For Sale: 2002 Ford Thunderbird in Mesa, Arizona

When it debuted in 2002 as a modern throwback drop-top, the 11th-generation Ford Thunderbird did not receive the public response that Blue Oval executives had hoped for. Even after a five-year hiatus from its coupe-only, Mercury Cougar-twinning tenth-gen model, the retro-themed T-Bird was met with a lukewarm reaction from both customers and journalists. However, with time, taking another look at a car like this beautiful 2002 Ford Thunderbird, with its believed original Colorado Red exterior, black soft top, removable body-colored fiberglass hardtop, and just 37,594 actual miles on its odometer has made us see this car in a whole new light.

Underneath that power convertible top, we find a rare optional two-tone red-and-black leather interior. Plush power leather seats, along with the padded, power-assisted steering wheel with thumb controls. A white-faced gauge cluster adds a racy vibe to an otherwise posh-feeling cockpit highlighted by power locks, windows, and mirrors, along with air conditioning and cruise control. A center stack featuring push-buttons that allow control of both HVAC functions as well as the six-disc AM/FM/CD factory stereo system.

Pop open that scooped hood, and we find a dual-overhead-cam aluminum-block, heads V-8 engine that measures 3950 cc, which is why some research will say the T-Bird uses a 3.9-liter engine, while other sources list it as a 4.0-liter V-8. Whichever way you measure it, this Jaguar-built engine pumps out a very respectable 252 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. That power is routed through a Ford-designed five-speed automatic transmission before being sent to the stock 3.58:1 rear-end. A set of seven-spoke, seventeen-inch wheels shod in 235/50R-17 tires put all that power to the pavement.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• First Year 11th Gen
• 37,594 Actual Miles
• Believed Original Colorado Red
• Believed Original Body Panels
• Power Convertible Top
• Removable Hardtop
• 3.9 Liter DOHC V8
• Five Speed Auto
• Four Wheel Power Discs
• Power Steering
• Rare Two Tone Interior
• Dual Zone Temperature Control
• Six Disc CD Changer
• Power Windows
• Power Seats
• Power Mirrors
• Power Tilt and Telescoping Wheel
• AC
• Cruise Control
• Owner's Manual

This 2002 Ford Thunderbird rides on a four-wheel independent suspension, which, with just 3,800 pounds to move, allowed this roadster to hustle from 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds flat and cover the quarter mile in the low 15-second range. Top speed is limited to 132 mph, which feels plenty fast with the wind in your hair. Despite its lackluster debut two decades ago, it seems that all we needed was a little time to gain a better perspective and realize that this T-Bird has only gotten better with age. Call today!