2005 Ford Thunderbird

Review

Thunderbird Offers Good Value for Money Compared to Similar V8-Powered Roadsters

When the classic 1950s inspired Thunderbird came on the scene in 2001 as a 2002 model, it didnt appeal to everyone. Of course, Ford never expected it to, but rather hoped it would cause some excitement in its showrooms and drive the sales of its more mainstream products, which is exactly what a "halo" car is supposed to do.

While its impossible to quantify exactly how many Focus, Taurus or F-150 sales it may have influenced over the past three years, its easy to tally up the Thunderbirds less than stellar sales numbers and formulate that the retro-styled roadster doesnt exactly make a strong business case all on its own.

Nevertheless, Ford will press on with the iconic two-seater through 2005, if only to introduce a model that celebrates its 50th anniversary, a date that just passed on October 22, 2004. To mark the occasion, a special 50th Anniversary Limited Edition model will be built, shown to the press at the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami and then after at the automakers Wixom assembly plant on November 5, 2004.

"A golden anniversary is something special - just like this car," said Patricia Reid, plant manager, Wixom Assembly Plant. "Were pleased to show 50th anniversary model surrounded by Thunderbirds from throughout the years."

And just how limited will the new T-Bird be? Ford will only produce 1,500 units, with sales beginning next spring.

Like the regular Bird it wont come cheaply, with a hardtop, all-speed traction control and exclusive Cashmere-color exterior paint included for $43,535, $5,930 more than the base Thunderbird. While that might seem steep for what is otherwise a fun-in-the-sun plaything, it is actually the least expensive V8-powered two-seat roadster available. A Mercedes-Benz SL500, for instance, will set its buyer back more than twice as much, and the performance-oriented Cadillac XLR breaks the $75K barrier.

"The 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Thunderbird builds upon the cars rich heritage - which began with the classic, two-seater 1955 model," said Steve Lyons, president of Ford Division. "This special edition adds to the emotional attachment that America has with Thunderbird, an attachment that has been 50 years in the making."

Included in the 50th Anniversary model, will be a Medium Light Stone cloth convertible top and soft boot that matches the Cashmere tri-coat metallic paint, plus standard 16-spoke, 17-inch alloy rims endowed with an accented hub ring to match the unique paint scheme.

The interior is coordinated to match the cars exterior motif, with full-leather Cashmere-color seats, Cashmere-color lower instrument panel trim, floor console and door armrests. The special T-Bird features an understated soft gold-tinted 50th Anniversary badge on its instrument panel, as well as 50th Anniversary insignias embossed on the seatbacks. Whats more, each vehicle will feature a numbered commemorative plaque mounted inside the glove box.

Despite being available as late as the spring of 2005, the 50th Anniversary edition will be designated a 2005 model to coincide with the 1955 model year Thunderbird that initiated the cars 50 year run. To be clear, the T-Bird wasnt produced every year since its introduction, having been discontinued temporarily in 1997 prior to the current model run. It also wasnt always a roadster. After the 1955 2-seater ran its course, the 1958 model grew in size and power, with the 1961 Bird growing even larger. The bigger is better trend continued through the 60s and 70s, only ending with the smaller, sportier 1984 Thunderbird improved in 1989.

While some of the coupe models are still collectible, the early 2-door roadsters fetch the highest prices. Its entirely possible, due to the current models slow sales and sporty driving dynamics, that it could become collectible some time in the future as well. The 50th Anniversary Edition could be the most collectible T-Bird in years.