390 HP Thunderbird Concept Introduced

[A Justin]

Ford Motor Company today introduced a Supercharged Thunderbird concept car as a possible future addition to its Living Legends line of automobiles. The 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show debut signals the influence of the newly established Ford Performance Group (FPG).

The supercharged Ford Thunderbird concept is powered by a 3.9-liter 390 horsepower supercharged V-8 engine. It was designed to gauge consumer interest in a performance-tuned version of Ford’s iconic two-seat sports roadster. The Supercharged Thunderbird concept was a joint development of Ford’s Living Legends Design Studio and the FPG as a potential addition to FPG’s future product portfolio.

If you would like to read more about this, please click HERE (http://www.motorcities.com/contents/03A1D200904659.html)

[Venturescott]

My brother in Phoenix called me yesterday and said that the father of one of his co-workers had just bought one of these T-birds! I can only assume it is one of these or this one from the description he gave. The "son" thought it was an all stainless-steel body, which I, of course, found hard to believe, but it is the supercharged motor and had special Shelby seats in it. The father paid $87,000.00 for the car.
I've asked for pictures and I'm hoping my brother can come up with some. The buyer was told that this T-bird was one of the last ten T-birds to be manufactured! I know, I know. This is really hard to believe, but I'm just the messenger!!
The buyer was told that this was a limited edition Shelby T-Bird. The concept mentioned in this thread is the only thing the remotely resembles what he described. Has anyone else heard of this car or the fact that it can be bought?? When I hear more, I'll be sure and pass it on.
By the way, the car was purchased from a Ford dealer in Scotsdale, AZ.

[jerrym3]

Nice, very nice, but what the heck am I going to do with this car at my age? Drag race? Beat up on Marauder/Trilogy and BMW drivers? Teach Jag SR drivers a thing or two? Play games with the C5 & C6 drivers?

Been there; done that. Just want a fairly quick, reliable car now.

Sorry, to me it ain't worth the bucks, whatever they may be.

Nice to know that it's available for you young whipper snappers!!

Ah, to be 59 again.

[5bird7]

As I recall, the last stainless steel body cars were built in the early 60s/late 50s as concepts/show cars from a variety of manufacturers. I think 10 or less ever were made - one of each - to showcase for the stainless steel manufacturer. One was a T-bird. It could have had a supercharger. I don't know about the seats.

[Quickdraw]

My brother in Phoenix called me yesterday and said that the father of one of his co-workers had just bought one of these T-birds! I can only assume it is one of these or this one from the description he gave. The "son" thought it was an all stainless-steel body, which I, of course, found hard to believe, but it is the supercharged motor and had special Shelby seats in it. The father paid $87,000.00 for the car.
I've asked for pictures and I'm hoping my brother can come up with some. The buyer was told that this T-bird was one of the last ten T-birds to be manufactured! I know, I know. This is really hard to believe, but I'm just the messenger!!
The buyer was told that this was a limited edition Shelby T-Bird. The concept mentioned in this thread is the only thing the remotely resembles what he described. Has anyone else heard of this car or the fact that it can be bought?? When I hear more, I'll be sure and pass it on.
By the way, the car was purchased from a Ford dealer in Scotsdale, AZ.
You can bet it's nothing like the 2002 supercharged Thunderbird concept. There won't be any stainless steel versions of our car. For stainless body panels you need dies to form the panels not molds like those that formed our fenders, hood, deck lid, bumper covers, etc.

[AZTB]

Am I mistaken...wasn't the DeLorean a SS body?

[Quickdraw]

Am I mistaken...wasn't the DeLorean a SS body?
Yes, you are correct that was stainless and they had dies, not molds, to form the body panels.

[5bird7]

oh, forgot about those - the DeLorean's that is.

[DrtiBird]

Yes, you are correct that was stainless and they had dies, not molds, to form the body panels.
As I recall, severall wound up being painted; not everyone like the stainless idea. I liked the car, but would prefer a little color too.:naughty:

That concept car is pertty nice and I really like the looks and hp of the engine. I might even consider trading if they had some decent colors to choose from and the price was clost to that of our birds. $87,000(?) is way beyond what I would consider.

[joe166]

I don't think it was so much that they didn't like the steel color as much as that they can't repair even a slight ding without leaving a mark. If you even get a door ding, you will probably end up painting it to have an even surface.

