2002 Ford Thunderbird Convertible 

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 porthole hardtop is offered for when the weather turns foul, and this car has it.  Bathed in Evening Black, the 2002 in the form of a 10,246 title verified mile car in excellent condition.

Exterior
Evening Black with matching hardtop installed, all in fine condition with just a few dents and dings, but relatively minor in consideration of overall condition.  The grille, all chrome, and exterior mechanicals, (door handles, trunk actuator etc,) are all functioning and looking great as well.  The hardtop has the classic porthole window in it, and is easy to remove and put back on, although you'll need a duo to do said task.  Overall the design harkens back to the early birds, with the use of the front quarter venting, similar shaped front grille, scooped hood, and rear round taillights but gone are the jet age turbine looking lights.  The black canvas convertible top works perfectly and is power actuated. This top has a glass rear window, and the consignor stated when caught out in the rain the top is solid and leak free.  17-inch chrome wheels are on all 4 corners wrapped in 235/50ZR17 runner from the 5th week of 2018.

Interior
Nice molded vinyl black with a central thin brushed satin aluminum panel shows the door panels off.  The seats are wonderfully padded and have tuck and roll inserts and smooth bolsters.  All leather bucket seats make up the small, but comfy and are power actuated and heated.  Luxurious black carpet covers the flooring and  curved rear deck behind the seating.  A center console is in, and it has a padded armrest in the back which also doubles as a 2nd glove box, cupholders, and the shift lever.  It turns to a vertical rise where we can see a lighter top toggle, airbag lock. and a 12vdc power outlet.  Also push button green LED readout temp control center and the AM/FM/6 CD player, (9 speakers for your listening pleasure are peppered about the cabin so the stereo sounds great even with the top down!).  The instruments are white analog with a digital mileage/trip meters.  

Drivetrain
A 252 horsepower, 3.9-liter DOHC V8 EFI engine drives the rear wheels via a five-speed 5R55S automatic transmission.  The transmission is a select shift version so you can shift in automatic mode or just let the car do it for you.  On the back is a 3.58 conventional axle.  Dual exhaust, and other typical mechanicals are all pristine, as well as the engine compartment.  Just showroom under this hood.

Undercarriage
With its factory black overspray still evident on the bottom, this car has been pampered as to being in foul weather.  Even the factory identifying case stickers are still intact.  Very slight corrosion on some aluminum parts, but solid unibody construction, floor pans and rockers are evident.   An X frame support has been added on for stability compensation.  Independent suspension with McPherson struts 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 had bias free panic stopping.  The top worked great, and the stereo is definitely a bonus even with the top down.  The AC blew cold, and all convenience functions were working perfectly.  Just like a 10K mile car should be.

A throwback edition Thunderbird, all nicely presenting with snappy black leather over a black interior, and beautiful exterior paint.  3 options for this car, a convertible, a soft top, and a hard topper for winter driving.  Careful in the winter driving though this car has not seen that as of yet and may balk!  Actually, I doubt it.

1FAHP60A82Y102098

1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
H-Active Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Thunderbird 
A-3.9L DOHC V8
8-Check Digit
2-2002
Y-Wixom Mi Assy Plant
102098-Sequential Unit Number

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.