The latest Ford Thunderbird was a collectable the moment it hit the showroom, and while there are plenty out there with low miles and a decade of sitting around doing nothing, this 2004 example gives you all the fun at a more reasonable price. It also offers a great color combination, almost every available option, and a lifetime of care that shows everywhere you look.Silver makes the Thunderbird look sleek, not vintage, and that's a nice contrast to all the pastel 'Birds you see running around. For a car that's been around for more than a decade now, the finish is in remarkable condition, a testament to both the care it has received and the fact that it was never used as a daily driver. It has never been wrecked and like probably every one of its siblings, it has never seen winter weather, so rust is a complete non-issue. Build quality on these cars was quite good, with sharp gaps all around and doors that close with a solid sound, rather well done for a car with a convertible top. The vintage T-Bird look is still there in small doses, particularly up front where there's a nice chrome grille and hood scoop, while out back, the big, round taillights are a 21st century take on Ford's favorite jet-age styling feature. Beautiful Thunderbird emblems resemble the originals with their inlaid turquoise details and a few well-chosen bits of chrome give this 'Bird an upscale feel. If you're going to pick nits, there's a small scuff on the rear bumper, but overall this car is really impressively clean for its age.The tan leather interior is a nice contrast to the silver paint and it's far more comfortable in the sun than black. It also appears to be years younger and miles fresher than you'd expect, with seats showing only very minor wear. The matching leather-wrapped steering wheel is similarly nice and there are zero modifications inside. Of course, on Ford's flagship, everything was standard, so you get ice cold A/C, power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats, cruise control, heated seats, and a great-sounding stereo that works well top up or top down. There were several different dashboard finishes available, with this one wearing brushed silver accents that look great with the white-faced gauges and turquoise pointers. It's strictly a 2-seater, but there's a well-finished package shelf behind the seats and a good-sized trunk that's fully upholstered in as-new condition. And like the 'Birds of the past, this one offers both a tan convertible top (power assisted, of course) as well as a matching porthole hardtop.The only engine available in the late-model 'Birds was a 3.9 liter DOHC V8 that delivered the kind of effortless performance that made the original so popular. It's not a racer, but it's competent and has a great V8 growl thanks to a modified exhaust system that dumped the rear resonators. It starts easily, idles smoothly, and moves the tidy convertible with gusto but never threatens to get unruly. A 5-speed automatic transmission was the only choice, and it, too, specializes in always being in the right gear without attracting a lot of attention. An all-independent suspension handles well but doesn't jostle occupants and the 4-wheel discs are powerful. In short, all the hardware is dedicated to making your drive as effortless as possible without taking away any of the fun. Handsome polished wheels are in great shape and now carry 235/50/17 Yokohama radials.This Thunderbird neatly balances price and quality with fun and comfort, making it a great choice for a late-model hobby car. Call today!