2005 Thunderbird 50th Anniversary ‘Cashmere’ Special Edition. Ford’s Thunderbird came to life in 1954 as a sensational 1955 halo car that fired imaginations and became an instant classic. In 1999, Dearborn’s favorite son decided it would honor that original by building a new model to turn just as many heads. And, within two years, the convertible your see here, affectionately dubbed the ‘retrobird’, was rolling through production. While all 2005 Thunderbirds were badged as ’50th Anniversary,’ only the Cashmere feature car was built in a limited edition production run of just 1,500 vehicles. Each of these unique and exclusive 2005 Thunderbirds had a special glove box mounted, numbered commemorative plaque.
As one of the most enduring ‘retro’ designs ever created, the car’s J Mays penned body looks fantastic from virtually any angle. At the front end is the distinctive Cashmere color-matched grille hangs just above bright driving lights. The hood sports the iconic Thunderbird ‘wings’ emblem. Behind that emblem, a composite hood centers a traditional Thunderbird scoop in front of tinted factory glass that sports a stylish chrome frame. At the top of that frame, a Cashmere hardtop latches down over a Medium Light Stone soft top to echo Ford’s original, 1955 dual-roof system. Below those roofs, chrome 50th Anniversary emblems ride inside re-imagined fender lines that lead the eye through body-matched mirrors to rear mounted “Thunderbird” scripts. And behind those scripts, a contoured Center High Mount Stop Lamp illuminates a second, teal-inlayed Thunderbird emblem, clear, combination tail lights, a chrome-trimmed tag recess and stylish stainless exhaust tips.
When Ford debuted the eleventh generation Thunderbird, it introduced a car that was faithful to the original concept in every way. Power for this classy cruiser comes from a 3.9 liter, 32-valve DOHC V8 that was developed by former captive subsidiary Jaguar. Code named the AJ35, the Ford-specific mill utilizes variable valve timing, fracture-split and forged rods, a one-piece, cast camshaft and a reinforced, composite intake to create a smooth 280 horsepower and stout 286 lb./ft. of torque. Envisioned more as a comfortable cruiser that Ford described as ‘Relaxed Sportiness,’ rather than a true sports car, this Ford never pretended to be a Corvette or Porsche competitor. That said; 0-60 still comes in at a very respectable seven seconds flat, and the car’s silky smooth powerplant delivers enough authority to provide fun and responsive driving characteristics. Aesthetically, the engine is hidden under an attractive plastic shroud which substitutes a teal-inlayed Thunderbird logo and chrome “V8” emblem for a more traditional view of the engine components.
In the late 90s and early 00s Ford developed one global rear wheel drive platform, codenamed DEW, that was set to underpin everything from select Jaguars to the fifth generation Mustang. Those competent roots supply this awesome Thunderbird with a sophisticated independent suspension which utilizes a host of weight saving technology to provide a smooth ride and composed road manners. The result is a convertible that possesses .an excellent combination of comfort and handling prowess. Behind the engine, a 5-speed automatic transmission sends power to a fresh Ford rear end that’s fitted with sporty 3.58 gears. At the corners of the chassis, four wheel disc brakes, which are aided by standard antilock and traction control systems, ride behind 17 inch machine-finished wheels and sticky 235/50 Michelin Pilot radials. And when you throw your favorite road at this drop-top, it’ll chew it up, spit it out and coddle you in a level of comfort vintage T-bird owners couldn’t even dream of.
Ford began the 21st century by producing some of the most impressive and detail-oriented interiors to ever hit the market. And the 50th Anniversary-exclusive tri-tone cockpit features ‘Light Stone’ and ‘Dark Stone’ interior panels and cashmere seats. The driver and passenger are treated to heated power seats that have been adorned in color-keyed, 50th Anniversary-exclusive buttery-soft leather. Below those seats, fresh carpet is protected by thick floor mats and bordered by distinctive “Ford Thunderbird” branded sill plates. Above those sills, winged black, white and Cashmere door panels hold great looking metal trim above controls for both power windows and power door locks. In front of those panels, a highly detailed dash anchors Turquoise-tipped needles between color-keyed and chrome-trimmed gauges and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. At the base of that dash, the handsome center console includes a dual-zone climate control system. The gearshift knob features a cashmere leather-stitched knob which is color coordinated to the insert in the tilt & telescope steering column. Behind the passenger compartment is a fully lined trunk with ample space for golf clubs or luggage for a quick weekend getaway.
