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2005 Ford Thunderbird 50th Anniversary Edition

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Thunderbird Offers Good Value for Money Compared to Similar V8-Powered Roadsters

When the classic 1950s inspired Thunderbird came on the scene in 2001 as a 2002 model, it didnt appeal to everyone. Of course, Ford never expected it to, but rather hoped it would cause some excitement in its showrooms and drive the sales of its more mainstream products, which is exactly what a "halo" car is supposed to do.

While its impossible to quantify exactly how many Focus, Taurus or F-150 sales it may have influenced over the past three years, its easy to tally up the Thunderbirds less than stellar sales numbers and formulate that the retro-styled roadster

The 50th anniversary of Ford Thunderbird was celebrated on November 5, 2004, in Dearborn, Michigan, as the limited edition 2005 model was surrounded by classic T-Birds at the Wixom Assembly Plant. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Nevertheless, Ford will press on with the iconic two-seater through 2005, if only to introduce a model that celebrates its 50th anniversary, a date that just passed on October 22, 2004. To mark the occasion, a special 50th Anniversary Limited Edition model will

The Ford Thunderbird, what has become an American automotive icon, celebrates its golden anniversary with the unveiling of the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Thunderbird at the South Florida International Auto Show. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

"A golden anniversary is something special - just like this car," said Patricia Reid, plant manager, Wixom Assembly Plant. "Were pleased to show 50th anniversary model surrounded by Thunderbirds from throughout the years."

And just how limited will the new T-Bird be? Ford will only produce 1,500 units, with

Only 1500 of the limited edition Thunderbirds will be produced, with a sticker price of $43,535. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Like the regular Bird it wont come cheaply, with a hardtop, all-speed traction control and exclusive Cashmere-color exterior paint included for $43,535, $5,930 more than the base Thunderbird. While that might seem steep for what is otherwise a fun-in-the-sun plaything, it is actually the least expensive V8-powered two-seat roadster available. A Mercedes-Benz SL500, for instance, will set its buyer back more than twice as much, and the performance-oriented Cadillac XLR breaks the $75K barrier.

"The 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Thunderbird builds upon the cars rich heritage - which began with the classic, two-seater 1955 model," said Steve Lyons, president

Aside from the special color and interior treatments, each vehicle will feature a numbered commemorative plaque mounted inside the glove box. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Included in the 50th Anniversary model, will be a Medium Light Stone cloth convertible top and soft boot that matches the Cashmere tri-coat metallic paint, plus standard 16-spoke, 17-inch alloy rims endowed with an accented hub ring to match the unique paint scheme.