Vehicle Description
So you say a limited-production factory Thunderbird is just too
ordinary for you? You want more tradition with your retro-styled
convertible? Or maybe you're just not attracting enough attention
at the local cruise night. Well, this 2002 Ford Thunderbird neatly
solves all those problems. It's one of 12 customized by Galpin Auto
Sports in vintage Desert Dusk Rose paint, so it has all the pastel
nostalgia of a traditional T-Bird with all the modern
conveniences.
Yeah, it's pink, but it totally works here. Even if it's not your
thing, you can see that Ford's latest Thunderbird can still pull it
off. The car was repainted before it was delivered to its first
customer, so it's safe to call it original paint, and yes, it's
pretty close to the 1957 hue of the same name. The sheetmetal is
factory Thunderbird and the paint is worlds better than a
production line could muster, so it's just dazzling in person. With
only 24,142 original miles, it still looks fresh and as I said, it
definitely attracts attention, particularly with the ladies. In
truth, every one of the twelve Galpin cars were unique in some way,
making this officially a 1-of-1, and I'm sure you'll have people
asking you what color it is when you're stopped at red lights or
picking up some groceries on a warm summer evening. Trust me, it'll
grow on you, I promise.
The interior got a light makeover with some matching Dusk Rose
highlights, done in leather, of course. Most of the upholstery is
factory-issue Ford black leather, but with custom seat inserts,
door panels, and a leather-wrapped wheel and matching shifter knob,
the whole theme fits together quite well. Nothing was altered
beyond the colors, so all of Ford's engineering and technology, not
to mention reliability, remains intact, making this a car that you
can still comfortably drive every day without a second thought.
Everything was standard, from power windows and locks to automatic
climate control and a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo system that more
than fills the cockpit with sound. White-faced retro instruments
and Thunderbird logos with turquoise inlays are more connections to
the past, and if you glance at the door jambs, you'll see just how
thorough the color change really was. The trunk is untouched and
ultra-clean, while the black canvas convertible top stows in
seconds with just the touch of a button. There's also a white
porthole hardtop, which, to my eye, completes the look even better
than the canvas one.
The same 4.0-liter DOHC V8 that lives in all the Thunderbirds lives
in this one, too, and it's reliable and smooth, exactly what you
want from a grand-touring machine. Capable of eating up hundreds of
miles without complaint, but entertaining to drive around town with
a great V8 bark out back, it's the right engine for this car. It
is, of course, 100% stock right down to the air filter and exhaust
system, which insures reliability and comfort because this car is
all about being seen. A 5-speed automatic transmission is
unobtrusive and the all-independent suspension soaks up bumps
without losing its agility. The only real change are the big chrome
alloys with flashy wide whitewall radials for a vintage look.
No, it's not for everyone, but if you like pink or the '50s, this
is the 'Bird that belongs in your garage. Call today!
