The Ford Thunderbird began as a two-seat personal luxury convertible in 1955. And it finished its run in the same position 50 years later. But for most of the time in between, the T-Bird had room for at least four passengers and was sometimes sold with four doors. The seller has a nice 50th Anniversary edition from 2005, of which only 1,500 copies were produced. With only 32,000 miles and special paint, this last-of-the-line vehicle can be found in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, and is available here on craigslist for $32,000. A shoutout goes to Mitchell G. for this sweet tip.
The 4-seat, 10th-generation Thunderbird was retired at the end of 1997. Five years later, the original concept of the automobile was revived using a modified platform that served the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type. As was the case in 1955-57, the 2002-05 T-Bird was a convertible with an optional hardtop, rear wheel drive, and a V8 engine (also supplied by Jaguar, but the car was assembled in Michigan). Performance ranged from 252 to 280 hp, depending on the model year. This 11th-generation T-Bird was granted Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award in 2002.
Sales of the new 2-seat T-Bird were similar to the 1st gen editions. 68,000 units were built in four years vs. 53,000 in three years in the 1950s (an average annual demand of 17,000 copies). To celebrate the T-Bird’s 50th anniversary in 2005, Ford cooked up the 50th Anniversary Cashmere Special Edition, which carried unique identification and an exclusive paint job. The seller’s car is said to be one of 1,500.
We’re told this vehicle is in “like new condition.” The limited number of photos seems to support that claim, but more pics and details would be nice. Everything appears to be ship-shape because it has always been kept in the garage when not used (an average of 1,600 miles every 12 months). These cars weren’t crazy popular when new, but has that changed after 20 years?
Thanks Russ. The inclusion of the sales figures prompted an observation….
This T-Bird was only mildly successful, perhaps partly because of the hype it generated failed to translate into solid sales (after the first flurry of activity). And for me, the limitations of being a two-seater, and in my eyes the somewhat awkward proportions.
That said, it was in essence a rebodied Lincoln LS/ Jaguar S-type. As such the engineering had to have been minimal, and the development cost must not have been extreme. So from a business perspective, it did make money?
This example looks good. In general they seem to be readily available, at not-crazy prices.
I think the main problem was that it was underpowered for the day if it was to make it as a two seater. A really powerful GT two seater could have been an interesting option. Second problem was that it was so obviously derived from the little Lincoln and S-Type. Took away the specialness of having a new T-bird.
The car had enough power for 85% of its intended market. What the car really lacked was interior room. The seat did not go back enough and had zero recline. Looks great, but uncomfortable.
This will be a tough sell, there are a lot of this generation Thunderbirds with close to the same mileage or less, often with a lower asking price. It may be nice, but nothing makes it stand out against its competition. I’d never consider one as an investment, or something that would even hold its value, most were hidden away in garages so they likely won’t resonate with potential future buyers. They will suffer the same fate a lot of 1950’s and earlier cars are experiencing, lots of cars on the market without many takers and collapsing prices.
Steve R
All 2005 TBirds were Anniversary designated. The 1,500 unit production Cashmere Edition, which I believe this one for sale is NOT such, was more of a white color with some flake in the paint. In all there were about 9,295 TBird produced in ’05 which I believe includes the Cashmere. This one for sale is in very nice condition but the ask is a bit much IMO. Also this gen TBird had some issues unique depending on the production year. Buyers should inquire to see if any such issues were addressed.
As I get older, these begin to appeal to me. They’re not hot rods or sports cars but appear to be nice cruisers, perfect for taking a drive on a beautiful Colorado afternoon (like today) and checking out the aspen trees.
Exactly why I bought mine, only Canadian fall colours! 80+ and still going on the drives, but getting harder getting in and out!
I came very close to buying a gently used one as a 3rd car for cruising until a friend told me to drive a used Lexus SC 430. It’s a similar 2 seat cruiser but much more refined and with Lexus/Toyota reliability. No regrets and it’s V8 and retractable hardtop are great!!!
I have a SC 430. Wonderful car!!!
I’m on my second one, an ’07 one owner with only 39K miles! Absolutely love it!!
Like the Jaguar XK8 of the same vintage, Ford management decreed this would only be available with an automatic, in the very mistaken belief that providing an optional manual would affect Mustang sales. Morons.
This Thunderbird is over priced. It’s really too bad. The Ford motor company chose such a design for the last Thunderbird. The headlights and tail lights are just ugly.
I would probably agree based on what I paid for my 03 that this is on the high side. That being said,I am on my 3rd t-bird, my 02 bought new, and in no way is it underpowered or slow. it is what it is, those wanting a high-powered manual shift car are not and have never been the target market for these lovely convertibles.
I moved to Phoenix AZ. about 8 years ago and being a car guy, I am always paying attention to cars and there is a ton of interest in cars here. What I began to notice was all these late model 2 seaters down here. What was the reason? Was it the water, the heat, all the old folks, and retirement communities? I don’t know ,but I do know you can buy some real nice examples for 1/2 the asking price of this B/F car.
I think this generation of TBirds was a great accomplishment by Ford to capture some of the essence of the 1955 Tbird, but with early 2000’s styling trends, all while doing it with parts-bin engineering. Parts-bin engineering is great in that it allows a company to release new models with minimum engineering costs. A discipline sorely lacking today.
This last ‘Bird styling was not for everyone. And it was pricy: For its MSRP, you could buy a Miata and a Ranger and still have some change in your pocket. It was never indented to be a hi-performance car, but rather a luxury nostalgia touring car. It did that well. And lets face it: Most of that target market was NOT looking for manual shift. LOL
Yes I purchased a 2005 with 83,000 miles in late July for $11,000 although I have put another $2,500 into it for brakes, fluid replacement and a window regulator replacement. I had to find used parts for the most part and Thunderbird Bob has helped.
Now that I have it sorted out, it drives like a dream but oddly it reminds me of the 87 300ZX.
Bottom line I love this vehicle and it probably was a better choice than the Cadillac Allante’s I looked at first!