The seller believes the car to have two previous owners and describes the performance of this car as “sweet.” Thoroughly checked out by the local Ford dealer, the car is in excellent condition for it’s age. This 2002 Ford Thunderbird appears to be fully functional car with the only outstanding issue to be sun damage of the Thunderbird Blue paint. The odometer reading of 112.763 miles is noted by the seller as being accurate after a Carfax check was obtained. Part of a retro-styling boom, the eleventh-generation Thunderbird’s was introduced by Ford in 1999 as a concept car to replace the earlier ‘Birds and to evoke the original Thunderbird. The production model debuted two years later to critical acclaim, having won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award for 2002.

POWERTRAIN

The 2002 ‘Bird is powered by a 3,950-cc DOHC V-8 that was based on an engine designed by Jaguar. Rated at 280 horsepower when new, the engine drives the five speed transmission with aplomb. With a compression ratio of 10.75:1 and sequential multi-port fuel injection, the engine moves the car easily toward 100 mph. The seller reports that the engine in this Thunderbird is original to the car, with no repair or replacement history reflected on Carfax. The engine starts and runs without issues, and the automatic transmission works as designed. No leaks are present in either the engine or transmission. No smoke from the exhaust.

EXTERIOR

The finish on this Thunderbird is described as original and in sun damaged condition, needing a repaint if one intends to use it as a show car. The seller reports no leaks from the body seals or the new convertible top. Being an California/Arizona vehicle, there does not appear to be rust on the car. From what the seller has noticed, the only irregularity is in the plastic panel just to the rear of the back window, where the paint has been extensively damaged by the sun. The lights appear to work as they should, but again, some frosting due to sun damage is observable. With only scattered light surface corrosion, the underside appears to be clean. The top and rear glass was recently replaced with new mechanicals as needed.

INTERIOR

The seating has been replaced due once again, to damage in the Arizona sun and is in new condition. The carpeting is in very good condition and appears to be original, with no visible worn spots. The interior trim is reported to be intact and in good condition considering the original use of plastic in the car. The seller states that the instrumentation, including the factory audio system, works well. The power seats, windows and locks are said to be in good working order. Both the air conditioning and heater work very well. The carpeted trunk looks clean. Note the power adjustments in the steering wheel are irregular in operation with the OEM replacement parts no longer available.

CHASSIS

During this owners time in service, the entire suspension components on the chassis have been overhauled by the local Ford dealer. All components that were worn or with aged rubber were replaced and the suspension is ready for another decade or so of use! The four-wheel disc brakes have been inspected and there is life left on the pads. Overall the brakes work as designed. The alloy wheels look to be free of damage, mounting tires that have recently been replaced.

DOCUMENTATION

The seller states that this car will be sold on a clean Arizona. Receipts for the work this owner has completed will be included. E-mail for copy of Carfax.