Used Car Face-Off: Retro American Convertibles

"Amoore100" (amoore100)
10/07/2016 at 20:06 • Filed to: Used Car Face-Off, Plymouth, Ford, Thunderbird, SSR

A few weeks ago I featured three, European, retro-inspired ‘hatches’ which were a clear indication of the influence the global automotive retro movement had on Europe. We move back in time today to the United States with three convertibles which epitomized retro styling in the early 2000's. While they’re all heavy, underpowered show boats, which one would you choose to drive in your next local parade? Here are the options:

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A high price it may command, this fourteen-year-old Ford two door is perhaps the most pristine example of the eleventh gen T-bird that exists on the planet. With a total of 480 miles on the clock, parade-prancing is probably all that this Ford’s been doing, so do you dare open out that 3.9 Jaguar-Ford V8 mated to the 5-speed auto or are you more concerned that it’ll take far more work and time to get it up to speed?

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For the same price as the Ford here you can buy its chief rival, the Chevy SSR! This car has a few more miles, namely 9520 more, but seems just as well kept and its condition is substantiated by a greater quantity of higher quality images. Is this automatic, V8, 300 hp cruiser to your tastes, or does that covered bed lined in teak turn you away?

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Like the SSR, the Prowler did not aim to mimic one car from history in particular, but simply an entire era with its ‘30s-style front prow and separated front wheel pods. The V6 may have been a disappointing minivan motor linked through a tragic four speed, but at least the darned thing was the first RWD Plymouth since 1989. With 6301 miles, is this silver softop a better option than the other two V8s?

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DISCUSSION (20)

Tristan > Amoore100
10/07/2016 at 20:24

I can’t believe the SS-R is in the lead... I drove one once. It drove exactly like a Tahoe. Nothing fun about it. Also, awkward proportions.

I voted Prowler, just because it looks good and got great reviews as a decent driver’s car when it was new. I don’t hate that generation of Thunderchicken, but they’re a bit of a snooze to drive from what I hear.

Amoore100 > Tristan
10/07/2016 at 20:27

Well, just look at American democracy.

Anyways, I can understand appreciating these things as cruisers but choosing the Prowler as the driver’s choice seems logical as well. Whatever floats your boat, since in the end none of them is amazing anyways.

Tristan > Amoore100
10/07/2016 at 20:31

It’s true... 3 shitty choices- just like American democracy. I’d like to see the Thunderbird’s birth certificate... I hear he is of British heritage.

Jonee > Amoore100
10/07/2016 at 21:10

I don’t hate those Thunderbirds. I know there’s nothing all that interesting about it except the looks, but if you’re going to have a mid-life crisis drop top, it might as well be that one. The SSR is just silly, and the Prowler has the problem of performance that can’t cash the check the looks wrote. Plus the Ford wouldn’t be inconvenient to daily drive.

camaroboy68ss > Amoore100
10/07/2016 at 21:18

the only year to own a SSR is a 06, Chevy got their act together and stuck the LS2 in it instead of the 5.3 Vortec and added a 6spd manual option

Birddog > Amoore100
10/07/2016 at 22:13

Prowler. It took balls to produce that thing and it’s a decent parts bin special.

One thing. The 3.5 SOHC V6 was never a minivan engine .

JCAlan > Amoore100
10/07/2016 at 22:26

Yikes. When I saw the the t bird I thought that anything had to be a better choice, but then I scrolled down and stood corrected as a saw the SSR. I guess the Prowler is the least worst option? Still though, it’s a silly car with a black mustache. This was painful and I feel dirty.

Amoore100 > Birddog
10/07/2016 at 22:34

Ok, Intrepid engine, close enough...

shop-teacher > Amoore100
10/07/2016 at 23:33

Gotta be the Prowler. It’s the only one that isn’t totally hideous.

AfromanGTO > Amoore100
10/08/2016 at 01:01

SSR because LS. And I can make it have 400whp without much work.

V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me! > Amoore100
10/08/2016 at 03:13

I chose the SSR on reliability alone. The T-Bird transmission will grenade prematurely, just like they do with that drivetrain when it’s in the Lincoln LS.

All 3 will be a pain to get body and interior bits for. These cars were limited in production to begin with so once you find the parts, you’re gonna pay. A lot.

Reliable retro for less 2005-2009 Mustang GT convertible. Clean lines, cheap, 300 hp stock from a reliable drivetrain (auto or manual), plentiful aftermarket, and good dealer support.

V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me! > AfromanGTO
10/08/2016 at 03:33

That year was the 5.3 and I believe it was iron block.