hundred miles staying at a steady 60ish and managed to get 36mpg. I was absolutely amazed!!

 

[96PRLBRD]

Nice marketing, LOL. NASCAR body kit... Mustang engine LOL

It looks a little tacky with the two-tone and all but I suppose that's original

 

[OxmanWI]

"i get 30 mpg if taken steady."

riiiiiight

 

[96PRLBRD]

30 mpg is legit. You yanks have your own odd gallon size so you aren't used to everyone else's normal mpg numbers LOL

 

[Andy625UK]

"i get 30 mpg if taken steady."

riiiiiight

30mpg UK = 25mpg US Does that sound better??

http://www.mpgtokpl.com/mpgustompguk.htm

 

[tbirdsps]

I would love to buy Imperial gallons at US gallon prices. Now that would be cool.

 

[95LX4.6]

You guys are right 25mpg is right on the money. Just FYI Netkeym gets almost 30 with his car with just a Cai and U/D pulleys (that's yank gallons) On my last road trip with my wife, 2 kids, and 2 full size dogs with luggage, I got 28 on my way home.

So these cars can get 30mpg U.S. as well, just depends on how you drive them.

 

[Andy625UK]

I would love to buy Imperial gallons at US gallon prices. Now that would be cool.

Unfortunately UK gallons come with the UK price. Currently £6.13/gal (Thats $9.20 per gallon) Doesn't sound so good now does it!

I filled my car up on Monday and it was £70 ($105). That will last me a week. 5yrs ago it would have been about £43.

 

[OxmanWI]

learn something new everyday! us yanks like to be different! thats why we are so great!

 

[S4gunn]

I think the faux knock off lugs are a nice touch.

 

[Raptor22]

"i get 30 mpg if taken steady."

riiiiiight

30 mpg is legit. You yanks have your own odd gallon size so you aren't used to everyone else's normal mpg numbers LOL

learn something new everyday! us yanks like to be different! thats why we are so great!

I get 32MPG US at a steady 60MPH in my 2004 Mustang GT with the 4.6L. I've gotten a max of 38MPG out of my Thunderbird with the V6 so I'm sure a V8 Thunderbird could do 30 highway no problem, as long as you don't drive 80.

 

[theterminator93]

Don't doubt 30 MPG, it's very doable even with the 4.6. My highs in a 2 month period in the T-bird before I started modding were 29.8, 29.0 and 28.6 MPG. This was with an average highway speed of about 65 (some 60, some 70). Very doable.

 

[OxmanWI]

I get 32MPG US at a steady 60MPH in my 2004 Mustang GT with the 4.6L. I've gotten a max of 38MPG out of my Thunderbird with the V6 so I'm sure a V8 Thunderbird could do 30 highway no problem, as long as you don't drive 80.

Don't doubt 30 MPG, it's very doable even with the 4.6. My highs in a 2 month period in the T-bird before I started modding were 29.8, 29.0 and 28.6 MPG. This was with an average highway speed of about 65 (some 60, some 70). Very doable.

I've owned four MN12 4.6's and never passed 26 highway. 2 of which were stock with up to date maintenance. If you have any secrets to share, by all means post up on the sticky'd MPG thread on the 4.6 forum.

 

[theterminator93]

Like I said, I've experienced it and so have others. If you haven't... well, I can't say anything to that. But don't say it's not possible because it most certainly is.

Now, that said... more often than not I average closer to 24 in the T-bird and 26-28 in the Cougar. The Mark 8 sees 24-26ish.

 

[OxmanWI]

Like I said, I've experienced it and so have others. If you haven't... well, I can't say anything to that. But don't say it's not possible because it most certainly is.

Now, that said... more often than not I average closer to 24 in the T-bird and 26-28 in the Cougar. The Mark 8 sees 24-26ish.

Never said it was not possible. I'm sure others have done it. So, if you want to share your set up and discuss it more on the 4.6 MPG thread by all means. Let's not get off topic on Andy625UK’s thread.

 

[XR7-4.6]

I'm surprised nobody's pointed out that it has a 96/7 Xenon kit on 94/5 bumpers.