2002-2005 Thunderbird Collectibles – Going, going, gone! – The re- introduction of the Thunderbird with the 2002 model year also saw a new line of collectibles and apparel that featured the ‘new’ Thunderbird logo. One of the most popular of these collectibles are the die-cast models which came in various scales and from a number of manufacturers. We’ve covered the Thunderbird die cast models in detail in another article here. This entry will discuss the many other collectible accessories introduced for the 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird.
Most of the collectibles and apparel for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird were offered by The Ford Collection. This line of Ford collectibles was discontinued years ago, shortly after the end of production of the 2005 Thunderbird automobile, however there are limited supplies of ‘new old stock’ of many of these items available from Powersport/Thunderbird Specialties.
The Ford Collection produced and marketed a full line of both men’s and ladies apparel items for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird including T-Shirts, Polo shirts, Hoodies, and jackets in a variety of colors. They also offered a number of different baseball caps in various colors and styles, including some for the Thunderbird 50th Anniversary. One of the most popular caps produced was the two-tone ‘Merlot’ and ‘Sand’ cap made of brushed cotton twill and featuring a metal Thunderbird ‘wings’ emblem. Among the apparel items produced to complement the 2002-2005 Thunderbird was a line of colorful Hawaiian shirts designed by Reyn Spooner, and featuring images of the new Thunderbird. The Reyn Spooner shirts are now highly collectible and sought after and even used ones often sell for more than they cost when brand new!
Thunderbird watches have always been popular. Production of the 11th generation T-bird brought with it a number of new watch styles including Stainless Steel men’s and ladies watches with both turquoise and black faces, and at least two different styles of watches commemorating Thunderbird’s 50th Anniversary. One 50th Anniversary watch is a two-tone, gold and silver colored men’s watch with round face featuring the Thunderbird emblem, and another is a rectangular watch with gold colored numbers and a black leather band. That watch includes a leather case. These watches have been out of production for many years, however, some new old stock remains and is available for sale from Powersport/Thunderbird Specialties.
Other collectibles designed for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird include a special 50th Anniversary bar stool, 50th Anniversary key chains, Thunderbird blanket/throw, even a miniature Teddy Bear sporting a faux-leather jacket with the 50th Anniversary logo!
There were at least two styles of Thunderbird clock radios produced, one of which was a CD, Radio and alarm clock combo. These radios were originally sold by Neiman-Marcus and came in a variety of retro colors and featured a neon light around the clock dial face. In addition to the clock radios, The Ford Collection also marketed various styles of wall clocks and desk clocks.
The Ford Collection also offered a stylish ceramic tall coffee/beverage mug with a black enamel finish and featuring the Thunderbird logo. Though no longer available from the Ford Collection, Powersport/Thunderbird Specialties does have a limited supply of ‘new old stock’ of this handsome collectible.
