2005 Ford Thunderbird

Description

Has the late-model Ford Thunderbird become a legitimate collectable? We're seeing a lot of interest in unique ones like this 2005 Thunderbird that offer a wonderful color combination that's not the usual yellow or red. And with just 30,628 original miles, it's exactly the kind of gently-used car that makes the best future collectable: one that you can enjoy as it appreciates.

The color is called Medium Steel Blue, which isn't a very interesting name for such a dramatic color. Perhaps it's because we're so used to seeing brightly-colored T-Birds, but this one has presence. The finish is still deep and shiny, and like many of its siblings, this car has never been used in the daily grind. Instead, it has been a fair-weather friend since day one, and for that reason, the finish looks incredible. Only 1463 Thunderbirds were built in this color, making it one of the less-common choices and it was only available in 2005, the Thunderbird's 50th anniversary. Body gaps are as the factory set them, the nose is in excellent shape with only very minor signs of age and use, and the chrome details still sparkle, making this convertible look very sophisticated overall. We've sold a lot of these cars, but we can't remember many that had so many people stopping for a second look here in the showroom.

The interior is equally subtle but just as attractive, with black leather seats with steel blue inserts just for a splash of color; the Thunderbird was nothing if not stylish. There are some very, very minor signs of use, of course, but overall this is a very well-preserved ragtop. The two-tone leather steering wheel shows the most wear, but it, too, is quite minor, indicative of the car's overall condition and level of care. Crisp, white-faced gauges contrast brilliantly with the rest of the dark interior and just about every feature you can imagine was standard, from automatic climate control to a list of power assists. There's a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo system that sounds great even at speed with the top down and this particular Thunderbird offers heated seats, which extend the top-down season just a bit. The power convertible top is color-matched to the bodywork, as is the removable porthole hardtop that looks great with its tinted windows. And as you'd expect, the trunk is in as-new condition.

Ford's 3.9 liter DOHC V8 wasn't a tire-shredding monster, but it worked just the way it was supposed to: quite, confident power under all conditions. The last decade has proven that it's quite reliable and with so few miles, this one is only just now getting broken-in. I'm sure there are modifications for these cars, but the best ones are just the way the factory made them, right down to the original air silencer and V8 engine cover that make everything look tidy under the hood. A 5-speed automatic transmission was the only choice in the Thunderbird and it's linked to an all-independent suspension that does a great job of balancing sporty handling with a comfortable ride. A muted dual exhaust system gives it a nice V8 burble that never gets rowdy and 4-wheel disc brakes are exceptionally powerful, particular on a car that never gets pushed to its limits. Bright chrome wheels have a familiar look but no curb rash or peeling, and carry 235/50/17 Michelin radials.

Documented with a lot of original paperwork, manuals, and receipts, this is the late-model Thunderbird that everyone would like to take home. And for the moment, it's quite reasonably priced. Call now!