2005 Ford Thunderbird Roadster

Ford began its development of the Thunderbird in the years following World War II, during which American servicemen had the opportunity to observe sleek European sports cars.  General Motors built the first American sports car: the Chevrolet Corvette, released in 1953.  The undeniably sleek Corvette's initial engine performance was relatively underwhelming, but it was gaining lots of attention from the press and public, and Ford was motivated to respond, rushing the Thunderbird to the market in 1955.  The 1955 Thunderbird was an immediate hit, selling more than 14,000 that year, (compared to just 700 Corvettes).  The success of the Thunderbird led Chevrolet to continue production of, (and improve upon), the Corvette, which soon became a tough competitor in the sports car market.

This retro-themed two-seat Thunderbird shares platforms and components with the Lincoln LS sedan, but comes wrapped in styling that's straight out of the mid-1950s.  It comes only as a convertible, but an optional hardtop is offered for when the weather turns foul, and this car has it.  While all 2005 Thunderbirds were badged as Anniversary Edition models only the 1,500 Cashmere painted units were considered Limited Edition.  This 1 of 1,500 built units was ordered in November 2004 and delivered to our consignor on February, 14th 2005 and always dealer serviced.  Now that's a Valentine's Day gift this writer can get on board with.  With 23,262 title verified original miles, this car was purchased as a show car and has won 1st place awards in nearly every Ford show it's been in.   Add in a custom made Cashmere bra, a custom made Cashmere boot cover, custom side mirror covers to match the bra, a custom dash pad, custom headrest covers and custom seat covers as well as belt covers and we're in winner territory.  Lest we forget the binder of receipts, manuals, articles, the window sticker, some extra decals, and the order forms for the car to sweeten the deal.    

Exterior
Subtle and calming Cashmere with its matching hardtop installed, all in fine condition, is bathed in the factory applied paint that is free from rust, dents and scratches with the exceptions of a few minor stone chips and a notable spiderweb cracking of the paint on the rear bumper. The grille, all chrome, and mechanicals, (door handles, trunk actuator etc) are all functioning and looking great as well, and just for extra pizazz and protection our consignor has installed a custom made bra and matching mirror covers.  The hardtop has the classic porthole windows in it etched with the Thunderbird logo and is easy to remove and put back on with two people and the purchase does include the factory tools.  When you want to go topless you can safely store the hardtop on the included cart.  Overall the design harkens back to the early birds, with the use of the front quarter venting, similar shaped egg crate style front grille, and rear round taillights, but gone are the jet age turbine looking lights.  The tan canvas convertible top works perfectly and is power actuated.  This top has a glass rear window and only has a few spots of staining.  For top down good looks, 2 different boot covers are included with your purchase and you can swap them out easily depending on your mood.  16 spoke FoMoCo wheels are on all 4 corners and are wrapped in like new 235/50R17 radials, giving even more of a retro touch to this bird.

Interior
Factory spec Stone tuck and roll insert all leather bucket seats make up the small but comfy passenger compartment.  Luxurious tan carpet covers the flooring and rear deck behind the seating, plus for extra protection a black carpeted Thunderbird mat is protecting the carpet and the rear area with the Thunderbird logo embroidered on it.  The dash contains white analog instrumentation, with a digital mileage/trip meters.  A 6-disc CD player as well as an AM/FM stereo radio are molded into the center vertical console.  9 speakers of the Audiophile stereo system are on for your listening pleasure and are peppered about the cabin so the stereo sounds great even with the top down!  An automatic transmission shift lever topped with a Cashmere retro knob sits between the driver and passenger.  All interior surfaces are immaculate, unmarred and showing little to no wear.  These seats are powered and heated.  A color 3-some makes an appearance on the door panels with the armrest emulating wings and add a nice touch along with the brushed insert panel and molded armrest in black with the power window and lock switches.  Rounding out our tour is the custom made Cashmere dash cover to keep the dash top clean and crack free.  

Drivetrain
A 280 horsepower, 3.9-liter V-8 EFI engine drives the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission.  The transmission is a Select-Shift model and you can shift in automatic mode or just let the car do it for you.  On the back is a 3.58 conventional axle.  All under the hood looks pristine and I couldn't get enough of the Thunderbird and V8 logos on the engine cover. 

Undercarriage
With its factory Cashmere overspray still evident on the tank, this car has been pampered and does not appear to have seen any foul weather.  Slight corrosion on some aluminum parts along with typical surface rust on untreated components is evident but the unibody construction, floor pans and rockers are.  An X frame support has been added on for the added convertible stability.  Independent suspension with McPherson struts and coil springs are on all 4 corners, as are power disc brakes.

Drive-Ability
This car fired right up and ran smoothly, accelerated beautifully, shifted like you don't even feel it, and offered up bias free panic stopping.  The top worked great, and the stereo is definitely a bonus even with the top down.  The A/C blew cold, and all convenience functions were working perfectly.

A throwback retro Thunderbird, all nicely presented with a few snappy custom touches thrown in for good measure.  A beautiful exterior paint, all lovingly cared for by our consignor, who was not afraid to show this car and bring home the trophies.  A splendid car with its window sticker, a few personal touches that make it stand out from the crowd, and documentation galore.  A hot limited edition bird from the final year of production which was the lowest production year of the model.  Don't you think it's time for a little retro in your life.  

1FAHP69A45Y105054

1FA-Ford Motor Co USA Passenger Car
H-Active Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P69-Thunderbird Roadster 50th Anniversary
A-3.9L DOHC V8
4-Check Digit
5-2005
Y-Wixom Mi Assy Plant
105054-Sequential Unit Number

DOOR STICKER

EXT PNT G4-Cashmere
INT TRIM PI-Stone Leather
TR S-Select Shift Automatic 5-Speed

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.