Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Friday, October 13th, 2006
Ford’s award-winning Thunderbird received a host of best-in-segment features and capabilities for 2003. In 2002, Thunderbird captured Motor Trend magazine’s Car of the Year award, People’s Choice Car of the Year, Auto Interiors 2002 Interior of the Year, Motorweek television’s Best Convertible and was named best in class by J.D. Power and Associates, among its many accolades.
Thunderbird builds on that momentum with 28 more horsepower and 25 more foot-pounds of torque for its award-winning 3.9-liter V-8. In addition, Thunderbird receives comprehensive interior upgrades, new exterior colors and more standard features, continuing to deliver a unique combination of classic American “relaxed sportiness,” offering balanced performance with touring comfort.
The rear-wheel-drive Thunderbird comes standard with a power convertible top and is available with a removable top with classic porthole windows. Thunderbird is built in Wixom, Michigan. The close-coupled proportions of the classic Thunderbird provided the inspiration for this model’s 107.2-inch wheelbase. Its reverse-wedge body shape is higher at the front fender and A-pillar than at the rear, unlike most cars on the road, capturing the laid-back, relaxed character of the originals.
The classic egg-crate grille with three-dimensional texture found on the ‘55-’57 Thunderbirds re-emerges on the new model, and the short front overhang is in keeping with the proportions of the original’s as well. A hood scoop reminiscent of the ‘61 Thunderbird is incorporated into the Sheet-Molded-Composite hood. A long-wing chromed Thunderbird is set into the fascia above the grille. Dual headlights are round with integral parking lamps and turn indicators under a clear lens.
Front fenders are made of SMC, while chrome louvers set in the fender hint at the chrome louvers on early Thunderbird roadsters. The 64-degree angle of the large chromed A-pillar and header gives the look of strength, solidity and safety of former Thunderbird models, while at the same time giving an updated, precisely crafted appearance. The rocker panels are curved sharply under the body to conceal steel reinforcements that improve body strength and rigidity. At the rear, small cutouts highlight the chrome-tipped exhaust pipes.
The Thunderbird was developed to deliver sportiness without compromising comfort. Accomplishing this goal means eliminating unwanted noises and tuning preferred noises to the desired sound quality. A computer-aided-engineering technique called statistical energy analysis was used to understand convertible acoustics and build a balanced package. Testing led to the decision to increase the density of the convertible top liner and sealing and barrier material to reduce road noise. Additional isolation from wind noise results from the doors’ drop-glass feature. When the Thunderbird door is opened, the side glass lowers just slightly. When the door is closed, the glass goes back up to fit snugly into the seal system.
Tags: 2003 ford thunderbird, convertible, 2003 convertibles, ford convertibles, thunderbird, ford thunderbird
Share This: Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!
If you were interested in Ford Thunderbird Convertible, you may also be interested in:
2007 Ford Mustang: The 2007 Ford Mustang is a 2-door, 4-passenger family coupe, sports coupe, convertible, or convertible sports car, available in 8 trims, ranging from the V6
2007 Ford Mustang California Special Edition: In 1968, Ford introuced several GT-based Mustangs as regional cars to the market. One of these rare and classy cars was the Ford Mustang GT/CS,
Foose Stallion Edition Ford Mustang: Foose Design and Unique Performance have launched a line of limited edition muscle cars based on the current generation Ford Mustang. The first production custom ponycar