Classic Car Dealers

The automotive industry continues to evolve, and some nameplates hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors.

One such nameplate is the Ford Thunderbird, a legendary model that has made its mark across generations.

After a four-year hiatus, Ford brought back the iconic Thunderbird moniker in 2001, capturing the essence of its past while embracing the innovations of the present.

A Rebirth of Elegance and Power

The revival of the Thunderbird was a momentous occasion for Ford, marking the return of a cherished nameplate that first graced the roads in 1954.

This iteration of the Thunderbird was different, drawing inspiration from a collaboration with Jaguar.

This partnership brought together expertise and ideas from both sides, resulting in a vehicle that would honor its heritage while embracing modern engineering.

Underpinning the 2001 Thunderbird was a platform shared with Jaguar’s S-Type, a move that showcased the synergy between these two automotive giants.

This shared platform laid the groundwork not only for the Thunderbird but also for other notable models like the XF and the Lincoln LS.

The Thunderbird emerged as a two-door convertible, featuring a front-engine and rear-wheel drive layout that echoed the classic sports car configuration.

Heart and Performance

Powering the eleventh-generation Thunderbird was a 3.9-liter V8 engine, a creation of Jaguar’s prowess.

This engine delivered 252 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, offering a spirited driving experience that wasn’t about breaking speed records but rather savoring the journey.

As the Thunderbird journeyed towards the end of its production run, it saw an upgrade in the power department with a more potent variant of the same engine.

This upgraded mill churned out 280 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque, injecting an extra dose of excitement into the driving experience.

A Lasting Legacy

The Thunderbird’s final iteration rolled off the assembly line in mid-2005, marking the end of an era.

With the ever-shifting focus towards sustainable and electric mobility, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the Thunderbird return with an internal combustion engine under its hood.

Nevertheless, the legacy it left behind continues to be cherished by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

A Glimpse into the Past

If you find yourself longing for a piece of automotive history, the 2004 Thunderbird is a gem waiting to be discovered.

A recent listing from Garage Kept Motors offers a pristine example of this late model year Thunderbird.

Adorned in a maroon exterior paint finish and accompanied by a matching hard top, this Thunderbird exudes elegance and style.

The odometer reads a modest 54,628 miles, indicating its well-preserved condition.

The interior holds a timeless charm, with black leather seats that have gracefully aged over the nearly two decades since its release.

It’s a living piece of history that showcases the dedication of its previous owners to its upkeep.

Is the Thunderbird Worth It?

The price tag of $19,900 shown here might give you pause, especially when compared to modern offerings like the Toyota Corolla.

However, consider this: the Thunderbird isn’t just a car; it’s a symbol of nostalgia, a glimpse into the past, and an embodiment of automotive heritage.

It’s a piece of art on wheels, a conversation starter, and a ticket to reliving the elegance and grace of a bygone era.

So, is the Thunderbird worth it? If you’re an enthusiast who values history, style, and the thrill of driving a piece of Americana, the answer might just be a resounding yes.

While modern cars offer cutting-edge technology and efficiency, the Thunderbird offers something much rarer: a connection to the past and an opportunity to stand out in a crowd.

As automotive trends come and go, the Thunderbird stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic design and craftsmanship.

Whether you’re an avid collector or a casual admirer, the 2004 Thunderbird is a reminder that some things never go out of style.

Japanese classic cars have never done well at auction. While the highest hammer price for a car from Italia is $48.4 million, from German is $31.1 million, from the UK is $22.5 million, from the US is $22 million, and from French is $10.4 million; a car from Japan is just $1.75 million.

The big gap is there for many reasons. High-end Japanese supercars are still few, fairly new, and were never built in such runs that are limited. They rarely have what it takes to fetch a high price at auction.

The consequence of this is that there are a large collection of extraordinary Japanese classics priced lower than Italian cars that actually have the same level of performance.

Many cars like Nissan’s 240+ Z series, the Nissan GT-R, Subaru’s WRX series, and Mazda’s RX7 and MX5 were all great products, but they were made in such numbers that won’t make them a rare model, thus they won’t be able to command high prices.

This is actually good for those who want to buy high-performance classic cars, but at a more affordable price. However, if what you are looking for is a rare model, then it is rarely found in the ranks of Japanese classic cars. Below is the list of best-selling Japanese cars with the insertion of some rather new models that are worth considering too, check it out.

1. 1989 Mazda 767B

The Mazda 767B race car holds the current record for the most expensive Japanese car sold at auction. This Mazda won its class at Le Mans in 1990. Auctioned by Gooding & Co at Amelia Island in 2017, the classic racer managed to fetch $1,750,000.

2. 2017 Acura NSX

Meanwhile, this first unit of the second-gen Acura NSX is currently the most pricey Japanese production car ever sold at auction. The very first 2017 NSX was sold brand new for $1.2 million by Barrett-Jackson in 2016. With that incredible amount of cash, you could literally buy around six identical units with full options included shortly thereafter.

3. 1967 Toyota 2000GT

There were two 1967 2000GTs that shared the same $1,155,000 price at auction. The yellow one was sold by RM-Sothebys in 2013 while the withe one was sold by Gooding & Co a year later. In total, only 351 Toyota 2000GTs were built in 1967 and 1968.

4. 1992 AAR/Toyota Eagle Mk III GTP

Formerly part of Juan Manuel Fangio II’s collection, the Eagle Mk III GTP was the most prominent prototype in US motorsport history, achieving 14 wins from 23 starts and giving Fangio the IMSA GTP Championship in 1992 and 1993. It was also the winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring Race in the same years. Built by Dan Gurney’s All American Racers, the car was then gifted to Fangio by Toyota after its retirement. It is powered by a fuel-injected 2.1-liter DOHC four that made 700 hp in 1992, and 750 hp in 1993. The car was sold by Gooding & Co for $1,045,000 in 2014.

5. 1990 AAR/Toyota Eagle HF89 ($660,000)

The 1990 Toyota Eagle HF89 managed to fetch at least $660,000 when it was auctioned by Gooding & Co at Amelia Island in 2015.