2004 Ford Thunderbird

The 21st century Ford Thunderbird was a collectable the moment it hit the showroom, but some are more collectable than others. This relatively rare (having only 1000 produced) 2004 Ford Thunderbird "Pacific Coast Roadster" stands out in a crowd while still delivering the same driving experience that keeps these cars in such high demand.

Like the Neiman-Marcus and 007 special editions, the Pacific Coast Roadster edition got its own color called Monterey Mist Green, which makes the Thunderbird look sleek, not vintage. For a car that has been around for 17 years now, the finish is in very good condition, a testament to both the care it has received and the fact that it was never really used as a daily driver. Build quality on these cars was quite good, with sharp gaps all around and doors that close with a solid sound, rather well done for a car with a convertible top. The vintage T-Bird look is still there in small doses, particularly up front where there is a nice chrome grille and hood scoop, while out back, the big, round taillights are a 21st century take on Ford's favorite jet-age styling feature. Beautiful Thunderbird emblems resemble the originals with their inlaid turquoise details and a few well-chosen bits of chrome give this 'Bird an upscale feel. Overall, this car is impressively clean for its age.

The "Light and Dark Ash" interior is a nice contrast to the metallic green paint, and it is far more comfortable in the sun than black and far more interesting than tan. It also appears to be years younger and miles fresher than you would expect, with seats showing almost no wear and it is worth noting that this was the only time cloth inserts were used on the Thunderbird. Of course, on Ford's flagship, everything was standard, so you get ice cold A/C, power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats, cruise control, and a great-sounding aftermarket Kenwood 7” touchscreen audio system and Infinity speakers that works well top up or top down! There were several different dash board finishes available, but the Pacific Coast Roadsters received a unique dot pattern that looks great with the white-faced gauges and turquoise pointers and carbon fiber dash trim. It is strictly a 2-seater, but there is a well-finished package shelf behind the seats and a good-sized trunk that is fully upholstered in as-new condition. And like the 'Birds of the past, this one offers both a unique custom dyed "Renovo Dark Green" convertible soft top (power assisted, of course) as well as a contrasting "Ash Metallic" porthole hardtop, along with the roller stand & hardtop cover included.

The only engine available in the late-model Thunderbirds was a 3.9-liter DOHC V8 that delivered the kind of effortless performance that made the original so popular. It is not a racer, but it is competent and has a great V8 growl, with the high-flow custom cold air intake and accented by a recently added Borla exhaust. It starts easily, idles smoothly, and moves the tidy convertible with gusto but never threatens to get unruly. A 5-speed automatic transmission was the only choice, and “recently custom tuned” ECU & transmission package specializes in always being in the right gear without attracting a lot of attention. An all-independent suspension handles well but does not jostle occupants and the 4-wheel discs are powerful. Finally, those 16-spoke alloys are also unique to the Pacific Coast Roadster. This Thunderbird neatly balances price and quality with fun and collectability, making it a great choice for a late-model hobby car.