Vehicle Description
Returning to the roots of an original design that made a car
popular has been a recipe for success for several manufacturers.
Recall the styling and feel of the original but build it with the
best of modern technology in the areas of comfort, convenience,
safety, and efficiency. Check out this "Retrobird" and you will see
why this final production model the legendary Thunderbird has been
so popular.
The graceful curves and smooth lines of this car conjure up
memories of the original 1955 model. Up front there is a chrome
eggcrate grill with fog lights nestled into the bumper. The
headlights have the character of the originals, but have been
canted back a bit, blending more aerodynamically into the fenders
instead of reaching as far forward as the original. 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 the "Anniversary" script on the front
fender to the back, although it blends into smoothly curved rear
fenders instead of fins on this one. The back of the car tucks in
very aerodynamically, curving into the lower valence that has dual
chrome exhaust tips peeking out from underneath. 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.
Open the door and you are greeted by an interior that has a classic
black foundation, with red accents adding a bit of attitude. It has
the perfect blend of old school craftsmanship with modern comfort
and convenience features. The leather seats are a striking,
comfortable, and supportive combination of black with red pleated
inserts with a thigh bolster. The steering wheel is topped by red
and has technology controls at your fingertips. The center console
stack starts at the top with the sound system, then below it the
ventilation system with its dozens of possible 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. As you grab the red shift knob for
the 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, be aware
that there is a button for turning off the traction control for a
little extra fun if you wish.
That transmission will be handling the power from a powerful and
modern, double overhead cam V8 engine that pumps 280 horsepower out
of its 3.9 Liters. It has a V8 dress up kit that includes an engine
topper with Thunderbird and V8 emblems proudly displayed, along
with matching valve covers. It is completely stock and sits in an
engine bay so neat and clean it looks like it just rolled off the
assembly line. The chassis on this car is a wonderful combination
of comfort and capability. The power is sent back to an independent
suspension that puts the power on the ground through deceptively
large 235/50ZR17 tires tucked up under those smooth fenders. Up
front, rack and pinion steering working through the same 235/50ZR17
tires, help make this car the perfect 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.
This was the last of the breed for the Thunderbird. It's 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.
