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 black in the
2003 model year, and has a Powersport ground effects package, and
has the option of a full accent interior package only available in
03, and 04.
Exterior
Sporting a new front-end courtesy Powersport and part of their
ground effects package the round headlights are just a bit deeper,
a slimmed down grille which has running lights inserted and an
additional lower intake cowl that forms a spoiler on the bottom can
all be seen bathed in black. This new front has shades of a Porsche
but is dyed in the wool retro T bird. A hood scoop is in the center
and on the sides, the front spoiler which creates the line is now
picked up by the rockers in a flared out fairing, also in black. As
we move to the rear quarter the fairing meets up with a snazzy
large bump put wheel well covering that have the flares continuing
towards the back of the car. On top is a black canvas convertible
which meets up with a shiny wide windshield surround nicely raked
towards the back deck. Here we note some pitting of the paint on
this deck. For the rear, the fairings turn the corner on to the
rear roll pan where they angle to inward 45 degrees and die into
the rear bumper. Above is a round taillight on either side, which
is also a throwback to the early birds simulating their jet engine
thrusters. 17-inch cast multi spoke wheels are wrapped in
235/50R17's all around. She's a stunner and definitely has a custom
exterior look like none other.
Interior
Interior does not disappoint, and a swing of the doors yields
multiple surfaces interacting with one another to create a sleek
and stunning look. Black molded plastic, a brushed aluminum panel,
some ribbed tuck and roll vinyl in black and central red molded
panel which houses the power toggles. Just beautiful! Inside high
back headrest inserted buckets are wrapped in black leather
bolsters and have red inserts to sing in tune with the doors. A
sexy center console races forward towards the seats and this is
covered on the sides with red leather and on top has a padded glove
box cover/armrest, cupholders and the gearshift lever which has a
red "light bulb" styled topper. The dash is a trio of surfaces with
black vinyl all padded and nice, then the next section with more of
the brushed aluminum in a strip which runs across the dash and
meets up with the door aluminum trim, then the lower section in red
again meeting up with the door red panel line. White faced gauges
are inserted into the half circle dash visor and in the center is
all digital radio and climate controls along with power top toggle
and seat heaters. On back behind the buckets is a nifty
semicircular storage area with a black carpeted floor.
Drivetrain
Nicely detailed a 3.9Liter DOHC V8 with all its coverings and EFI
is shoehorned in under this hood. A 5- speed Select Shift automatic
transmission is on back and way back is a 3.58 conventional rear
axle. All this is rated at 280hp.
Undercarriage
Patina and road dirt along with interlocking stamped steel pans
mixing with black X framing make up the undercarriage. Here we can
see some invasive rust has eaten through the floor under the
battery tray and needs to be remedied. Independent McPherson strut
suspension is on all 4 corners as are power disc brakes.
Drive-Ability
A quick starting procedure and on the test track this performs
beautifully. Only known issue is the passenger's door locks were
non functional from either power control. All else worked great and
it was a pleasure to drive.
The aero package adds to the classic look and this helps the car
take a more nostalgic look on the exterior. Nice paint, and leather
interior all add up to a retro bird from 2003 that looks like any
others I've seen. All in menacing black.
VIN DECODE
1FAHP60AX3Y100239
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
H-Manual Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Thunderbird
A-3.9L DOHC V8 280hp
X-Check Digit
3-2003
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
100239-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.