SVO AEROBIRD: a fantasy mid-80's Pro-stock transformed into a contemporary Boss 429 Pro-Touring

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/11/2025 at 8:39 PM, Steve H said:

Another home run Claude! Fantastic execution as always. I like Mark’s (ybsluos) idea about the Lincoln. If you don’t do it, maybe I’ll have a go at it…🤔😜

Hi Steve!

Thank you for the comments. I saw that Mark indicated he would contact you, so go at it!

I'm certain you'll do some world-class work!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/11/2025 at 9:18 PM, Belugawrx said:

Fantastic..you never cease to amaze Claude!

Like the engine treatment (2thumsup)

Thank you Bruce!

I had to come up with a scratchbuilt plenum/manifold/injector rails, because a big engine like the Boss 429 hardly cleared the stock hood. Of course, the pro-stock had a huge scoop to clear the carbs, but a lower OEM hood is soooooooo low...LOL.

CT

[John B.]

Another imaginative and innovative creation, sir!

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/12/2025 at 1:39 PM, Koellefornia Kid said:

Super cool T-Bird, Claude! Beautiful color, well done engine details and interior, awesome rolling stock and great stance!

Thank you Oliver!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/12/2025 at 2:17 PM, SpikeSchumacher said:

Claude, your builds are always creative and inspirational! Lovely work on this one.

Mathias

Thanks for your support, Mathias!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/13/2025 at 12:51 PM, espo said:

Like how you combined a dedicated Drag Racing kit and turned into this. The body color and interior color look great together. The engine detailing looks great. 

Thank you David!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/14/2025 at 4:25 AM, WillyBilly said:

Agreed. The 83-86, and 87-88 T-Birds, Cougar, and 83-92 Mark 7 were some of the best-looking cars to come out of Detroit. The fact that most Performance parts from the Mustang was a direct bolt on was a plus. 

Thanks Billy!

You are right, and the fact that designer Jack Telnack and his crew transformed the squarish Fox cars (Fairmount  & al) into the smooth Aerobirds using the same platform (and slightly modified cowl) is a testament to their talent!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/14/2025 at 7:13 AM, slusher said:

Impressive and beautiful builds!

Thank you Carl. I see you are an early riser, like me! LOL

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/14/2025 at 6:57 PM, 6bblbird said:

Masterful job from a master craftsman!

Thank you Walter, I'm flattered!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/15/2025 at 8:30 PM, NOBLNG said:

Beautifully executed Claude!😎

Thank you Greg!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/16/2025 at 10:14 PM, Ace-Garageguy said:

What he said.   

Thanks Bill, happy you like it!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/17/2025 at 7:19 PM, RACINE ISHRAQUR RAZA said:

Nice model!

Thank you Sir!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/18/2025 at 1:11 AM, ybsluos said:

Claude that 41 Lincoln of yours is too slick!  Thanks for sharing.  I remember your silver T Bird with the injected Boss 9.  I love that model!  Let me know if you’re searching for any other parts and build on my friend!  -Mark

Thank you Mark! That scratchbuild injection system got a few comments on the contest tables back then. It was fun to build. 

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/18/2025 at 5:10 AM, ChrisR said:

Cool!

Thanks Chris!

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/20/2025 at 11:33 AM, Speedpro said:

And yet another outstanding build! 

Thank you Paul, very kind of you. 

CT

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/20/2025 at 11:41 AM, tim boyd said:

Hi Claude....like you I had a 1/1 Turbo Coupe...a 1984 with the bright gold clearcoat color I actually got pushed into production (also the silverish blue c/c that year), along with both an '87 and '88 TC.  I consider the '83.5 and '84 TC to be a modern classic...and the start of a Ford Motor Company run on the industry that lasted through the rest of the 80s and turned much of the automotive market upside down, particularly so at GM. 

Anyway, also like you I have pondered a 1/25th pro-touring type TC based on the Monogram Pro Stock, but as usual you've gone way beyond I or most of the rest of us had in mind for such a project.  Lovin' it and kudos from this corner....TB   

Hi Tim!

Great to hear from you. As fate would have it, my TC was an 85, in light blue metallic clear-coat! It was a Ford "Field car", that my dear friend Pierre Cliche (a Ford dealer) could get for me as soon as the district rep would receive his next car... A 1987 Merkur XR4Ti... that I also leased 8 months later! Followed by an 88 XR4Ti, and a  1989 Scorpio. I guess you could say I'm a Ford guy, eh?

I was partial to the 85 because of the dash update. And once I was sold on the virtues of the 2.3, the Merkur was a joy, even more so because its suspension was, let's say, more "subtle" than the TC. Nostalgia. 

Happy you liked my Pro-Touring attempt, and I will try it on the contest table april 24th. We'll see how it fares...

CT 

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 4/24/2025 at 12:43 AM, John B. said:

Another imaginative and innovative creation, sir!

Thank you John! That's my faviorite part of the hobby: the freedom to "imagine" things. 

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Well, I'm late to the party again!   Another stunning concept car in your favorite car brand and color scheme I might add!  It's pure Claude, starting with your hood hinge system which is now your trademark, so to speak.  I notice the minimalism of the tire sidewall which could make the ride a little less pleasant with the state of our roads. On the other hand, a real one remains a real one and I am certain that your driving skills will ensure that you will know how to avoid the hazards of the road, in any case you will not lack engine power to make up for lost time!   Well done my friend! 👍

[Claude Thibodeau]

On 5/10/2025 at 12:52 PM, AmericanMuscleFan said:

Well, I'm late to the party again!   Another stunning concept car in your favorite car brand and color scheme I might add!  It's pure Claude, starting with your hood hinge system which is now your trademark, so to speak.  I notice the minimalism of the tire sidewall which could make the ride a little less pleasant with the state of our roads. On the other hand, a real one remains a real one and I am certain that your driving skills will ensure that you will know how to avoid the hazards of the road, in any case you will not lack engine power to make up for lost time!   Well done my friend! 👍

Salut Francis!

Thank you, from a Ford guy to a Mopar guy LOL.

I had an 85 Turbo-Coupe Thunderbird, and I LOVED the car. So, it was not a hard sell to get me to tweak this one. You are right about the tires: more like o-rings, really. And to your point about our patchy roads around here: as you know, my summer car is a Miata, and it is the perfect car to "enjoy" the jarring ride provided here in the Great White North. Oh well...

CT