For Sale: 2004 Ford Thunderbird in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

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