Introduced at the end of 2001, the 11th generation Ford Thunderbird was one of a series of retro-styled cars to emerge from Ford’s “Living Legends” design studio, which used inspirational design from cars of the past to influence the brand’s future direction.

The strategy was the brainchild of Ford’s Head of Design, J Mays, who had introduced similar themes in his previous role at Volkswagen, where he delivered the New Beetle. It came at a time where retro was king in the cart industry, with models such as the MINI and the Jaguar S-Type also exhibiting old-school styling cues.

Indeed, the Thunderbird is actually closely related to the latter. It uses the same Ford DEW98 platform as the Jaguar, and while the engine under the bonnet wears a Lincoln badge (it also featured in the Lincoln LS Sedan) it’s actually a 4.0-litre Jaguar AJ V8 unit with 290bhp. A great engine that suits the Thunderbird’s performance character.

This one is a special example from the final year of production, in which the only Thunderbird offered was the 50th Anniversary Edition, specced with absolutely every option imaginable including chrome alloy wheels and a body-coloured hardtop, complete with retro-styled “porthole” window.

This one has been in the UK for the past nine years, having been brought over from the USA by its original owner from Virginia Beach, VA, where he lived previously. It only has one previous UK keeper.

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies. 

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.