Vehicle Description
16,353 original miles. Two tops, optional two-tone interior, chrome
wheels. Everything works, drives like a new car, great color
combination. An attractive late-model T-Bird that's the ideal
choice for the person who wants a collector car without any
hassles.<BR><BR>The last 20 years have also been a
reminder that special cars remain special, and the love with which
these latest Thunderbirds are treated really shows in cars like
this Torch Red 2002 example. These were collectors' items almost
from the start, so very few ever saw day driver duty and that is
the case here-with only 16,353 original miles, this car was
exclusively a sunny weather driver. The bright red paint sizzles in
the sunlight and it's exactly the right color for Ford's sporting
two-seater, both then and now. Retro cues include the chrome grille
with twin fog lights that emulate the original bumper, a hood
scoop, and the twin afterburner-style taillights out back. In
between you get a sleek, clean, and largely uncluttered ragtop that
always attracts appreciative stares. This car has spent much of its
life with an experienced collector and has always been treated as
something special. It gets just as much attention as his vintage
cars without the hassles. And its status as a collector piece
shows, because there are no major chips or scratches, certainly no
rust, and it has never been hit or damaged. Just a clean car ready
to enjoy.<BR><BR>This particular Thunderbird has the
optional two-tone interior with the $1000 Premium package that
really makes it look flashy. Black and red leather with silver
dashboard accents and turquoise-like inlays on the steering wheel
and gauges really look awesome. The upholstery is in fantastic
shape and the carpets have been protected by floor mats since new,
so they're unmarked. Everything was standard on these cars,
including power windows, seats, locks, and mirrors, automatic
climate control, cruise control, and a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo
system that sounds great even at speed with the top down.
Everything works, of course, and the black canvas power convertible
top powers itself up and down with the touch of a button, unlike
the original (which was a real wrestling match). There's also a
decent-sized trunk in back that's perfectly adequate for two people
on an adventure. This car also includes the factory soft boot and
the optional $2000 removeable porthole
hardtop.<BR><BR>A 3.9-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine was
the only choice in these Thunderbirds, and it's a good one. It's
the same smooth V8 that lived in the Lincoln LS, making 252
horsepower and 267 pounds of torque-enough to make the T-Bird feel
downright quick. It's not quite as pretty as the original Y-block
with its finned aluminum valve covers but with modern electronic
controls, it fires instantly and idles perfectly every time, no
matter the weather. No 1950s car could ever do that. It has
obviously been properly maintained but as with most modern cars, it
really doesn't need much more than gas and oil and the last 20
years have proven that these cars are reliable machines. And having
served in a Lincoln, it's impeccably smooth. The engine bay is
extremely clean, showing zero signs of foul weather or neglect and
parts are still readily available today so it's easy to keep it in
top shape. <BR><BR>The only transmission available in
the Thunderbird was a 5-speed automatic that's a good match for the
car's relaxed demeanor-quick shifts around town but a tall, relaxed
overdrive for high-speed cruising. The suspension is fully
independent, which gives it great reflexes and there's a big disc
brake at all four corners. The dual exhaust system offers a muted
V8 soundtrack, enough to be a little muscular but never overbearing
and the twin chrome tips out back look awesome peeking out from
under the rear bumper. The car is wearing optional 17-inch chrome
wheels and 235/50/17 Michelin radials, so it rides and handles
superbly. <BR><BR>If you're someone who's looking for a
special interest car that's welcome at almost any show but you're
not really into maintaining an old car or driving a garden-variety
Mustang, the late-model Thunderbird is an ideal choice. Stylish,
comfortable, and fun to drive, it is as appealing today as the
original was in 1955. And with all the modern conveniences, it asks
for nothing from the driver beyond a tank of gas, a sunny sky, and
an open road. Call today!<BR><BR>Harwood Motors always
recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any
vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
