Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

[David III]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

I have heard they are being slowly bought up - vehicle brokers get orders for them. I think, based on some limited evidence I have, that people who (have the cash and) already own one Tbird are buying a second and third. Perhaps since they can only drive one at a time, the others aren't seen?
Also, I've had two Ford dealerships offer me - sight unseen - very close to what I paid for mine a few years ago. They both gave the same explanation: "we already have a buyer."
Kind of interesting, I thought. And, no, I didn't sell or swap. The Tbird really is a fantastic road car.

[RETROBIRD]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

I'm not suggesting that these cars become daily drivers. I am all for preserving them for future generations to see, but come on. This is my third major trip and NO BIRDS! I know a lot of us go to meetings, conventions or whatever, those are special occasions. I have entered mine in seven different car shows and have won an award every time. The majority of the people have no idea what kind of car it is. I'm just saying you don't need a special reason to drive it. Let's face it there will probably NEVER be a new THUNDERBIRD so enjoy it while you can, I know I do.

[maxkemp]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

You are right Walter, most folks don't know and we like that. Here in Houston we dont too many free range T-Birds. Example, my wife was filling Phoenix up with gas and a man child on a bicycle asks her, "Sweet Ride, is it a Maserati"?

[islandtime]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

In the beginning ('05)... I drove Goldilocks sparingly (she still has only 6200 miles on her), and then I got Moondoggie (a bit over 12,000 now), but I drive them for no particular reason now (they aren't daily drivers, because I'M not a daily driver, being retired), but I do drive them, and as some of you know...my third Bird will be a PCR, and when the economy recovers a bit and I'm on the hunt...there will be a pristine PCR out there for me to drive every third trip, alternating with my other babies. Oh - except Fridays, when I get to drive the Shelby.

[Dizzbe]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

Mine doesn't get driven too much, for part of the year the roads here are just too harsh to take the tbird out when I have two other SUV's now to pick from. Then I had a rough drive up the interstate to go to work, I came from 2 yrs with it in Nebraska with no chips or rocks and I drove it much more often. Here I've picked up several rock chips in the few times I driven it.

I do drive it close to home and to run errands and of course didn't hesitate to drive it to Las Vegas.

You don't see many out here at all, there is another merlot here in Draper though. I shouted out to the guy once and he seemed real nice. Funny that the thunderbird doesn't get the looks here or comments like it did in Nebraska. I couldn't drive it there without someone saying something. In Utah BMW's and large SUV's are the big thing.

[JHBIRD]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

Hope you feel better after that bit of venting Walter. We spent eight hours + in our "007" edition this past weekend and truly enjoyed the ride. Did see one red '02' and one silver (not sure of year) going the other way. So, there are some out there.
MB.

[snowbird]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

Well hello there neighbour "Jeff". So there are more Retro's in the area. Perhaps you would like to join our next 'Sunday brunch' get together. There are about four of us at present and room for more. We call ourselves the "Retro Bird Bruch Bunch" . Feel free to contact me off site.
Another Martin.

[snowbird]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

Yes, it is a bit of a toungh twister. Should be "Retro Bird Brunch Bunch". Think I got it this time.
Martin.

[luvbirdz]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

Martin,
Nesting plans are set for this Fri. so will look forward to a spring brunch.
Hopefully Saffron will get here in the spring and can treat her to Brunch with the Bunch and a relay if you are getting in on it.

Cheers, Martin

[snowbird]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

A relay may not be a bad idea. Should be quite a few stops in Ontario before this is over. And, yes, stop in for the Retro Bird Brunch.
One of the other Martin's.

[DLJames]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

Phil:
I was thinking about that story about yours being the first retro T-bird we ever saw on the road as I scrolled down the thread and then saw your post. Of course, that changed later that day when we had the first caravan at Thunder fever.
We now have a little less than 20k on our 02. Mark will get it at some point in the (hopefully) distant future. It is not our daily driver, but is our special "date" car. Now that Mark is in college, we now only have 1 child at home, so when she is away at college, I expect it will driven a little more. Only did about 1200 miles this season.

[Ski]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

Just came back from 322 miles in Maryland and Delaware - not a Bird in site the whole trip. Mine was a hit at the conference however.

[04birdman]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

i drive 60k per year travelin salesman ...got bird in july...travel wash,idaho,montana..seen three birds on the road....iv seen more on the car lots....

[Bradford]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

I've been thinking about it, I don't really mind not seeing alot of other Thunderbirds on the road. That just makes mine much more unique to those out there not familiar with them. When looking purchasing mine new back in 2005, the limited number, less on the road was one of the things that made me buy the Thunderbird. BMW, Porsche Boxter, more on the road, could have actually gotten them for about the same price. Mustang, could have gotten a nice one for much less and had many more options for aftermarket upgrades. So, the fact that I don't see them, not a real problen for me. Then years from now, after they have been locked up, and mine has had the wheels run off it, there will be plenty for sale by those owners kids. But that's only my point of view.

[bikebird]

Re: Where have ALL the T-BIRDS gone?

Don't know why, but I never see a tbird when I drive mine. I only see birds when I'm in the focus wagon or on my bike.