Vehicle Description
2002 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Ford began its development of the Thunderbird in the years
following World War II, during which American servicemen had the
opportunity to observe sleek European sports cars. General Motors
built the first American sports car: the Chevrolet Corvette,
released in 1953. The undeniably sleek Corvette's initial engine
performance was relatively underwhelming, but it was gaining lots
of attention from the press and public, and Ford was motivated to
respond, rushing the Thunderbird to the market in 1955. The 1955
Thunderbird was an immediate hit, selling more than 14,000 that
year, (compared to just 700 Corvettes). The success of the
Thunderbird led Chevrolet to continue production of, (and improve
upon), the Corvette, which soon became a tough competitor in the
sports car market.
This retro-themed two-seat Thunderbird shares platforms and
components with the Lincoln LS sedan, but comes wrapped in styling
that's straight out of the mid-1950s. It comes only as a
convertible, but an optional porthole hardtop is offered for when
the weather turns foul, and this car has it. Bathed in Evening
Black, the 2002 in the form of a 10,246 title verified mile car in
excellent condition.
Exterior
Evening Black with matching hardtop installed, all in fine
condition with just a few dents and dings, but relatively minor in
consideration of overall condition. The grille, all chrome, and
exterior mechanicals, (door handles, trunk actuator etc,) are all
functioning and looking great as well. The hardtop has the classic
porthole window in it, and is easy to remove and put back on,
although you'll need a duo to do said task. Overall the design
harkens back to the early birds, with the use of the front quarter
venting, similar shaped front grille, scooped hood, and rear round
taillights but gone are the jet age turbine looking lights. The
black canvas convertible top works perfectly and is power actuated.
This top has a glass rear window, and the consignor stated when
caught out in the rain the top is solid and leak free. 17-inch
chrome wheels are on all 4 corners wrapped in 235/50ZR17 runner
from the 5th week of 2018.
Interior
Nice molded vinyl black with a central thin brushed satin aluminum
panel shows the door panels off. The seats are wonderfully padded
and have tuck and roll inserts and smooth bolsters. All leather
bucket seats make up the small, but comfy and are power actuated
and heated. Luxurious black carpet covers the flooring and curved
rear deck behind the seating. A center console is in, and it has a
padded armrest in the back which also doubles as a 2nd glove box,
cupholders, and the shift lever. It turns to a vertical rise where
we can see a lighter top toggle, airbag lock. and a 12vdc power
outlet. Also push button green LED readout temp control center and
the AM/FM/6 CD player, (9 speakers for your listening pleasure are
peppered about the cabin so the stereo sounds great even with the
top down!). The instruments are white analog with a digital
mileage/trip meters.
Drivetrain
A 252 horsepower, 3.9-liter DOHC V8 EFI engine drives the rear
wheels via a five-speed 5R55S automatic transmission. The
transmission is a select shift version so you can shift in
automatic mode or just let the car do it for you. On the back is a
3.58 conventional axle. Dual exhaust, and other typical mechanicals
are all pristine, as well as the engine compartment. Just showroom
under this hood.
Undercarriage
With its factory black overspray still evident on the bottom, this
car has been pampered as to being in foul weather. Even the factory
identifying case stickers are still intact. Very slight corrosion
on some aluminum parts, but solid unibody construction, floor pans
and rockers are evident. An X frame support has been added on for
stability compensation. Independent suspension with McPherson
struts are on all 4 corners, as are power disc brakes.
Drive-Ability
This car fired right up and ran smoothly, accelerated beautifully,
shifted like you don't even feel it, and had bias free panic
stopping. The top worked great, and the stereo is definitely a
bonus even with the top down. The AC blew cold, and all convenience
functions were working perfectly. Just like a 10K mile car should
be.
A throwback edition Thunderbird, all nicely presenting with snappy
black leather over a black interior, and beautiful exterior paint.
3 options for this car, a convertible, a soft top, and a hard
topper for winter driving. Careful in the winter driving though
this car has not seen that as of yet and may balk! Actually, I
doubt it.
1FAHP60A82Y102098
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
H-Active Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Thunderbird
A-3.9L DOHC V8
8-Check Digit
2-2002
Y-Wixom Mi Assy Plant
102098-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
