Shay more commonly known for their reproduction Ford Model A’s also offered a limited run of Shay Thunderbirds. It is thought that only 200 Shay Thunderbirds were built, making this replica “rare.” In fine condition, this ‘Bird would be a great project for someone that doesn’t have Thunderbird money, or for someone who wants to build a Thunderbird without cutting up an original. With one day remaining in the auction this Impostor Bird has been bid up to $2,550. Take a look at this interesting replica here on ebay out of Ambler, Pennsylvania.
Power is derived from a 2.3l Ford engine, but there is plenty of room to add a V8 engine of your choice. Although this replica may not be your flavor, someone could easily make this a gasser, or any other style of car from their dreams. The current 4 cylinder does turn over, but that is all that the seller knows. There are a few items missing like the air filter, coil wire, and radiator, that are preventing this engine from running. These engines are simple enough to work on, and will likely be easily revived.
The interior is a bit lackluster compared to the real thing, but again I see it as a blank canvas where someone could really customize and make this car exactly the way they want it. There are a modern set of gauges installed, but I am curious about wiring, and if this car has actually ever been driven. The seller makes it sound as if this Thunderbird was an uncompleted car that has never been registered, or given a VIN number.
Shiny and showing well enough, there is still some work to be completed on this Shay. The doors and hinges need to be hung and bolted into place. The remainder of the body and panels appear complete and in place. The paint looks fair, but it almost looks as if there are rock chips on the front end of this never registered Shay Thunderbird. I feel replica cars have their place in the enthusiast realm, as authentic cars can often be far out of our price range, or we may not have the heart to do what you want to an original car. Either way, what would you do with this Shay Impostor Bird?
Looks like it’s on an early Mustang lo or Fairmont chassis so a V8 conversion wouldn’t be difficult. I agree this would be a blank canvas. I’m not fond of convertibles on the race track so I think I’d make it a low rider.
If the originals bring nothing, why would you want a replica?
Originals bring $30-50k. Maybe that’s nothing to you, but to me it’s real money.
Yes, with 75k restorations. In similar condition to this car they bring nothing. 7500 bucks maybe,
Is the body metal,or fibreglass?
I think all Shay T-birds were complete cars when shipped. They sold off to another company that sold kits.
As for what the body is made of, methinks a magnet would hit the ground.
Drop in a built 429 and it would be a nice little ride…if it didn’t kill you.
A fake classic car, like a fake Rolex, is a fake. Any car (or watch) enthusiast can tell the difference.
[Sarcasm on] Don’t call it a fake! It’s a tribute car (like tribute bands!). [Sarcasm off].
Tribute cars, my favorite peeve! If I where to hit the lottery my first project would be a 69 Chevelle with “Yankov’ painted into the stripe on the rear fender.
A tribute is something that honors the original, not rips it off.
This is just a fake. Best use is as a movie car for a stunt sequence, its sacrifice in place of a real T-bird.
Actually Francisco you’re wrong. Sometimes the most sophisticated (and rich) collectors can’t tell a fake from real. My decrepit and genuinely weathered fake Cobra gets mistaken for an unrestored original at Monterey/ Pebble Beach and Laguna Seca every August. But then unlike most kit kars mine has no side pipes, stripes or impossibly wide wheels and tires. Plus the paint is chipped, faded and peeling, the cracked windshield is delaminating and the upholstery is held together with matching black duct tape! Oh, it’s also RHD. And again, I’m basking in the glory of being kicked off Bring A Trailer for being accurate!
On a real one they call that “original” and “patina.” What do you call it on a replica? Apparently “decrepit” and “weathered” according to the man that owns one! :-) But I bet it’s great fun, whereas with the genuine article you’d be too paranoid to enjoy it.
Try selling it and you will find out very quickly the value of an original OVER whatever you want to call your car.
I recall your story about your drives in your car in one of the Cobra threads on BaT. How do you get ‘kicked off BaT’ though? Flagged as nonconstructive – still get to post though, no?
