Beginning as a two-occupant convertible in the mid-fifties, the Ford Thunderbird is one of those autos that successfully changed with the times, growing in size and eventually adding a temporary four-door model to the roster. After a five-year break in the Ford lineup, the T-Bird returned one more time in 2002, going back to its roots, with the eleventh-generation cars emulating the styling of those produced from 1955-1957. However, even with such a high cool-factor, sales began slipping following the 2002 model, and the car was no more after the 2005 run. This 2002 Ford Thunderbird here on Craigslist is a low-mileage example that the owner says needs nothing, with most of its recent travel involving trips to nearby car shows twice a month. This one’s located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with a possibly negotiable price of $13,500, as the owner also mentions OBO.
Mitchell G., thanks for your great tip here! This droptop is described as looking like new and said to have been kept in a climate-controlled garage, with the photos appearing to show a beautiful deep luster on a body that’s about as straight as it would have been around the turn of the century. Black isn’t a very forgiving color for hiding flaws or blemishes, and there aren’t many to be found on the outside. Although the seller doesn’t share how many people have owned this Thunderbird, it’s obviously been loved and well-cared-for since day one. A hardtop and stand are included, along with a canvas covering plus a boot.
In addition to its sleek appearance, this one’s also an excellent performer. The 2002 Thunderbird shared an engine with the Lincoln LS, a Jaguar-designed 3.9-liter DOHC V8, which produced 252 horsepower in stock form. Unfortunately, no manual transmission was available, and buyers were forced to live with an automatic. The 64,000 miles listed are claimed to be actual, with everything in the engine bay looking about as clean as the exterior.
Although some retrostyling was used on the outside, the interior is much more modern than the first-generation cars, with the seller stating that his car features power seats, windows, cruise control, and a 6-disc CD changer. The A/C is still blowing cold, with the condition inside appearing not far from immaculate. I’m not finding the asking price of $13.5k unreasonable, but since the owner volunteers that he’s willing to consider offers, I’d at least try to score this 2002 Ford Thunderbird for a bit less. What’s a reasonable price to pay here?
Cars were solid but to me the designers were on vacation at the time. Too bad. Could have been fun and good looking at the same time.
A lot has been said about these cars, I think are pretty cool, and I believe was much anticipated, oh boy, it will be 1964 and fun, fun, fun again,,and over 31,000 cars were sold in 2002. Didn’t happen, most of the Beach Boys were dead, with no correlation whatsoever. Once actually out there, sales dropped pretty fast, half that for 2003, and only about 6,600 sold in 2005, and that included 1500 “50th Anniversary” models, that did nothing for sales. Again, the cost. These were over $40,000 new, and the same as a Corvette. that sold 37,700 cars that year. It was an unfortunate end to oneeof the most iconic cars Ford made.
I have a black 2002 (red/black interior) and have owned it for 12+ years.
With a near 50/50 weight ratio, these handle like a go-kart.
Although HP ratings increased to 280 for the 2003-5, the 252 is more than adequate. You will get noticed wherever you park it.
I’ve heard various cars described as handling like a go-kart, but never a T-Bird. Seems unlikely…
Own one?
Ever drive one??
I inherited a 2005 a couple of years ago. I never drive it but when I do, I find no reason to dislike it. Runs great, handles well, and tight roadster feel.
$13.5K is an excellent price for this Bird. Any less is a steal. It’s condition, hard top and mileage certainly warrant more.
They were expensive and greedy dealers marked them up.
Sure did, to the tune of ~ $10,000!
I have had an ’02 since 2010, and it is a nice performing vehicle. And I am comparing it to the first (3) cars I owned back in the 1960’s — a ’55 Speedster, a ’62 Lotus Elite and then a ’57 Gullwing.
Certainly not in the same class, but none the less a comfortable performance car for the $$$’s. Not quite like the 289 Cobra I test drove back in ’66, but a heck of a lot more ‘civilized’!