Vehicle Description
The original Thunderbird created the personal luxury car niche.
After 50 years of growing larger and out of that segment, the 11th
generation design, and final production run for the car, returned
to its roots. This is a comfortable, nice driving car, that
exemplifies the idea of a personal luxury car.
The smooth lines and graceful curves of this car intentionally
recall the character of the original 1955 model. Up front there is
a chrome grill with fog lights built into the bumper flanked by
headlights in the fenders. These headlights have been canted back a
bit however, blending more aerodynamically into the fenders. There
is a Thunderbird proudly displayed just above the grill, and a hood
scoop that looks appropriately sporty. Long straight body lines run
the length of the car from front to back, although they blend into
smoothly curved rear fenders instead of ending in the fins of the
original. A black convertible roof looks great when it's up, but of
course, pushing the button to stash it on a nice day is always fun
and brings back the classic drop top sportscar look. However, for
the winter, or just for fun, you could opt to put on the white
metal hard top with the iconic Opera window.
Open the door and you are greeted by a black interior which is
always a good look in a silver car. The door panel is pleated with
a brushed metal accent with the power windows and lock controls in
the armrest. The power leather seats are heated and super
comfortable. They blend old world craftsmanship with the modern
technology and convenience features of the rest of the car. The
steering wheel has cruise and stereo controls at your fingertips.
The dash has white faced gauges that are clearly visible, and the
center console stack starts at the top with the sound system, then
below it the ventilation system with its dozens of dual zone
variations for your comfort, and finally the power roof switch and
seat heaters. A really nice feature in a two-seat car is a shelf
behind the seats which is big enough for personal items like
groceries, or even coolers and dogs if you wish. The leather
wrapped shift knob for the automatic transmission sits in the
center console with the emergency brake lever just to the
right.
Under the hood and you will find a powerful and modern, double
overhead cam V8 motor that pumps 280 horsepower out of its 3.9
Liters nestled down in the engine bay. There is an engine topper
that proudly announces that it's a Thunderbird V8. Power runs back
through the 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive to the
rear wheels. The chassis on this car is a wonderful combination of
comfort and capability. A fully independent suspension puts the
power on the ground through the factory chrome wheels with brand
new 235/50R17 Michelin tires tucked up under those smooth fenders.
Up front, rack and pinion steering working through the same
235/50R17 tires helping make this car a nice combination of smooth
and light handling like a sports car, with a little V8 muscle car
attitude. 4-wheel disc brakes inspire confidence and insure that
you can reel this baby back in if you decide to let it run.
The best of Retro design with the best of modern tech. Come on down
and check it out. Once you drive it, you may decide to drive it
home and make it yours.