That’s a pinto engine haha
This is at least the third time I’ve seen this car on Ebay. I bid on it the first time I saw it, but decided it was in my best interest to pass it by. It’s had the same license plate showing in the past, and it makes me wonder why the Winning Bidder hasn’t followed through with the purchase.
Perhaps the seller is the winning bidder. It happens, you know.
Did some digging on the car and was unable to come up with any definitive info other than the body is fiberglass, all the write-ups where from hot rod mags where it appears they had been modified. After looking over ads of ones that are for sale elsewhere the four cylinder engine pops up more often than not. There is a 302 equipped one for $7k currently for sale. With all that being said, it would be tough to find a complete roller with interior for this price and although it’s not the real McCoy it would certainly be an affordable project.
Not fond of the view from the front. Not sure why doors would be off, etc as Shay’s were not kits.
hmmm fascinating
That car was licensed and was used. Its got an M11 front end on what looks to be a bespoke chassis. If I didn’t have a project already I might be tempted to buy it and drop a 5.0 or a 4.6 Cobra engine in it. If I could get it for less than 4000
A top down car 2 seat car, depending on where you live, it could be fun around town, and the 4 would be all you need to get the groceries.
I’m not a t-bird fan as it pales next to an XK140 or a similar year Vette and since American Graffiti I have always thought of them as a “Chick” car.
It is one thing to have a replica of a million dollar car like a Cobra or a Auburn Speedster (which I still don’t approve of btw), it is quite another to have a replica of something you can get an authentic running driving example of for about 12k.
I remember seeing new Shays in west palm beach, fla. They were bad copies back then and still look horrible! As far as the tributes, I will scream if I see another shelby or worst yet ellenior tribute. Total yuck! Horried! Fake car owners should know that the first thing out of anyone’s mouth is, “it’s a fake” why would you want that. I have a real Boss 302 and because of all the tributes, half of the people out there don’t know what they are looking at!
Younger ppl now thought my 70 Camaro was a Corvette.
Kids just don’t seem to be as interested like we were.
I’m thinking it’s because young families can only afford cookie cutter cars, unlike my father that bought a new Pontiac 2+2 in 67, only to trade it in on a 69 Road Runner.
When I was young I studied books on cars so I could name them off to my father.
It’s just not the same……
I remember the Model As from the 80s (there were 1-2 in my hometown) but I didn’t know they did T-Birds. In today’s world where Model As have tanked and T-Birds haven’t really risen (probably fallen) in value in many years, re-poping them doesn’t make sense.
@Roger Gorski – ABSOLUTELY 100% correct and no one’s gonna argue with you! You wouldn’t believe what I paid for mine, but I’d still double or triple my money if I were to sell it, but I’m not so that’s irrelevant. No replica, fake, phony, tribute, continuation etc should ever be worth more than it takes too crank out another, minus of course a factor for depreciation. And that’s why most of us can drive and enjoy one! I’ve driven more than a few genuine 1960’s CSX Cobras and I’ve got 90% of the real experience for just a fraction of the cost – just one of the reasons so many people love fake Cobras, Speedsters, and 550’s etc. They make a lot of sense, I’m sure you’d love one if lucky enough to get one! All it takes is a little bit of money.
I have never heard anyone complain about their Model A reproduction. I looked at one of the Model A’s when they first came out and wish I could have afforded one. The A and the T bird were basically a brand new restomod with a factory warranty. So why all the bashing?
Nothing is good about a 2300cc motor in a thunderbird any year, my friend!
I loved them in the 80s Turbo Coupes!
Most of the people that bought the 55-6-7 Birds didn’t drive them harder than the 2.3L would move this one, it would make a cooler user than a ricer or kroutvaggon
@Todd Zuercher I got kicked off B.A.T. because I posted honest and accurate observations of a truly bad (and misrepresented) car featured on a B.A.T. auction. The seller said something patently untrue about me, B.A.T. made no attempt to uncover the truth or even allow me to rebut what he said – I was kicked off, forever per Randy Nonnenberg. I can only assume that Mr. Nonnenberg was concerned that the bidding on this junker might have been held back as a result of my observations and comments, thus his commission amount would be lessened.
