Vehicle Description
2005 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
A two seat Ford hadn't been built since 1938. Then in 1955, a
"personal car of distinction" was produced and Ford Thunderbirds
began rolling off the assembly line. With a focus on comfort, Ford
sold Thunderbirds at a rate that was more than 16 times the number
of Corvettes sold in that same year. Sales were brisk from the
start and the Thunderbird would witness eleven generations of the
model, right up to the most modern iteration sold from 2001 to
2005.
For consignment, one of 9,295 Ford Thunderbirds produced in their
final year, 2005. All T-birds of this year received a
50thAnniversary "blade" on the fender to demarcate their historic
model year. Though their styling and engine choice was polarizing
at times, there is no denying the visual impact of these cars which
never fail to cause our necks to crane when we see them on the
street and the black beauty we have here was someone's garage kept,
43,632 title verified actual mile dream car that was reserved for
scenic road trips and fair weathered weekends.
Exterior
The retro styling picks up on the 1955's lines, bathed here in
Evening Black. The split round headlights, gaping low grille, and
air scoop on the hood have been softened from the original in a
much more rear sweeping design. The polished-metal frame around the
windshield highlights its aerodynamic rake and the rear drops off
gradually and mirrors the profile of the front of the car. The body
colored mirrors and flush door handles add to the sleekness of the
car which looks especially streamlined with the removable hardtop
with their epic porthole windows. Round taillights and the metal
surround of the license plate and bumperettes closely resembles the
front fascia, an obvious design element that simplifies what once
was a very complex arrangement of lights and body panels 50 years
earlier. The original 17-inch wheels help modernize the car because
as much as we like wire spoke wheels, we probably wouldn't on this
revised T-bird. Overall, the exterior is in excellent condition
including the canvas soft top with glass window. However, we note a
few scratches, scuffs and chips in the paint and a blemish in the
windshield frame. Where small vents would appear in the other years
the 50thAnniversary badge appears.
Interior
The door panels borrow the horizontal design feature of the 1950's
cars and have similar shapes that include the top rail, armrest and
controls with a modern twist, of course. The familiar oval window
and lock buttons were used across the Ford line-up at the time.
Black leather bucket seats, also with a slight nod to the original
vertical pleats, look good with some crease wear noted on the
outermost bolster and seat bottom from 19 years of egress and
ingress. Plastic trim on the passenger seat appears to have come
loose. Behind the seats is a storage area in a sort of art deco
arch that hides the speakers and features the Thunderbird logo. A
leather wrapped but glossy black topped steering wheel has a teal
Thunderbird which picks up nicely on the gauge needles of the same
color on white-faced gauges that are uncomplicated. The rest of the
dash is also simple and organized, implanted in textured plastic
panels and dash pad. An AM/FM radio with 6 disc CD changer sits
just above the climate controls in the center stack. This is also
where you'll find the button to raise and lower the power soft top.
The car is equipped with heated seats, (for going topless in cooler
weather). The automatic shifter is glossy black like the steering
wheel and mounted in the center console made of that textured black
plastic. These materials tend to hold up well and we see very
little wear here. The black carpet is also in great shape, as is
the gray-lined trunk.
Drivetrain
A 3.9 liter DOHC V8 was standard in all modern Thunderbirds and no
exception here. It has electronic fuel ignition and is geared by a
5R55S five-speed automatic transmission sending 280 horsepower to
the back wheels and a 3.58 conventional axle. Power disc brakes on
all four corners bring this big bird in for a landing.
Undercarriage
This is a very tidy and well-engineered undercarriage. We note some
surface rust on the rear axle and some random spots around but
nothing of concern. Dual exhaust flows the length of the car with a
contoured heat shield protecting the cabin. It leads to two stock
mufflers and exits from chrome tips under the formed bumper.
Independent suspension cushions the ride at each wheel where
235/50R17 tires are found.
Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and the Jaguar designed V8 started right up and
quietly carried us out of the nest. Much like the original
Thunderbirds, these were designed for comfort and ease, not speed
but 280 horses under this bird is plenty of "oomph" for everyday
driving. The Lincoln platform on which this is built provides for a
very nice, balanced ride that tracks well and provides a
comfortable experience. Despite just two seats, this is more of a
luxury car than sports car, but has elements of both.
For two people who want some open air driving, modern Thunderbirds
offer an attractive option in a retro package. This really is a car
you could save for road trips or as an option, drive daily! They
say "life's too short to drive boring cars" and visually, there's
nothing boring about these cars and they'll be turning heads for
years to come. And who knows, they might even become the rare
classics in the future that the 50's birds are today!
1FAHP60A45Y101373
1FA-Ford Motor Co USA Passenger Car
H-Active Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Ford Thunderbird
A-3.9L DOHC V8
4-Check Digit
5-2005
Y-Wixom Mi Assy Plant
101373-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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