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!
