Vehicle Description
2002 Ford Thunderbird Roadster
Retro styling has been a big hit in the past 25 years. It started
almost simultaneously with VW's New Beetle and the Chrysler PT,
(Personal Transport), Cruiser, both of which were released with
great fanfare and decent sales. Then came the Chevy HHR, (Heritage
High Roof), which lasted just five years from 2006 to 2011 and
included a high performance SS model. Who can forget the Plymouth
Prowler? Then, the eleventh generation of Thunderbird was produced
from 2002 to 2005 and finally, the Ford Bronco in its sixth
generation from 2021 to present.
For consignment, an 11th generation first year 2002 Ford
Thunderbird with a title verified 45,427 actual miles in beautiful
red over red and black. As is often the case, this car was bought
as a Sunday driver and was lovingly enjoyed by its owner for short
but pleasurable jaunts, and it was always garage kept.
Exterior
Torch Red paint covers this car in popping pulse increasing color.
The modern take on the 50's Thunderbirds smooths all the edges and
contours the headlights and taillights against the body. But the
face never loses its heritage and when you see these on the road,
it will always get your attention. The integrated hood scoop fits a
sculpted bay rather than sticking up over the hood and the steeply
raked windshield further increases aerodynamics. Stock wheels here
are the chrome version and look fantastic. Other bright parts
including the grille and robust windshield frame, are in excellent
condition. The black canvas top and its glass window are in good
shape. Body panels and gaps are straight and overall the paint is
nice but does have blemishes including the occasional scratch,
touched up scratches, a missing "T" on a Thunderbird emblem, and
some chin scrapes.
Interior
Inside the car also pops with episodes of glossy red mixed with
black surfaces. That starts on the door panels which pull
inspiration from the 1950's and include an aluminum insert and a
molded red panel in a frame of patterned black plastic. Black
leather bucket seats have red tuck and roll inserts with plenty of
side support and an adjustable headrest. Even the steering wheel
gets into the color game with a glossy red top on standard black
where the retro blue Thunderbird symbol resides. That blue is
picked up by the needles on the white faced gauges while the center
stack remains monochromatic black and features an AM/FM radio with
CD changer. The red door panel connects with the bottom of the dash
to create a red border around the car, continuing onto the center
console which houses the shifter and its bright red handle. Low
pile black carpet covers the floor and still has the dealer
protective plastic on top. The trunk is fitted with molded, cloth
covered panels and is very clean.
Drivetrain
Big clean plastic covers hide the 3.9 liter DOHC V8 under the hood
where it produces 252 horsepower. It's fuel injected and tied to a
5R55N 5-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear
wheels and 3.58 gears in a conventional axle. Power disc brakes are
found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Clean, driver quality underneath with no issues or concerns. The
dual exhaust goes wide around the transmission then trails side by
side down the middle where they encounter the two resonators, then
go wide again and enter factory mufflers before adding a little
bling to polished tips at the end. Independent suspension with
MacPherson struts are found front and back.
Drive-Ability
The big comfortable seats, the streamlined sightlines, the popping
colors make the interior a fun place to be. The car started up and
purred onto the test loop without issue and we can see why a few
people actually daily drove these cars, especially "empty nesters"
who didn't have to worry about a backseat but preferred the ease of
entry and exit versus a sports car. The car performed well and the
only thing that didn't work were the power mirrors.
An iconic color on a car with iconic heritage, we're pretty sure
this is exactly what Dan Tana would be driving if he still was
investigating crimes on the streets of Las Vegas. No matter what
school of thought you attend regarding retro vehicles, this one is
still a head turner and maybe headed for future collectable status?
Who knows, but it's here for your enjoyment today.
1FAHP60A52Y118212
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
H-Active Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Thunderbird
A-3.9L DOHC V8
5-Check Digit
2-2002
Y-Wixom Mi Assy Plant
118212-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.
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