2002 Thunderbird Cleared For Takeoff

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News of July 25, 2001

2002 Thunderbird Cleared For Takeoff

Photo: Ford

DEARBORN, Mich. – The long-awaited rebirth of an American icon took one more step toward becoming a reality today. Ford CEO Jacques Nasser announced that the first shipment of 2002 Ford Thunderbirds will leave the Wixom (Mich.) Assembly Plant next week, heading to Ford dealerships and customers.

Nasser made the announcement at an employee and enthusiast event at Ford World Headquarters to celebrate the people of Thunderbird. Today's Thunderbird celebration was one of the largest gatherings of classic Thunderbirds in history.

"Today is the start of a new chapter in automotive history, as the first two-seater Thunderbirds in 40 years are poised to begin their journey to those who have been waiting for the return of this American dream car," said Jim O'Connor, Ford Division president. "This car, its style, the statement it makes, the feelings it evokes – all will make it an icon in its own right."

Ford officially opened the order banks for the 2002 Thunderbird on Jan. 8, 2001, the day the production car made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Thunderbird, a modern interpretation of the classic roadsters of the '50s and '60s, will begin appearing in dealer showrooms in the next few months.

At the Thunderbird Celebration, William Clay Ford, Jr., great-grandson of Henry Ford and chairman of the board of Ford Motor Company, presented the keys to the first production 2002 Thunderbird to Steven K. Hamp, President of Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. The car, a black convertible with red-on-black interior, carries serial number 00001, and will be preserved for history at the museum.

Available in five colors -- Inspiration Yellow, Thunderbird Blue, Torch Red, Whisper White and Evening Black -- Thunderbird expresses a bold, confident and free feeling in a two-seat convertible roadster – a modern tribute to another optimistic American era. Thunderbird features obvious visual cues that tie it to the classic cars of the past, but with a decidedly modern interpretation.

It comes standard as a convertible and also is available with 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 and two clamps at the rear connect the removable top to the car. The two-person interior reflects the exterior design and the car’s romantic heritage with bold style combined with comfort and convenience.

Thunderbird is in a class by itself as a 107.2-inch wheelbase rear-wheel-drive roadster with a smooth, free-breathing 3.9-liter V-8 engine. Ride and handling are specially tuned, and structural braces under the car enhance the chassis rigidity, giving the roadster impressive driving dynamics.

(July 20, 2001)

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