Not at all like the early days when B.A.T. seemed to foster honest and helpful discussions about cars on offer in many marketplaces.
I don’t like it that B.A.T. has sold out like it has, and if you agree, write to the website’s owner: Randy@bringatrailer.com
Express your opinion and support Barmfinds!
10-4. I didn’t realize stuff like that happened on that site. Sorry to hear of that and I will send a note to them.
Thank you.
@Todd Zuercher I got kicked off B.A.T. because I posted honest and accurate observations of a truly bad (and misrepresented) car featured on a B.A.T. auction. The seller said something patently untrue about me, B.A.T. made no attempt to uncover the truth or even allow me to rebut what he said – I was kicked off, forever per Randy Nonnenberg. I can only assume that Mr. Nonnenberg was concerned that the bidding on this junker might have been held back as a result of my observations and comments, thus his commission amount would be lessened.
Not at all like the early days when B.A.T. seemed to foster honest and helpful discussions about cars on offer in many marketplaces.
I don’t like it that B.A.T. has sold out like it has, and if you agree, write to the website’s owner: Randy@bringatrailer.com
Express your opinion and support Barmfinds! No, I can’t even post there anymore. Nothing, nada, zilch!
@Brakeservo
Are you going to post this story on every barnfinds car listing now?
Hi Jack – no, I think I’ve gotten the story out adequately. I was more shocked and surprised than angered – I had been a loyal B.A.T. supporter for years, had sold quite a few cars through the website, turned quite a few guys onto it, sent them “finds” from around the world. Even met Randy and his dad a few times, always thought he was a true enthusiast. It is sad to see what the power of money does to principles. But I guess I’ve had my say, time to put it to rest.
It’s interesting how many negative comments there are on this car. I wonder whether these same people look at a replica T-Bucket hot rod built in the 60’s, ’70’s or 80’s and say, “Man, that’s nice!”
The advantage that this car has over a genuine Thunderbird is that it’s NOT a genuine Thunderbird. That gives any potential buyer a blank canvas to build something different to a fully restored Thunderbird without being crucified by motoring purists.
People need to treat this car for what it is: The potential base for an interesting project car. Upgrade the engine to a modern V8 with EFI, a decent transmission, upgraded brakes and suspension, and it becomes a great and reliable daily driver that you’re not afraid to park in a car park….unlike a genuine Thunderbird.
I drove my 55 thunderbird everyday. That shay tb would cost you the same to restore as the real thing.
Hi Fran, I’m really glad that you drive yours every day. I hate the idea of people having a classic car and locking it away. I’m interested to know whether your Thunderbird is standard or modified.
My point is that those old T-Bucket hot rods almost always cost more to build than it cost to restore a Model T to factory original. That’s what I see this as: A car to build into what you want, to keep, drive and enjoy (without upsetting the purists who scream that you’ve destroyed a perfectly good Thunderbird).
Hi, it was a standard, I drove it as my everyday car, then I restored it, then sold it to restore my Boss 302. I am looking for one again, for 27k to 35k they are a bargin! However I am torn as I lie the 2002 birds, I think they are a bit overpriced though. Never drove one but I hear they are not thrilling….
@Fran: Here’s a start for you! :-)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-Ford-Thunderbird-TWO-OWNER-MINT-17K-MILES-/192176633351?hash=item2cbe9eb607:g:jmQAAOSwTM5Y2xy9
Nice, but no fog lights, and no two tone interrior.
I remember talking in Alabama around 2004 with a motorcycle mechanic from Michigan about the new T-Birds, he said he would have bought one if they had a V8. I didn’t know their specs at the time, but I laughed when I read Ford had put the V8 Ford/Jag 4.0 in them, I wonder why this is listed as a 3.9? The S Type R 4.0/4.2 was the same V8 but supercharged, that would be a nice engine to drop in this replica, heck, use a complete Jag or Lincoln LS driveline/suspension. A local car guy had a fiberglass replica for $2500 a couple years ago, but it needed a lot more work than this one.
I like the gasser idea. Big honkin 460 in there and a blower.
anyone have a shay t bird for sale…I love old cars but prefer reliability of a resto mod