Unconventional Diesel Trials: Ford Thunderbirds in Munich’s BMW Experiment

In a rather unexpected turn of events, diesel-powered Ford Thunderbirds were seen on the streets of Munich in the 1970s, all under the supervision of BMW Motorsport. This peculiar collaboration between two automotive giants may seem far-fetched, but it indeed happened. BMW Motorsport, known more for their high-performance gasoline engines, took on the task of testing and validating Steyr-sourced diesel engines for Ford, leading to the installation of diesel engines in Ford Thunderbirds for testing purposes.

The Unlikely Partnership

Burkhard Goeschal, a key figure in this unique project, revealed that Ford had enlisted BMW Motorsport to work on testing the diesel engines sourced from Steyr. Despite the unconventional nature of the project, BMW Motorsport accepted the challenge due to financial constraints, although it was a departure from their usual focus on high-performance gasoline engines. As a result, a fleet of Ford Thunderbirds became test vehicles in Munich, showcasing the unexpected collaboration between BMW and Ford.

The Ford Thunderbirds used for testing were likely from the seventh generation, which emphasized fuel efficiency in response to the oil crisis of the era. However, the test cars in Munich were most likely early models of the ninth generation, as they were linked to the development of the Lincoln Mark VII.

The Legacy of the Thunderbird Diesel

The introduction of the Lincoln Mark VII in 1983 marked the culmination of the collaboration between BMW and Ford, with the Mark VII featuring a BMW M21 diesel engine alongside a V8 option. While the Ford Thunderbird did not ultimately receive a diesel engine, the Mark VII served as the embodiment of this unique partnership. With BMW engineering and a ZF automatic transmission, the Mark VII showcased the innovative blend of German and American automotive technologies.

The M21 diesel engine, often referred to as a “Steyr diesel,” was a product of BMW’s response to the oil crisis of the 1970s. Developed from the M20 gasoline engine, the M21 engine prioritized performance and fuel efficiency, leading to its exclusive production at the Steyr engine plant in collaboration with Steyr-Daimler-Puch.

Closure of the BMW-Ford Diesel Project

Despite initial plans for Ford to purchase a significant number of BMW turbodiesel engines, the American diesel market’s decline in the early 1980s halted these ambitions. The Lincoln Mark VII remains as the tangible result of this collaboration, highlighting the brief yet impactful partnership between BMW and Ford in the realm of diesel engines. The legacy of these diesel-powered luxury cars lives on, showcasing a unique chapter in automotive history.