Vehicle Description
17,255 original miles. Two tops, optional two-tone interior, chrome
wheels. Everything works, drives like a new car, great color
combination. Clean CarFax. An attractive late-model T-Bird that's
the ideal choice for the person who wants a collector car without
any hassles.The last 20 years have 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 17,255 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.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 removable porthole
hardtop.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. 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. 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!Harwood Motors always recommends and
welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.