2003 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

2003 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Ford revived more than an American icon when it boldly resurrected its unique Thunderbird sports/personal car for 2002. It also, as events would have it, reprised an historic Motor Trend Car of the Year win. Our forefathers here named the 1958 Thunderbird the first of the larger, four seat versions as Car of the Year, hailing the overall concept...that combines safety with performance and comfort with compactness. For 2002, we're happy to bestow that honor again, recognizing today's Thunderbird for how it combines heritage with modernity and pleasure with practicality. For consignment, a 2 owner 2003 Ford Thunderbird convertible, with a title verified 53,052 actual miles. Of the six colors available in 2003, this one represents the fourth most common and only the second white 2003 Thunderbird that has graced our halls. Exterior Just 2,460 2003 Thunderbirds left the factory dressed in Whisper White and dramatic contrast is provided by the black canvas top with a clear glass window. The long hood and steeply raked windshield and cab position puts eight feet of car ahead of you and almost as much behind you as the straight shoulder line of the car becomes the rear fenders that terminate with round tail lights that stand vertical and protrude just enough to be visible to drivers to your side. The body cues pick up heavily from the 50's except for fins being shaved and front fenders blending with flush headlights. Fender vents also summon the classic Thunderbirds, but the 17-inch chrome wheels could not have been dreamed up in 1955, despite designer's boundless creativity. Our 50 series tires have a mid 2024 date code. The grille bows out slightly rather than being perfectly vertical and integrated fog lights live in the front body keyed valance. Imperfections are few and include some bubbling above the rocker panel, a few scuffs and multiple chin scrapes. Interior In a clean nod to the 1950's, the interior package hints of retro design, here in monochromatic Ink Black beginning with the patterned door panels with a brushed aluminum trim piece. The robust seats also combine black with white tuck and roll inserts and a Thunderbird logo embossed on the smooth black leather, while a substantial head restraint rises over each high back bucket seat. We note some light wear on the driver's seat. Just as with the classic Thunderbirds, the patterns encircle the cabin including a circular storage shelf behind the seats that is walled by a stitch patterned border. White faced gauges enjoy turquoise needles and the center stack houses the AM/FM/CD radio and A/C switchgear. White steps in to contrast again on the top of the steering wheel and on the handle of the shifter located on the center console. Low pile black carpet covers the floor cleanly, and the trunk is perfectly lined and finished with charcoal cloth panels. Drivetrain Plastic shrouds dominate the view of the spotless engine bay where a 3.9 DOHC liter V8 resides rated at 280 horsepower. It's fuel injected and is driven by a 5R55N 5-speed automatic transmission which spins the back wheels with 3.58 gears. Undercarriage Super clean underneath with some typical surface rust but dry conditions all around with clean heat shields and grease free components. The dual exhaust flows into the original equipment mufflers before heading to the back and the independent front and rear suspension consist of Macpherson struts. Power disc brakes are on all four corners. Drive-Ability Ford promoted the Thunderbird as having relaxed sportiness. That implies the ride will be softer than a tightly wound sports car and indeed, this is more cruiser than sports car and provides an ultimately comfortable cabin from which to enjoy the ride. There's decent power here, certainly enough to instill highway confidence, and along with good visibility, great braking, and decent handling, this car performed well, and all operational items functione