The Ford Thunderbird two-seater will have almost the same short, happy flight of the original 1950s two-seat model. It thus might give buyers a shot at what probably will become a collector's item.
The original, highly collectible 1955-57 Thunderbird lasted only three model years, and Ford Motor says the current T-Bird will be dropped after 2005. It was introduced for 2002, so it will last just one year longer than the iconic 1950s two-seater.
Sexy, low-volume cars with legendary nameplates almost always are financial gems at resale time.
The 1950s Thunderbird two-seater is valued at $32,750 to $45,000 if in top shape (most rusted out). Rare high-performance versions of the 1950s model are worth $48,000 to a whopping $124,000--and here's betting Ford will offer a few high-performance T-Birds before the car is discontinued. Ford does say "special edition'' T-Birds will be coming.
The Thunderbird generally is selling decently, despite the usual limited market for American two-seaters. It followed the four-seat Chrysler Sebring and Ford Mustang to become the third best-selling convertible last year, with sales of 19,356 cars.
Thunderbird buyers should get a better deal this year because such things as a slow economy have caused sales of the car to slide in the first four months to 5,700 units from about 7,400 in the same year-ago period.
Moreover, the 2003 Thunderbird is improved. Its retro styling is unchanged, but it has more power, interior upgrades, new exterior colors and more standard features. However, radio controls are rather small, and some interior materials feel relatively cheap. Don't get caught in tight parking spots with the car's long, heavy doors.
Ford is right on the money when it says the T-Bird provides "relaxed sportiness.'' It's a bit too big, soft and heavy at 3,775 pounds to be a sports car, although it's fast and surprisingly nimble. Ford gave the same description for the 1955-57 model. Although also fast, it was mostly a comfortable, sporty car for around-town showing off.
The T-Bird comes with a standard power convertible top with a heated glass rear window. It stows under a nicely designed hard cover, and there's little wind noise or buffeting with the top down at highway speeds. Also offered is a stylish, removable hard top, which makes the car a year-round proposition.
That top has the 1950s T-Bird trademark "porthole'' side windows. Added in 1956, they helped prevent rear blind spots and were mandated by Ford division chief Lewis Crusoe. Crusoe almost had accidents because of poor rear vision driving the 1955 model with its removable hardtop, which had no side windows. He liked boats, so the windows in the 1956 hard top had a porthole design.
The 2003 Thunderbird is well equipped. The Deluxe version costs $36,815, or $39,310 with the hard top. The Premium version, with heated seats and chrome alloy wheels, is $37,855--or $40,355 with the hardtop, which a buyer should get partly because it will enhance resale value.
Also offered this spring is the limited volume (700 units) $43,390 Limited Edition 007 version, which has unique coral paint and distinctive black and white interior trim. Such a T-Bird was driven by Halle Berry in last year's James Bond film "Die Another Day.''
Many Ford dealers are said to be willing to deal on the Deluxe and Premium T-Birds because of the slow auto market, but the 007 version might be a different story.
A new, very cool $595 saddle leather package includes leather seats, steering wheel insert and shift knob. Powering the Thunderbird is a smooth 3.9-liter V-8 with a 280-horsepower rating. It has 28 horsepower and more torque than last year's V-8. Acceleration is swift, with instant throttle response thanks to new variable camshaft timing and electronic throttle control.
The first T-Bird two-seater had a strong Mercury V-8, but it seems ancient compared with the current engine. It's advanced, with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. It emits a throaty exhaust sound, and large chromed exhaust tips give a bright, sporty look to the back of the car.
Fuel economy is an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway, with 91-octane gasoline recommended.
There's a revised analog instrument cluster, and the responsive five-speed automatic transmission now is offered with a $130 manual-shift feature. Not that much manual shifting will be done with the Thunderbird because it's essentially a relaxed sporty cruiser with a shortened rear-drive platform developed for Ford Motor's luxurious Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type sedans.
The Thunderbird is responsive because that platform is sophisticated, with an all-independent suspension, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with a progressive brake pedal feel, fast variable-power assisted rack-and-pinion steering and newly standard traction control, which always is welcome on a rear-drive auto.
The T-Bird is solidly built, but bumps elicit some cowl shake, especially with the top down.
Safety features include standard side air bags, making the Thunderbird the first Ford convertible with combination head-and-chest side air bags.
It's easy to slide in and out of the T-Bird's rather hard, but fairly supportive, seats. Gauges are easily read, but the sun visors are too short to be of much use on sunny days. The dashboard ignition switch prevents groping for such a switch on the side of the steering column.
Interior storage space is marginal, and the shallow trunk is best suited for carefully packed soft luggage.
Like the 1950s models, the Thunderbird two-seater is in a class by itself. It's distinctive, enjoyable to drive and is among the best American sporty cruisers ever offered.
FORD THUNDERBIRD
Prices:
$36,815-$43,390
Likes:
Stylish. More power. Fast. Good handling. Smooth. Probably a future collector's item.
Dislikes:
Long, heavy doors. Some marginal interior materials. Small radio controls. Short sun visors.
|