2001 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster Concept Car to Be Auctioned for Charity

A very special lot is to go under the hammer at the forthcoming Monterey auction later this month, with all the proceeds form the sale to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The vehicle in question is a 2001 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster concept car, estimated to fetch between $125,000-$175,000.

Presented at the 2002 NAIAS event, the Thunderbird Sports Roadster concept takes design cues from the “Bullet Birds” of the 1960s, specifically the 1962-63 Thunderbird of the same name. Like the original Sports Roadster, the Ford concept also features a molded fiberglass tonneau that integrates the rear deck with the headrests.

In front, an integrated chrome hood scoop as well as the chrome headlight surrounds complement the sleek look. The chrome-finished egg-crate design grille also recalls T-Birds of the past as do the wheels, which at 18 inches in diameter are both modern in size and classic in design.

The car is painted in vivid red that contrasts with the “ceramic” white leather interior. The instrument panel, pillars, scuff plates and interior door trim panels are all wrapped in the same leather and feature unique stitching by Draxlmaier. Also featured in “ceramic” white is the three-spoke steering wheel, shift knob, hand brake and arm rest. Contrasting the miles of white leather, the instrument panel and door panels are finished in elegant brushed aluminum along with aluminum-finished buttons.

It looks great, but RM Auctions did release one warning: “Please also note that this vehicle is not DOT- or EPA-certified. It cannot be registered for highway use in the United States and is offered on a bill of sale only.”