2004 Ford Thunderbird

Description

The original Thunderbird created the personal luxury car niche. After 50 years of growing larger and out of that segment, the 11th generation design, and final production run for the car, returned to its roots. This is a comfortable, nice driving car, that exemplifies the idea of a personal luxury car.

The smooth lines and graceful curves of this car intentionally recall the character of the original 1955 model. Up front there is a chrome grill with fog lights built into the bumper flanked by headlights in the fenders. These headlights have been canted back a bit however, blending more aerodynamically into the fenders. And while we are on the headlights, take note of how clear these are, not haven fallen victim to outdoor storage sun haze as far too many of these Thunderbird recreations did; telling us that this example was properly cared for throughout it's life. There is a Thunderbird proudly displayed just above the grill, and a hood scoop that looks appropriately sporty. Long straight body lines run the length of the car from front to back, although they blend into smoothly curved rear fenders instead of ending in the fins of the original. A black convertible roof looks great when it's up, but of course, pushing the button to stash it on a nice day is always fun and brings back the classic drop top sportscar look. However, for the winter, or just for fun, you could opt to put on the color matched metal hard top with the iconic Opera window.

Open the door and you are greeted by a black interior which is always a good look in a silver car. The door panel is pleated with a brushed metal accent with the power windows and lock controls in the armrest. The power leather seats are heated and super comfortable. They blend old world craftsmanship with the modern technology and convenience features of the rest of the car. The steering wheel has cruise and stereo controls at your fingertips. The dash has white faced gauges that are clearly visible, and the center console stack starts at the top with the sound system, then below it the ventilation system with its dozens of dual zone variations for your comfort, and finally the power roof switch and seat heaters. A really nice feature in a two-seat car is a shelf behind the seats which is big enough for personal items like groceries, or even coolers and dogs if you wish. The leather wrapped shift knob for the automatic transmission sits in the center console with the emergency brake lever just to the right.

Under the hood and you will find a powerful and modern, double overhead cam V8 motor that pumps 280 horsepower out of its 3.9 Liters nestled down in the engine bay. There is an engine topper that proudly announces that it's a Thunderbird V8. Power runs back through the 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive to the rear wheels. The chassis on this car is a wonderful combination of comfort and capability. A fully independent suspension puts the power on the ground through the factory chrome wheels with brand new 235/50R17 Michelin tires tucked up under those smooth fenders. Up front, rack and pinion steering working through the same 235/50R17 tires helping make this car a nice combination of smooth and light handling like a sports car, with a little V8 muscle car attitude. 4-wheel disc brakes inspire confidence and insure that you can reel this baby back in if you decide to let it run.

The best of Retro design with the best of modern tech. Come on down and check it out. Once you drive it, you may decide to drive it home and make it yours.