Description

When it first debuted as a modern throwback drop-top in 2002, the 11th-generation Ford Thunderbird did not receive the public response that Blue Oval executives had hoped for. Even after a five-year hiatus from its coupe-only, Mercury Cougar-twinning tenth-gen model, the retro-themed T-Bird was met with a lukewarm reaction from both customers and journalists. However, with time, taking another look at a car like this beautiful 2002 Ford Thunderbird, with eponymous blue paint, black soft top, removable body-colored fiberglass hardtop, and 48,635 actual miles on its odometer has made us see this car in a whole new light.

Underneath that power convertible top, we find a two-tone interior. Plush power leather seats decked out in black and Thunderbird Blue, along with the padded, power-assisted steering wheel with thumb controls. A gauge cluster that uses orange font and T-Bird Blue needles adds a racy vibe to an otherwise posh-feeling cockpit highlighted by power locks, windows, and mirrors, along with air conditioning and cruise control. A center stack featuring push-buttons that allow control of both HVAC functions as well as the six-disc AM/FM/CD factory stereo system.

Pop open that scooped hood, and we find a dual-overhead cam aluminum block and heads V-8 engine that measures 3950cc, which is why some research will say the T-Bird uses a 3.9-liter engine, and other sources will list it as a 4.0-liter V-8. Whichever way you measure it, this Jaguar-built engine pumps out a very respectable 252 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. That power is routed through a Ford-designed five-speed automatic transmission before being sent to the stock 3.58:1 geared rear end. A set of sixteen-spoke, seventeen-inch wheels shod in 235/50R-17 Michelin tires put all that power to the pavement.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• First Year 11th Gen
• Original Thunderbird Blue Paint
• Original Body Panels
• Power Convertible Top
• Removable Hardtop
• 48,635 Actual Miles
• 3.9 Liter DOHC V8
• Five Speed Auto
• Four Wheel Power Discs
• Power Steering
• Dual Zone Temperature Control
• Six Disc CD Changer
• Power Windows
• Power Seats
• Power Mirrors
• Power Tilt and Telescoping Wheel
• AC
• Cruise Control
• Power Trunk Release
• Marti Report
• Owner's Manual
• Hardtop Stand

This 2002 Ford Thunderbird rides on a four-wheel independent suspension, which, with just 3,800 pounds to move, allowed this roadster to hustle from 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds flat and cover the quarter mile in the low 15-second range. Top speed is limited to 132 mph, which feels plenty fast with the wind in your hair. This well-kept T-Bird also comes with an authentic Marti Report, top tool, owner's manual, convertible boot, and a hardtop stand, as if you needed any more reasons to love this car. Despite its lackluster debut two decades ago, it seems that all we needed was a little time to gain a better perspective and realize that this T-Bird has only gotten better with age. Call today!