2002 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
"Last year it was the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Before that it was the Volkswagen New Beetle. But this year, the hottest piece of driveway jewelry in America will be Ford's new Thunderbird. Ford has done a masterful job of translating cues from the classic Thunderirds of the '50s and early '60s onto the modern Lincoln LS chassis. The resulting car fills a vacant marketing niche for a convertible in the mid 2000's with more emphasis on style than on speed." Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, July 2001
For consignment, a 2002 Ford Thunderbird convertible with a title verified 29,649 actual miles, and this one check all the boxes with first year exclusive color, a matching accessory hardtop, chrome wheels, and the interior color package. Ford had plans to limit production to 25,000 the first year, but excitement exceeded their expectations and 31,368 were produced in 2002.
Exterior
Thunderbird Blue was a name used for one of the first colors for the 1955 Thunderbirds and used here in two stage metallic coverage of a light turquoise. The black canvas top has its own name too, known as Midnight Black in the Thunderbird world and ours shows in very nice condition including its clear plastic window. The long hood and steeply raked windshield and cab back sitting position puts eight feet of car ahead of you and almost as much behind you as the straight shoulder line of the car becomes the rear fenders that terminate with round tail lights that stand vertical and protrude just enough to be visible to drivers to your side. The body cues pick up heavily from the 50's except for fins being shaved and front fenders blending with flush headlights. Fender vents also summon the class Thunderbirds but the 17-inch chrome wheels could not have been imagined in 1955. The grille bows out slightly rather than being perfectly vertical and integrated fog lights live in the front body keyed valance. This is a stunner, and we could not find any exterior imperfections.
Interior
In a clean nod to the 1950's, the interior package is completely retro, color matched to the exterior and beginning with turquoise armrests on black patterned door panels with a brushed aluminum trim piece. The two tone seats also combine black and Thunderbird Blue with ribbed inserts, a Thunderbird logo embossed on the black leather, and a robust head restraint over each high back bucket seat. An aqua band colors the lower dash which runs right into the center console sides where the turquoise shifter knob appears prominently in its black plastic base. The steering wheel is not left out of the party and has a turquoise upper, the column entering at the midpoint of the dash where that aluminum trim appears again. Just as with the classic Thunderbirds, the colors encircle the cabin. White faced gauges enjoy turquoise needles while the center stack lacks any retro callouts, and is basic black where the AM/FM/CD radio and A/C switchgear reside. Behind the seats, a circular storage shelf is walled by a stitch patterned border. Low pile black carpet covers the floor swimmingly.
Drivetrain
Plastic shrouds dominate the view of the clean engine bay where a 3.9 DOHC liter V8 resides and it's rated at 252 horsepower. It's fuel injected and is driven by a 5R55N 5-speed automatic transmission which spins the back wheels with 3.58 gears. Power disc brakes are on all four corners.
Undercarriage
Super clean underneath with virtually no surface rust and no fluids out of place anywhere. The knuckles are clear of grease and there is no road dirt to be found. The dual exhaust flows into the original equipment mufflers before heading to the back and the independent front and rear suspension consist of MacPherson struts.
Drive-Ability
Ford promoted the Thunderbird as having relaxed sportiness. That implies the ride will be softer than a tightly wound sports car and indeed, this is more cruiser than sports car and provides an ultimately comfortable cabin from which to enjoy the ride. There's decent power here, certainly enough to instill highway confidence, and along with good visibility, great braking, and decent handling, this car performed well, and all operational items functioned as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
We're not sure Ford intended these to be scooped up by retired empty nesters, but many were. That being said, these are now classics in their own right, somewhat uncommon, but perfectly suitable as a cool daily driver, or a reliable weekend joy driver with modern amenities. This first year car in a one year only color has been pampered and is a head turner no matter what day you're driving it. With just two seats, it's still a great empty nester car, or for a young couple who just hired a babysitter for a night out on the town!
1FAHP60A12Y124640
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
H-Active Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Thunderbird
A-3.9L DOHC V8
1-Check Digit
2-2002
Y-Wixom Mi Assy Plant
124640-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