[tonyv007]

COULD THIS BE A FUTURE LINCOLN MARK ENGINE TO COMPETE WITH CADDY'S 2 SEATER??? :naughty:

[archiea]

Nice, very nice, but what the heck am I going to do with this car at my age? Drag race? Beat up on Marauder/Trilogy and BMW drivers? Teach Jag SR drivers a thing or two? Play games with the C5 & C6 drivers?

Been there; done that. Just want a fairly quick, reliable car now.

Sorry, to me it ain't worth the bucks, whatever they may be.

Nice to know that it's available for you young whipper snappers!!

Ah, to be 59 again.

After driving the first 300 miles on the 'bird, its so clear that its a cruiser, not a dragster. If I want a dragster, I'll get the new 400hp 2006 cobra for 30K when it comes out. I almost find hotrodding T-birds a sin considering how relaxed it is.

[TATDC]

Boy doesn't this sound like the super charged Jag S. I think it is coming out or is out now. A friend who recently got a Bird showed me an article today but I did not read it through. Since the cars are similar it may be the answer to some members yearning for more speed!

[Cameron SVC]

You can bet it's nothing like the 2002 supercharged Thunderbird concept. There won't be any stainless steel versions of our car. For stainless body panels you need dies to form the panels not molds like those that formed our fenders, hood, deck lid, bumper covers, etc.

if you take a good look at the ford 390 hp photo, you can see that it was done in photoshop. Just to let you know, just in case anyone thought it was real and physically built. The interior looks real, easy to do, but the rear end and hood slats, definately a pre-visaulisation!

[5bird7]

here's a real photo of Ford's car.

[Sam]

That's a GREAT looking car! :pinkie: Wish it could have been. :sad:

[oldlinc]

T-bird Platform Going To Be Used For Lincoln Mk 10 Convertible, Check Lincoln Web Site Concepts, Also Mk 9 Coupe. You'll See These Cars
Before The T-bird! You Really Want To Fly Put In A 4.6 From A Mk8 And
Then A Supercharger From A Mach 1.

[Cameron SVC]

but this is news from 2003, nothing has happened since.
I believe we are the only company in production with a fully tested and higher performacne blower!
everything else is vaporwear!

[LA PHIL]

Hi Cameron SVC,

I knew you created a supercharged version of a 2002 T-Bird, but have you also done a 2003, 'o4 or '05? And are you currently selling a supercharger system for the 2003 and up? Also, do you offer the 'wire-mesh' grill for sale, or was it just a one-off custom mod for your showcar?

I'd like more info on these items if possible.

Thanks,

"L.A. PHIL"

[duff092670]

Hi Cameron SVC,

I knew you created a supercharged version of a 2002 T-Bird, but have you also done a 2003, 'o4 or '05? And are you currently selling a supercharger system for the 2003 and up? Also, do you offer the 'wire-mesh' grill for sale, or was it just a one-off custom mod for your showcar?

I'd like more info on these items if possible.

Thanks,

"L.A. PHIL"
ME TOO!

[DTBird]

Cameron SVC wanted $800.00 for the grill (not installation) last time I checked. But a very beautiful grill indeed. I wish it was more affordable! Even though it is custom and maybe fabricated by hand, that is a lot of dinero!

[leisha]

Just a reminder!
http://www.ford.ca/english/learnabout/conceptcars/thunderbird.asp#

[Proboxfan]

It's funny how Ford never made a public statement as to why they chose to not come out with the supercharged version of the T-Bird.

I mean, were they afraid of failure and more problems? Did the tests reveal something impractical and problematic?

That's part of the shame of it all. We got the tease, the slap in the face, and then ignored. I mean, if I REALLY want that type of treatment, I know where to go! :sadsong:

[archiea]

Those hood vents in the shape of a bird... Awh man.. what a beauty.... even at 55K...

[Quickdraw]

It's funny how Ford never made a public statement as to why they chose to not come out with the supercharged version of the T-Bird.
~~

They never announced that they would offer a supercharged version so they didn't have to explain why they canceled it. Concepts are just that. We do know from our August tour that the Lima Engine plant spent considerable money to extend the 3.9 engine line 75 feet to prepare for the addition of the supercharger. For whatever reason(s) they aborted the plans.

Aquabird works at the Lima Engine plant, maybe he knows more....