2005 Ford Thunderbird

Description

Are the new Thunderbirds going to be as collectable as the originals? That remains to be seen, but the bottom line is that this 2005 Ford Thunderbird is still a first-class ticket and a wonderful piece of retro styling that makes everyone long for a simpler time.

Ford knew what they were doing when they rolled out the 2-seater Thunderbird convertible, capturing the look and feel of the original while updating in every way. This one wears a finished called Inca Gold, a wonderfully subtle color that accentuates the long, sleek profile and offers a modern take on a classic '50s pastel color. With just 11,543 miles showing on the clock, you know this one is practically new in every way and has lived an easy life, like most Thunderbirds, as a future collectable. As such, it's never seen snow, never been wrecked, and if it's even been in the rain, it was only in an emergency because this was not a daily driver. Build quality on these cars is quite good (Ford obviously knew their halo car had better be excellent in every way) and the various parts fit together better than you'd expect and offers doors that close with a reassuringly heavy feeling. Unlike so many 2-seat convertibles, this 'Bird feels substantial. There's still a bit of chrome, mostly on the grille, and all of those details are in as-new condition, too.

The black and tan interior is a dramatic contrast to the relatively subtle bodywork, elegant and tasteful in every way. With such low mileage, there are almost no signs of use save for a few wrinkles on the driver's seat leather, and even those might have been there when the hides were still on the cow. Clack carpets are unmarked and the lovely tan leather steering wheel isn't dirty or discolored. Heck, even the shifter knob is wrapped in matching tan leather! Just about everything was standard on the Thunderbird, including automatic climate control, power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats, cruise control, and a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo that sounds great when you're running alfresco. The big, clear gauges have a retro feel but aren't duplicates of old gauges but a modern take on a classic look, right down to the turquoise-colored pointers. A power convertible top is the one you'll use most often, but it also includes a color-matched porthole hardtop so you can use it year-round.

Ford's 3.9 liter V8 engine is smooth, torquey, and utterly capable in the smooth 2-seat 'Bird. It's not made for tire-shredding performance, but if you want to hustle, it's ready and willing. Properly maintained from new, it's turn-key ready for a cross-country road trip, and with the 5-speed automatic transmission behind it, fuel economy is decent. Like the original Thunderbirds, the suspension is supple without being soggy, and the all-independent setup rarely puts a tire wrong. Big disc brakes give it a level of confidence earlier Thunderbirds would have appreciated and the dual exhaust has just the right eight cylinder burble. This one currently wears a set of chrome aftermarket wheels with 235/50/17 Michelin radials, but the original factory wheels are included with the car if you'd like to go back to the OEM look.

Only time will tell if these are legitimate collectables, but buying a low-mileage Thunderbird in a rare color combination is a great first step. Call today!