2005 Ford Thunderbird Convertible 

A two seat Ford hadn't been built since 1938.  Then in 1955, a “personal car of distinction” was produced and Ford Thunderbirds began rolling off the assembly line.  With a focus on comfort, Ford sold Thunderbirds at a rate that was more than 16 times the number of Corvettes sold in that same year.  Sales were brisk from the start and the Thunderbird would witness eleven generations of the model, right up to the most modern iteration sold from 2001 to 2005. 

For consignment, one of 9,295 Ford Thunderbirds produced in their final year, 2005.  All T-birds of this year received a 50th Anniversary “blade” on the fender to demarcate their historic model year.  Though their styling and engine choice was polarizing at times, there is no denying the visual impact of these cars which never fail to cause our necks to crane when we see them on the street and the black beauty we have here was someone's garage kept, 43,632 title verified actual mile dream car that was reserved for scenic road trips and fair weathered weekends.  

Exterior
The retro styling picks up on the 1955's lines, bathed here in Evening Black.  The split round headlights, gaping low grille, and air scoop on the hood have been softened from the original in a much more rear sweeping design.  The polished-metal frame around the windshield highlights its aerodynamic rake and the rear drops off gradually and mirrors the profile of the front of the car.  The body colored mirrors and flush door handles add to the sleekness of the car which looks especially streamlined with the removable hardtop with their epic porthole windows.  Round taillights and the metal surround of the license plate and bumperettes closely resembles the front fascia, an obvious design element that simplifies what once was a very complex arrangement of lights and body panels 50 years earlier.  The original 17-inch wheels help modernize the car because as much as we like wire spoke wheels, we probably wouldn't on this revised T-bird.  Overall, the exterior is in excellent condition including the canvas soft top with glass window.  However, we note a few scratches, scuffs and chips in the paint and a blemish in the windshield frame.  Where small vents would appear in the other years the 50th Anniversary badge appears. 

Interior
The door panels borrow the horizontal design feature of the 1950's cars and have similar shapes that include the top rail, armrest and controls with a modern twist, of course.  The familiar oval window and lock buttons were used across the Ford line-up at the time.  Black leather bucket seats, also with a slight nod to the original vertical pleats, look good with some crease wear noted on the outermost bolster and seat bottom from 19 years of egress and ingress.  Plastic trim on the passenger seat appears to have come loose.  Behind the seats is a storage area in a sort of art deco arch that hides the speakers and features the Thunderbird logo.  A leather wrapped but glossy black topped steering wheel has a teal Thunderbird which picks up nicely on the gauge needles of the same color on white-faced gauges that are uncomplicated.  The rest of the dash is also simple and organized, implanted in textured plastic panels and dash pad.  An AM/FM radio with 6 disc CD changer sits just above the climate controls in the center stack.  This is also where you'll find the button to raise and lower the power soft top.  The car is equipped with heated seats, (for going topless in cooler weather).  The automatic shifter is glossy black like the steering wheel and mounted in the center console made of that textured black plastic.  These materials tend to hold up well and we see very little wear here.  The black carpet is also in great shape, as is the gray-lined trunk. 

Drivetrain
A 3.9 liter DOHC V8 was standard in all modern Thunderbirds and no exception here.  It has electronic fuel ignition and is geared by a 5R55S five-speed automatic transmission sending 280 horsepower to the back wheels and a 3.58 conventional axle.  Power disc brakes on all four corners bring this big bird in for a landing.  

Undercarriage
This is a very tidy and well-engineered undercarriage.  We note some surface rust on the rear axle and some random spots around but nothing of concern.  Dual exhaust flows the length of the car with a contoured heat shield protecting the cabin.  It leads to two stock mufflers and exits from chrome tips under the formed bumper.  Independent suspension cushions the ride at each wheel where 235/50R17 tires are found.  

Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and the Jaguar designed V8 started right up and quietly carried us out of the nest.  Much like the original Thunderbirds, these were designed for comfort and ease, not speed but 280 horses under this bird is plenty of “oomph” for everyday driving.  The Lincoln platform on which this is built provides for a very nice, balanced ride that tracks well and provides a comfortable experience.  Despite just two seats, this is more of a luxury car than sports car, but has elements of both.  

For two people who want some open air driving, modern Thunderbirds offer an attractive option in a retro package.  This really is a car you could save for road trips or as an option, drive daily!  They say “life's too short to drive boring cars” and visually, there's nothing boring about these cars and they'll be turning heads for years to come.  And who knows, they might even become the rare classics in the future that the 50's birds are today! 

1FAHP60A45Y101373

1FA-Ford Motor Co USA Passenger Car
H-Active Belts, Front & Side Airbags
P60-Ford Thunderbird
A-3.9L DOHC V8
4-Check Digit
5-2005
Y-Wixom Mi Assy Plant
101373-Sequential Unit Number

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