Vehicle Description
2003 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 hardtop is offered for when the
weather turns foul, and this car has it. Bathed in Torch Red, the
2003 form of a 2-owner car.
Exterior
Torch Red with matching hardtop installed, all in fine condition
with just a few dents and dings, but relatively minor in
consideration of overall condition. Grille, all chrome, and
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 design harkens back to
the early birds, with the use of the front quarter venting, similar
shaped front grille, 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 consigner stated when caught out in the rain the top is
solid and leak free. Chrome wheels are on all 4 corners.
Interior
Two tone black with red tuck and roll insert all leather bucket
seats make up the small but comfy passenger compartment. Luxurious
black carpet covers the flooring and rear deck behind the seating.
Dash contains white analog instrumentation, with a digital
mileage/trip meters. A 6-disc CD player as well as an AM/FM stereo
radio are molded into the center vertical console. 9 speakers for
your listening pleasure are peppered about the cabin so the stereo
sounds great even with the top down! An automatic transmission
shift lever topped with a red retro knob sits between the driver
and passenger. All interior surfaces are immaculate, and unmarried,
with the driver's seat showing just a little wear. The seats are
power and heated.
Drivetrain
A 280 horsepower, 3.9-liter V-8 EFI engine drives the rear wheels
via a five-speed 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 engine compartment. Noted items of extra rarity are the
custom T bird emblems on the engine cam covers, and a Chief
Engineer of the retro build, Nancy Gioia has her signature inside.
(A photo of this event is along with the car).
Undercarriage
With its factory red overspray still evident on the tank, this car
has been pampered as to being in foul weather. Slight corrosion on
some aluminum parts but solid unibody construction, floorpans and
rockers are evident. An X frame support has been added on for the
convertible compensation stability. Independent suspension with
McPherson struts are on all 4 corners, as are power disc
brakes.
Drive-Ability
This car fires right up and runs smoothly, accelerating
beautifully, shifting like you don't even feel it, and bias free
panic stopping. The top works great, and the stereo is definitely a
bonus even with the top down. A/C blows cold, and all convenience
functions are working perfectly.
A throwback edition Thunderbird, all nicely presenting with snappy
two tone 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.
VIN DECODE
1FAHP60A23Y100879
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
H-Manual Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Thunderbird
A-3.9L DOHC V8 280hp
2-Check Digit
3-2003
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
100879-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
