The ninth generation of the Ford Thunderbird is a personal luxury coupe built by Ford Motor Company for the 1983 to the 1988 model years. While nominally shorter and lighter than its predecessor, the radical change sought from the previous model was not in overall size but in exterior styling and handling. For 1987, the body shell and interior were altered for improved aerodynamic performance. The Turbo Coupe earned the honor of being the Motor Trend Car of the Year for 1987.