While style is one thing, substance is another. Just consider that the Thunderbird's chief engineer, Hau Thai-Tang, who is also behind the sensational Mustang Bullitt, refers to the Porsche 944 Turbo as one of his all-time favourite cars. Fortunately he seems to have as much talent as taste. "Its dual personality offers undemanding, relaxed cruising, but if you push the car, it handles well," says Hau. I have to concur, this 'Bird flies.
Its handling prowess is due much in part to its Lincoln LS donor platform. The double-wishbone, aluminum front and rear suspension system is virtually unchanged while its wheelbase is seven inches shorter, helping to make up for the 50% in structural rigidity lost when the roof came off. Beefier rockers, an X-brace in the floor panel and the addition of a rear bulkhead stiffened things up substantially. On the road, there is only a hint of shudder and then only over the worst uneven pavement. Under normal driving conditions the Thunderbird is rock solid, even when cornering aggressively. What's more, while the suspension is compliant enough to absorb bumps and dips, no body float is apparent.
The 252-hp 3.9-litre DOHC V8 had sufficient power to keep a grin plastered across my face during our winding highway run to Squamish, while the 5-speed automatic transmission gives smooth and progressive shifts. A manual mode is not offered.
Inside, brushed aluminum trim graces an attractive cockpit. Retro touches include body colour dash and console, door panels, shift knob and seat inserts (optional). The leather seats are comfortable and supportive offering 6-way power adjustments to fit most any body type. While driving with the top down, intrusive wind is kept to a minimum. After all, you don't want anything to take away from the sound of Del Shannon's "Runaway" on the 6-disc in-dash CD stacker.
Its handling prowess is due much in part to its Lincoln LS donor platform. The double-wishbone, aluminum front and rear suspension system is virtually unchanged while its wheelbase is seven inches shorter, helping to make up for the 50% in structural rigidity lost when the roof came off. Beefier rockers, an X-brace in the floor panel and the addition of a rear bulkhead stiffened things up substantially. On the road, there is only a hint of shudder and then only over the worst uneven pavement. Under normal driving conditions the Thunderbird is rock solid, even when cornering aggressively. What's more, while the suspension is compliant enough to absorb bumps and dips, no body float is apparent.
The 252-hp 3.9-litre DOHC V8 had sufficient power to keep a grin plastered across my face during our winding highway run to Squamish, while the 5-speed automatic transmission gives smooth and progressive shifts. A manual mode is not offered.
Inside, brushed aluminum trim graces an attractive cockpit. Retro touches include body colour dash and console, door panels, shift knob and seat inserts (optional). The leather seats are comfortable and supportive offering 6-way power adjustments to fit most any body type. While driving with the top down, intrusive wind is kept to a minimum. After all, you don't want anything to take away from the sound of Del Shannon's "Runaway" on the 6-disc in-dash CD stacker.