2005 Ford Thunderbird

Ford Thunderbird continues to deliver a unique combination of American "relaxed sportiness," balancing performance with touring comfort. This two-seat, rear-wheel-drive, V-8 convertible roadster’s combination of heritage styling and modern convenience continues to attract new buyers to Ford showrooms.

Thunderbird comes standard as a convertible and offers an optional removable top with classic porthole windows. The removable top weighs 83 pounds for easy removal and installation.

A secure pin-and-bolt system at the two front attachment points, plus two clamps at the rear, connect the removable top to the car. The two-place interior reflects the exterior design and the car’s romantic heritage with bold style, combined with the comfort and convenience that today’s customers demand.

Design and Equipment

The 2005 Thunderbird echoes the relaxed look of the original in a distinctly modern interpretation. Key design elements include the classic egg-crate grille found on the 1955-57 Thunderbirds and a hood scoop reminiscent of the 1961 model.

At 6.9 cubic feet, Thunderbird’s fully lined trunk is spacious enough for two sets of golf clubs. A soft vinyl boot is available to cover the black, woven soft-top when it’s down.

Inside, Thunderbird provides a comfortable environment for its occupants. The black instrument panel is highlighted with bright accent colors and aluminum appliqués.

The center stack flows out of the instrument panel with a sculpted line that creates a waterfall effect leading to the console. The standard interior has black leather-seating surfaces. A color-coordinated theme is optional for those who want to accent the interior and exterior colors.

The Light Sand appearance package continues for 2005. This package includes a Light Sand color applied to the convertible top, full seats, steering wheel, shift knob and optional soft boot. This package also features bronze metallic tinted appliqués on the instrument panel, door trim, center stack, shifter bezel and scuff plates. Light Sand is also applied to the floor mat edging complemented by cream-colored instrument cluster gauges.

Powertrain

The 2005 Thunderbird is powered by a 3.9-liter, 32-valve DOHC V-8 aluminum engine that uses variable cam timing. This improves engine performance, power and fuel economy.

The 3.9-liter delivers 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 286 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine features coil-on-plug ignition with platinum-tipped spark plugs, lightweight, low-friction pistons and dual exhaust. The Thunderbird is available with an optional SelectShift automatic transmission that allows drivers to command gear changes similar to a conventional manual transmission, but without the clutch. The transmission features a one-piece die-cast aluminum case for reduced weight.

Safety

Ford Thunderbird comes equipped with driver and passenger front and side air bags, making it the first Ford convertible to come equipped with combination head-and-chest side air bags.

Thunderbird features a number of standard safety attributes. Among them are the SecuriLock™ anti-theft system, the Smart Locks system, the LATCH system, the perimeter alarm with an LED indicator and Ford’s glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release handle, which enables a person trapped in the trunk to open it from the inside.

Major Equipment and Options

The Thunderbird comes standard with a power-retractable convertible top, four-wheel independent suspension, anti-lock brakes, all-speed traction control, Homelink®, leather-wrapped, power-tilt steering wheel, power mirrors and windows, AM/FM stereo with in-dash six-disc CD with clock, audiophile sound system, center console with storage, cup holders, keyless entry, six-way power driver’s seat, two-way power passenger seat, SecuriLock™, speed control, dual vanity mirrors, dual driver and passenger automatic temperature control, leather-trimmed bucket seats and second-generation air bags for driver and passenger.

Premium adds: Seven-spoke, 17-inch chrome wheels or optional 17-inch 16-spoke micro-machined aluminum wheels, along with heated driver