2003 Ford Thunderbird 007 Bond Edition

Description

Corporate tie-ins are not a new thing, but when it's something as big as a 2003 Ford Thunderbird, well, then you know it's something special. One of a limited edition (#598 out of 700), this almost perfectly preserved James Bond Edition Thunderbird is a sure-fire for future collectability.

Halle Berry's character, Jinx, in "Die Another Day" drove a similar car, and Ford marketers, knowing a good thing when they saw it, rushed an identical car into production. Painted in vintage Coral, it definitely captures the pastel '50s feel that the original carried and it stands out among the other more modern colors that the new Thunderbird was wearing that year. Obviously snatched up by a smart collector, this car has been stored under ideal conditions and still presents in pretty much factory-fresh condition. Only 3225 miles are showing on the odometer, and it's highly unlikely that this car has ever seen rain or snow, or even a traffic jam. The lustrous paint shines brilliantly, the chrome sparkles, and thanks to a decade of careful maintenance, frequent hand-buffings, and expert detailing, it could quite possibly be better than new. What else can I say? It's not "like new" it IS new.

The 007 T-Birds got a special black and white interior to match the Coral bodywork. It's classic and elegant, dressing up the new designs in vintage color combinations. As with the exterior, everything is still just the way the factory installed it and even the leather still smells fragrant. There might be one or two creases on the driver's seat, but beyond that, it looks at least as good as the demonstrator down in the dealer's showroom did in 2003. Everything was standard on the 'Bird, including climate control, power windows, doors, and locks, remote entry, and a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo system, all of which are in working condition. Turn the key and the dash lights up with delightful old-school instrumentation and white gauge faces, plus a snazzy engine-turned dash applique that is a direct link to 1955. A black canvas convertible top is standard equipment, along with a contrasting white porthole hardtop (although the movie car had a matching Coral top).

Ford's 3.9-liter V8 makes the right noises and delivers the smooth, seamless horsepower that Thunderbird fans would expect. It's not a snarling race piece, but neither was the original Thunderbird. No, what it does best is cruise at a relaxing pace on country roads or eat up miles of interstate without stressing its passengers. It starts and runs beautifully, and given the low miles, I would not be surprised to find that everything except the fluids is factory-installed and original. A quick glance underneath reveals a spotless chassis that's never been wet, an exhaust system that's still shiny, and all the factory inspection marks and decals are intact. Heck, there's still overspray on the trunk floor, a detail restorers of the future will strive to duplicate. Shiny chrome wheels still wear what are quite likely their original 235/50/17 Michelin radials with plenty of life left in them.

Bond fans and T-Bird collectors will find this to be a very special convertible. Buy today because the day will inevitably come when you'll say to someone, "I had a chance to buy one of those when it was actually affordable!" Call today!