Vehicle Description
2004 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. "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.". Ford produced just over
68,000 of the "modern" Thunderbirds from 2002 to 2005.
For consignment, a 2004 Ford Thunderbird convertible with a title
verified 89,777 actual miles. This one has been driven and enjoyed
as intended by Ford, well maintained, and now available for the
next owner to experience a rising star in the specialty car
market.
Exterior
The eye- catching design of the front of this Platinum Silver
Metallic 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 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.
The dramatic profile is bolstered by the 17-inch chrome wheels
wrapped in 50 series tires. Fender vents, polished windshield
frame, and porthole windows on the hardtop further enhance its
visual excitement while in the back, tail lights maintain a
traditional round presentation and still look like afterburners
after all these years. Imperfections include some bubbling paint
where the body meets the canvas top, a sizable scuff behind a
wheel, obligatory chin scrapes, various chips, and some slight curb
rash.
Interior
Black Ink is the extent of the interior palette beginning on the
door panels which are also adorned with a brushed aluminum dress
plate that, like the classic Thunderbirds, carries the color
patterns onto the dash. The ribbed pattern towards the door jamb
also continues on a circular back wall behind the seats while the
pattern on the black bucket seat inserts reflects that same ribbed
configuration, surrounded by well padded black leather and a
substantial head restraint above. Black plastic panels make up the
lower dash which spills into the sides of the center console where
a glossy black handled shifter sits at the ready, racy and clean
and an armrest follows. The black topped leather wrapped steering
wheel has an aqua Thunderbird which is coordinated with the aqua
needles of the white faced gauges on the surrounding black
dashboard. The center stack contains the AM/FM/CD stereo, climate
controls, and other switches and knobs are fully integrated in the
flat black panel. Low pile black carpet covers the floor protected
by rubber mats in good condition and the lined trunk is clean.
Drivetrain
Shrouded by a number of plastic covers, the engine bay remains
clean and houses a 3.9 liter DOHC V8 producing 280 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. No prop rod here,
gas struts hold up the hood!
Undercarriage
Typical and expected surface rust and patina are found under this
well loved car but in general, we have a clean underside. There's a
light film of oil on the X-bracing and flywheel cover, but that's
the only dampness we see. The dual exhaust travels through a
tunnel, entering original equipment mufflers on their way to exit
in split fashion via chrome tips. Both ends of the car have
independent suspension with coil springs up front and MacPherson
struts playing the starring role in back.
Drive-Ability
What's not to love? A modern retro two seater in new condition, 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.
Per our consignor, this car has been garage kept, and it shows.
Although people drive them on a regular basis, they're special
enough to care for them like show cars and that's often the case.
Modern birds are soaring in terms of desirability, it's a retro car
that is getting some fresh flight feathers 20 years after they
first hit the road. In some states, that's close to being an actual
classic, in our book, they already are. Take flight and call about
this Thunderbird today.
1FAHP60A44Y102053
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Co USA
A-Passenger Car
H-Active Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Thunderbird
A-3.9L DOHC V8
4-Check Digit
4-2004
Y-Wixom Mi Assy Plant
102053-Sequential Unit Number
