Vehicle Description
2002 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Ford revived more than an American icon when it boldly resurrected
its unique Thunderbird sports/personal car for 2002. It also, as
events would have it, reprised an historic Motor Trend Car of the
Year win. Our forefathers here named the 1958 Thunderbird the first
of the larger, four seat versions as Car of the Year, hailing "the
overall concept...that combines safety with performance and comfort
with compactness.". For 2002, we're happy to bestow that honor
again, recognizing today's Thunderbird for how it combines heritage
with modernity and pleasure with practicality.
For consignment, a 2002 Ford Thunderbird convertible, a one family
owned, two top car with a title verified 16,915 actual miles and
some exterior enhancements that make this one stand out from the
flock.
Exterior
The eye catching design of the front of this Evening Black car
suggests 1950's Thunderbirds but in reverse angles. The headlights
lean backwards with no brow, where the originals pushed forward and
wore overhangs from the body. Our grille is slightly convex where
the early grilles were concave, both of egg crate construction.
Where the hood scoop rose above the hood in the '50's, it dips down
into the hood following a sculpted ravine that directs air to the
opening. There's a significant rake to the windshield but in 1956,
the glass was vertical and wrapped around. This modern version
wears fender skirts which really does alter the profile that is
bolstered by the 17-inch chrome wheels wrapped in 50 series white
wall tires. A custom trim piece flows over the shoulder line
intersecting the fender vent and coming to points at each end. In
back, tail light trim pieces have been added that surrounds the red
with chrome and bisects the light with a trim piece. We found one
scratch on a quarter panel and the rest of the paint, metalwork,
canvas top, and porthole bearing hardtop are all in excellent
condition.
Interior
Red armrests visually pop off the otherwise stately black and
aluminum door panels and hint at some of the excitement to come.
The ribbed pattern towards the door jamb continues on a circular
back wall behind the seats and the red insert of those seats ties
in with that design even more. The red is surrounded by well padded
black leather with a substantial head restraint above. Red plastic
panels make up the lower dash which spill into the sides of the
center console where a red handled shifter sits at the ready. Even
the steering wheel has a top red arch and an aqua Thunderbird which
is coordinated with the aqua needles of the white faced gauges on
the surrounding black dashboard. The center stack is the only thing
that refrains from some wildness as the AM/FM/CD, climate controls,
and other switches and knobs are fully integrated in the flat black
panel. Low pile black carpet covers the floor protected by cut to
fit Thunderbird mats and the underside of the removable hardtop is
in excellent condition.
Drivetrain
With so few miles, and a number of plastic covers, the engine bay
remains clean and houses a 3.9 liter DOHC V8 producing 252
horsepower and tied to a 5R55N 5-speed automatic transmission which
sends power, old school style, to the rear wheels with 3.58
conventional gears. Power disc brakes are found on all four
wheels.
Undercarriage
Clean with only hints of being driven the underside houses a
unibody with X-bracing and a tunnel through which the dual exhaust
travels, entering original equipment mufflers on their way to exit
is split fashion via chrome tips. Both ends of the car have
independent suspension with MacPherson struts playing the starring
role.
Drive-Ability
What's not to love? A modern retro two seater in new condition with
flashy red highlights, a very comfortable cabin, and plenty of
power underfoot. The car tracks, handles, and stops well. Even with
portholes, visibility requires careful attention to that blind spot
but is otherwise very good as the windshield provides a panoramic
view. We find no surprises, and everything functions as it should.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
The retro birds come in various colors, but you can never go wrong
with basic black and with all of the special touches on this one,
yours will definitely be a special version. It has an inky
sleekness to it and although many were tucked away for weekend
joyrides, there's no reason why this could not be enjoyed every
day. Or at least, a few times a week. Take flight and call about
this T'bird today!
1FAHP60A62Y129266
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
H-Active Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Thunderbird
A-3.9L DOHC V8
6-Check Digit
2-2002
Y-Wixom Mi Assy Plant
129266-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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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