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 2 owner 2003 Ford Thunderbird convertible, with
a title verified 53,052 actual miles. Of the six colors available
in 2003, this one represents the fourth most common and only the
second white 2003 Thunderbird that has graced our halls.
Exterior
Just 2,460 2003 Thunderbirds left the factory dressed in Whisper
White and dramatic contrast is provided by the black canvas top
with a clear glass window. The long hood and steeply raked
windshield and cab position puts eight feet of car ahead of you and
almost as much behind you as the straight shoulder line of the car
becomes the rear fenders that terminate with round tail lights that
stand vertical and protrude just enough to be visible to drivers to
your side. The body cues pick up heavily from the 50's except for
fins being shaved and front fenders blending with flush headlights.
Fender vents also summon the classic Thunderbirds, but the 17-inch
chrome wheels could not have been dreamed up in 1955, despite
designer's boundless creativity. Our 50 series tires have a mid
2024 date code. The grille bows out slightly rather than being
perfectly vertical and integrated fog lights live in the front body
keyed valance. Imperfections are few and include some bubbling
above the rocker panel, a few scuffs and multiple chin scrapes.
Interior
In a clean nod to the 1950's, the interior package hints of retro
design, here in monochromatic Ink Black beginning with the
patterned door panels with a brushed aluminum trim piece. The
robust seats also combine black with white tuck and roll inserts
and a Thunderbird logo embossed on the smooth black leather, while
a substantial head restraint rises over each high back bucket seat.
We note some light wear on the driver's seat. Just as with the
classic Thunderbirds, the patterns encircle the cabin including a
circular storage shelf behind the seats that is walled by a stitch
patterned border. White faced gauges enjoy turquoise needles and
the center stack houses the AM/FM/CD radio and A/C switchgear.
White steps in to contrast again on the top of the steering wheel
and on the handle of the shifter located on the center console. Low
pile black carpet covers the floor cleanly, and the trunk is
perfectly lined and finished with charcoal cloth panels.
Drivetrain
Plastic shrouds dominate the view of the spotless engine bay where
a 3.9 DOHC liter V8 resides rated at 280 horsepower. It's fuel
injected and is driven by a 5R55N 5-speed automatic transmission
which spins the back wheels with 3.58 gears.
Undercarriage
Super clean underneath with some typical surface rust but dry
conditions all around with clean heat shields and grease free
components. The dual exhaust flows into the original equipment
mufflers before heading to the back and the independent front and
rear suspension consist of Macpherson struts. Power disc brakes are
on all four corners.
Drive-Ability
Ford promoted the Thunderbird as having relaxed sportiness. That
implies the ride will be softer than a tightly wound sports car and
indeed, this is more cruiser than sports car and provides an
ultimately comfortable cabin from which to enjoy the ride. There's
decent power here, certainly enough to instill highway confidence,
and along with good visibility, great braking, and decent handling,
this car performed well, and all operational items functioned as
they 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 a white exterior and this one has it. If you're looking for a
new modern Thunderbird, this is an exceptional candidate that's
been well maintained. Take flight and call about this T'bird
today!
1FAHP60A33Y103841
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
H-Manual Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Thunderbird
A-3.9L DOHC V8 280hp
3-Check Digit
3-2003
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
103841-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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before
state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of
state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and
fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the
vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible
for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer.
Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions
inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the
declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV
office to ensure compliance with your states titling and
registration process.
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
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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