2002 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
"Thousands of exquisite details. Eight aluminum cylinders. Six disc CD. Five liquid colors. Two deep leather trimmed seats. Two classic portholes. One dramatic hood scoop. Altogether, one heavenly idea. The unmistakable new Thunderbird. It's time to exchange crow's feet for laugh lines. It's time to feel good again. You've earned your wings. Slowly close your eyes. Introducing a completely new roadster. The unmistakable new Thunderbird. It's time to take flight." From the introductory sale brochure, 2001.
For consignment, a one owner 2002 Ford Thunderbird convertible in Ford's desirable aqua hue, including the removable hardtop. And yes, this car comes with the top dolly! The owners avoided driving in winter and serviced it regularly and that's exactly what you want to hear when in the market for a new Thunderbird!
Exterior
It's called Thunderbird Blue because no matter the color of the car, it's used to accent the Thunderbird emblem and other features of the make, both historically and with the new incarnation. Here however, it covers the entire car and is a vibrant and rousing color that does not go unnoticed. Body lines are seemingly a result of Ford designer taking the original car and melting all of the elements until they formed smooth lines and seamless transitions. The headlights and taillights no longer have the three dimensional features but are now aerodynamic and modern while the hood scoop sinks into the hood rather than rising high above it. Side gill vents and the legendary portholes on the top are sensational touches and the long flat hood waterfalls onto the rear bumper cover but not before a streamlined third brake light leads the way. Chrome versions of the factory wheels look great and so do the chrome exhaust tips. Imperfections include scratches on the bumper cover near those tips, rust forming on the inside of a wheel arch, and a number of other random scratches and chips. Our consignor notes that both rear quarter panels were resprayed due to scratches and in certain light, the slight shade difference is noticeable.
Interior
An aluminum plate, a pleated panel, and black molded plastic create a nice, flowing design for the door panels which contain simple and familiar Ford window and lock toggles. The leather bucket seats take the aqua from the outside and drop it in the middle in a tuck and roll pattern surrounded by black. The back storage area is an elegant, rounded cove complete with the Thunderbird emblem and stitched pattern. Thunderbird Blue shows up on the upper part of the leather wrapped steering wheel rim and again in the needles of the overlapping, white faced gauges in front. Green digital readouts light up under the round gauges when the car is on and provide a variety of information. An AM/FM/6 CD player is embedded in the center stack over A/C controls and the power control for the soft top. More elegance is reflected in the smooth and shiny shifter which is color keyed as well, all in the base of the molded plastic center console. Low pile black carpet shows in good condition and the soft headliner on the hardtop is in great shape as well. The trunk is lined in gray panels and is clean.
Drivetrain
Plastic shrouds dominate the view of the clean engine bay where a 3.9 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 and exhaust leaves the engine in dual configuration.
Undercarriage
A good amount of surface rust exists underneath where driver quality conditions prevail. That said, there are no leaks or errant fluids anywhere. 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
A pleasant interior with good ergonomics greets us and the cars start right up. Unlike the originals, these have wider tires, 255/50ZR17 to be exact, which helps create stable tracking and the suspension is geared for comfort as well. The car has decent power, it's not blistering fast, and the brakes work as expected. Our report card notes some shortcomings including the fog lights that are not working, the power mirrors are finicky and working intermittently, and the airbag light is on.
Here's one that's been well loved by its original owner and now presents the opportunity for a new owner to drop the top, (or put it on the dolly). It's clean and has been well maintained and is in a color that stands out on the roads today and at the same time, recalls a classic color used on many cars in the 50's. If you're ready to exchange crow's feet for laugh lines, this is the car. And if you don't have crow's feet yet, kudos for checking out this classic retro ride at your age!
1FAHP60A32Y118435
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
H-Active Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Thunderbird
A-3.9L DOHC V8
3-Check Digit
2-2002
Y-Wixom Mi Assy Plant
118435-Sequential Unit Number
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