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2000 L.A. Photo Gallery I
PONTIAC MINTS "SAV" AZTEK Coining a new phrase for its "sport recreation vehicle," a crossover... Read More
2000 L.A. Photo Gallery I
PONTIAC MINTS "SAV" AZTEK Coining a new phrase for its "sport recreation vehicle," a crossover... Read More
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When flamboyant Ford designer J Mays whipped the white chiffon drape off the 2002 Thunderbird at this year's Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach to unveil one of the most breathtaking models he has developed, the sighs of admiration spread from the golf course to the Pacific Ocean. It was indeed a special moment.
Marking the rebirth of the treasured roadster, the first 200 of the production models are strictly for the books, that is, the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalogues due in your mailbox on September 25. Priced at $41,995, it is estimated this is a bargain price compared to an extra $10,000 that dealers are expected to tack on when the common masses clap their eyes on the cherished T-bird and demand one. Sticker price on an original was $2,695 in 1955.
Based on Lincoln's LS and Jaguar's S-Type platforms Neiman's elegant black and silver edition has a removable hardtop complete with a rolling cart so owners won't have to exert themselves trekking it into their garage, chrome-edge portholes, a crate-barrel grille, chrome 17-inch wheels, a hood scoop and a chrome bezel. The automatic shift knob is silver, as are the leather seats, perforated with black leather inserts. The Neiman-Marcus logo is discreetly displayed in various places on the car.
Ford's first two-seater since the classic 1955 was introduced (Thunderbird remained a two-seater until 1957), with the name last used on the most un-roadster-like T-bird in 1997 when we all despaired of ever seeing the little sports car going back to its roots.
The new version is a great leap both forward and back to America's automotive icon from 1955. Mays insists this is not a fire-breathing, rubber-burning dragster but more a relaxed touring sports car with many of the comforts and conveniences of today's luxury cars.
Through its many generations, and even J Mays admits the 1980 version was the worst, the name has evoked magic, and always the hope that, one day, Ford would be bold enough to relinquish the large lozenge the T-bird had become and allow a designer to bring back a small, two-seat convertible worthy of the nameplate. Rest assured the soul of the T-bird has returned to its nest.
