Please note the private reg plate is not included in the sale

Highlights

A remarkably low mileage example of a car that became an instant collector’s item at launch in 2002
Entirely original and pristine both internally and externally
A well-maintained example complete with valuable consumables and hard top stand

The Appeal

The eleventh generation Ford Thunderbird was designed as an evocation of the first Thunderbird from 1954 and tapped into the retro-zeitgeist prevalent in the early 21st century.

As a result the, then, very good value Thunderbird became instantly sought after by collectors and petrolheads alike.

Today the Thunderbird cuts a very distinctive figure amongst the hordes of anonymous saloons and SUVs on the UK’s roads. It’s long and sleek and looks as great today as it did at launch. This Torch Red example really stands out and turns heads as a result.

Given the mere 5,500 miles covered by this car it really presents as a new vehicle in many ways and its key mechanicals, based on the Jaguar S Type of the period, will provide many years and miles of distinguished cruising for the new owner.

The combination of the portholed removable hard top and quick and efficient electric soft top being perfect to accommodate the range of weather conditions we “enjoy” in the UK.

The History and Paperwork

Built in 2002, the first year of production of this eleventh generation Thunderbird
Spent its early life in its native USA
First registered in the UK in 2006
Acquired by the current owner in 2020 and only being sold now due to a number of other pressing projects
The car has covered a mere 5,500 miles – representing a tiny 275 per year on average
The car comes with a generous and varied history file
This includes owner’s manual and US guidebooks
The current V5 in the name of the owner
Various invoices covering maintenance and repairs across several owners
A number of hard copy MOT’s providing provenance for the mileage
The private number plate is not included, and the car will come with an "02" plate at the DVLA's discretion

The Interior

Offering full black leather upholstery in immaculate “factory-fresh” condition
Being the Premium trim level car, this interior is fully appointed
Refinements include electric tilt telescopic steering column
Full climate control and electrically operated seats
Fully lined power hood with heated rear window
Remote central locking

The interior of the big Ford is a comfortable and well-appointed place to spend time.

The electrically operated seats and steering column will ensure that the new owner will find a comfortable driving position. With the signature protholed hard top fitted you have a very well insulated and distinctive coupe.

With the hard top removed you can enjoy the speed and ease of the electrically operated soft top meaning you can make the most of those sunny spells as they arise.

The Exterior

The eleventh generation Thunderbird is a great looking car and especially distinctive with the hard top fitted
The signature porthole windows in the rear three quarters are a standout feature
The Torch Red of this example really suits the car adding additional road presence, as if needed, to this rare sight on UK roads
As you would expect given the mileage of this car all exterior aspects of the car appear to be faultless
The seven spoke chromed alloy wheels shine brightly and are free from dings or kerb rash
The black, fabric hood is immaculate and operates smoothly and quickly
The optional hard top – included in the Premium trim level – is pristine and comes with a useful stand
All glass and light lenses present in a faultless condition

The Thunderbird is a big but elegant car with more than eight feet of car arriving before you do.

It is distinctive looking and, especially in the bright Torch Red paintwork, looks nothing short of dramatic mixed up in ordinary traffic.

The Mechanics

The Thunderbird shares a lot of mechanical systems with the Jaguar S Type
This includes the Jaguar designed AJ-30 3.9L V8 rated at a healthy 252 bhp and 267 Ib ft of torque
The power is fed to the rear wheels via a smooth Ford 5R55N 5 speed automatic transmission
As you would expect from such a low mileage car all mechanical systems are reported to e in excellent working condition
All the MoT faults stated, have been repaired with new parts from the USA

The combination of Jaguar V8 power and smooth changing 5 speed auto make for what Ford themselves referred to as “relaxed sportiness.”

This is not to understate the sportiness element though, for a big car a 7 second 0-60 mph is impressive and the car sounds great too. A really winning combination.

Summary

It is safe to assume that the vast majority of people watching this long, sleek car slide by will never have seen one before. It’s a rare sight and all the better for it. Bond fans may recognise it as a car driven by Halle Berry in Die Another Day and in this colour too!

Given the mileage and extremely sympathetic ownership of this car you could consider it a barely run-in example of a highly charismatic, comfortable and rare American modern classic.

Bid now to avoid missing out on what can surely be one of the best available in the world today.

Notice to bidders

Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.