2002 Ford Thunderbird

Description

The late-model retro craze hit its zenith with this 2002 Ford Thunderbird, perhaps the best of the nostalgic cars that automakers were rolling out in those early days of the 21st century. It captures the original's flavor without copying it, making a thoroughly enjoyable and very modern 2-seater that is sure to be a classic in its own right.

This triple black 'Bird hits the sweet spot for late-model Thunderbird ownership. It's neither a high-mileage used car nor a zero-mile museum piece, but somewhere in-between. That means you can drive and enjoy it as intended without worrying about killing resale value down the line or simply using it up. With 48,516 original miles, it shows a few signs of being used, but that mileage also suggests that it has always been a toy, not a daily driver. Toys get washed and waxed every weekend, they go out for dinner but never get parked in a tight parking lot, and they never sit out in the rain overnight. So it's got a few signs of use, which are unavoidable, but there's also an undeniable feeling that this car has been loved. And that's how it should be with a Thunderbird. The fact that it also looks great is only icing on the cake.

The interior is black leather and it's been immaculately maintained since it was new. The seats have a few very minor comfort marks, but no damage, no fading, no split seams. The bright trim around the perimeter of the cabin still looks vivid against the black upholstery, and the carpets haven't been faded by the sun. Everything was standard in the T-Bird, ranging from powerful automatic climate control to power windows, locks, seats, and mirrors, to cruise control, and it all works. There's a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo that was designed to work with the wind blowing past your ears, but the 'Bird is also practical enough to have a pair of chrome-ringed cup holders in the center console. White faced gauges with turquoise needles are a playful detail that nods to the past without replicating it and Ford carefully matched the finish on the top of the steering wheel with the shift knob so it feels consistent as you move your hand between them. Overhead there's a black canvas convertible top (power-actuated, of course) as well as a black porthole hardtop. And while the trunk isn't huge, it's well-shaped and offers plenty of room for two heading out for a quick weekend getaway.

Getting away will be easy thanks to the 3.9 liter DOHC V8 engine purring under the hood. Like the original, it's not a rip-snorting hot rod, but a competent, quiet, and downright torquey powerplant. It's also proven itself to be incredibly durable, so you can drive this 'Bird without worries. The engine bay is the kind of clean and tidy you only see when you have an owner who cleans under the hood as well as on top of it, and all the routine maintenance that the manual prescribes has been performed on schedule. It starts quickly, idles smoothly, and offers great pickup around town. On the highway it's efficient and quiet, and thanks to a 5-speed automatic transmission, it never seems to mind hustling down the road. The all-independent suspension is a big upgrade over the first-gen car's primitive setup and disc brakes all around haul it down to a stop with authority. Optional chrome wheels sparkle against the black paint and carry 235/50/17 Firestone blackwall radials.

Complete with extensive maintenance records and an owner's manual, this is the right Bird at the right price. Call today!