Thunderbird Production by Color

[Quickdraw]

2002
Evening Black = 8,686 (28%)
Torch Red = 7,184 (23%)
Whisper White = 4,149 (13%)
Thunderbird Blue = 7,353 (24%)
Inspiration Yellow = 3,749 (12%)
Total all 2002s = 31,121

2003
Evening Black = 3,047 (21%)
Torch Red = 3,472 (24%)
Whisper White = 2,431 (17%)
Desert Sky Blue = 1,728 (12%)
Mountain Shad. Grey = 3,134 (22%)
Coral (007 Bond) = 694 (4%)
Total all 2003s = 14,506

2004* (partial yr.)
Evening Black = 1,731 (15%)
Torch Red = 1,567 (14%)
Merlot = 3,608 (31%)
Silver = 2,518 (22%)
Vintage Mint Green = 605 (5%)
Monterey Green (PCR) = 992 (9%)
Light Ice Blue = 504 (4%)
Total 2004 (partial yr) 11,525*

*NOTE:
2004 data includes 10,377 units built through May 7, 2004 plus 1,148 units ordered and VIN assigned but not yet built. Total production for the 2004 model year is estimated to be about 12,900 units leaving about 1,400 units with the color unassigned.

[Bruce]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Harry,
You are the super sluth of Thunderbird info. Absolutely amazing! Just keep the good stuff coming.

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Why did they build so many the first year? No wonder there were so many left on the lots... they should have stuck to about 20,000 IMO.

[Quickdraw]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Why did they build so many the first year? No wonder there were so many left on the lots... they should have stuck to about 20,000 IMO.

The yearly numbers are interesting. The production of the 2002 model ran four months longer than planned because the 2003 engines weren't ready on time. They probably should have just stopped at < 25,000 but thats hindsight. Because the 2002 model ran four months longer than planned, the 2003 model ran four months LESS than planned. So there were 14,500 2003s made in only about eight months. When you look at 2004 production with (projected) less than 13,000 units made for the 12 month period the drop-off is dramatic.

[theherd]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Quickdraw,

Of all the Whisper Whites produced, do you know how many were the premium with partial WW interior? Thanks,

Ray

[Quickdraw]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Quickdraw,

Of all the Whisper Whites produced, do you know how many were the premium with partial WW interior? Thanks,

Ray

Ray, sure do... for the 2003 White/White/Partial white there were 674 made. If you did not get a top at all yours was one of 23 made like that.

[theherd]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Cool! Thanks!

[TBIRDY]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

I love the stats you come up with!!! Keep 'em coming.

[Bruce]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Ray,
1 of only 674 wow that puts you in the elite status. Not like my dime a dozen red at a little less than 3,500. Want to trade less mods of course?

[Quickdraw]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Ray,
1 of only 674 wow that puts you in the elite status. Not like my dime a dozen red at a little less than 3,500. Want to trade less mods of course?

Bruce, where did you get that number - 1 out of 3,500? I sure hope I didn't give you that number because its wrong. The most popular '03 of all, Grey/Grey/Black accent premium only has 1,421 made. Do you have the standard black or black accent interior?

[Quickdraw]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Bruce, where did you get that number - 1 out of 3,500? I sure hope I didn't give you that number because its wrong. The most popular '03 of all, Grey/Grey/Black accent premium only has 1,421 made. Do you have the standard black or black accent interior?

Bruce, I’ll answer my own question… you got that 3,500 from the total reds built in all combinations for ‘03. Your ’03 red/red/black premium is one of 519 if you have the black accent and only one of 264 if you have the standard black interior (no wood). I’m guessing you’ll treat it with a lot more respect now that you know how rare it really is.

[Bruce]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Harry,
I love my bird and I would take care of it no matter how many were made. But now I'm confused by the interiors. When I bought my red bird it was all black with a very shiny shifter and top portion of the wheel. I hated the look of both so I changed out the shifter and wheel for all black leather but I still have the originals in a box in the garage. So I take it that it was 1 of 519 but is now 1 of 265 (264+1)?
Your right about where I got the 3,500 from, I forgot about the different interior colors and yes it is a premium.

[Quickdraw]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Harry,
I love my bird and I would take care of it no matter how many were made. But now I'm confused by the interiors. When I bought my red bird it was all black with a very shiny shifter and top portion of the wheel. I hated the look of both so I changed out the shifter and wheel for all black leather but I still have the originals in a box in the garage. So I take it that it was 1 of 519 but is now 1 of 265 (264+1)?
Your right about where I got the 3,500 from, I forgot about the different interior colors and yes it is a premium.

Then yours left the factory with the Black Accent interior option with 519 made. The way I'd count it is either one of 519 as built or one of one as it is now. Just about anyone that mods their cars makes them one of one. For example I wouldn't think there are more than a handful of people outside of TBN with the chrome hood scoop. That is probably the most popular mod among nesters but you'd have a very hard time finding someone outside of TBN that even knows it exists.

[Bruce]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Harry, one of a kind, I like that alot.

Anyway here are the mods that substantiate being one of a kind.
Dayton Wire Wheels, Goodyear F1 Tires, Kustomotive 2 Piece Tonneau Cover, Borla Catback Exhaust System, Custom Mats (Front, Shelf & Trunk), XM Satellite Radio, Leather Steering Wheel & Shifter Knob, 3M Poleurathane Protection (F/E, Bumper & Mirrors), Chrome Items (Hood Bezel, Engine Covers & Door Locks), Taillight Rings, T-Bird Valve Stem Covers.
In-process: Vanity Plate, Dash Kit
Wanted: CAI for '03

Thanks again Harry!

[RT42]

Re: Thunderbird Production by Color

Thanks Quickdraw, great info.

As a point of reference I cobbled together the production stats from the 55-57 birds (from T-BIRD, 45 Years of Thunder 2nd edition)

Total production 55 - 57 = 53,166

55 production = 16,155
56 production = 15,631
57 production = 21,380 (extended production to use up parts)