Who would have guessed Ford could have designed something that looked this good? The 21st Century Ford Thunderbird is drop dead gorgeous. The lines of this “retro” car are close to perfect — the grill, the porthole and the colors are faultless.

Why does one buy a two-seat, no luggage convertible? To drive along the ocean on a beautiful, sunny day with your favorite person.

With the top down and the road wide-open, Ford’s new Thunderbird is a fun car to drive.

This car has an advanced Jaguar-designed, double overhead cam, variable valve timing and an all aluminum 3.9 liter V-8, which produces a mighty 280 hp, much more powerful than the original 1955 Thunderbird motor, which although heavier and bigger at 4.7 liters, could only eke out a puny 190 hp. The new motor is essentially similar to the one used by the Jaguar S, XJ6, XJR and the Lincoln LS. Expect a low rumble at slower speeds, and a Nascar sound at higher rpms. When you put your foot down you’re in a race car, it takes off to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds and the sound makes you want to do it again and again.

The transmission is a sophisticated five-speed with manual override, known as “Select Shift.” The shifts are smooth and refined with no excitement — just the way it should be. Traction control is standard and helps the car take off on difficult surfaces. The rear suspension is an independent system derived from the Jaguar “S” type, and it shows when cornering and just riding along. The four-wheel disc brakes stop this 3,800-pound beast on a dime without disturbing the adrenalin.

Cruise up Highway 101 from Del Mar to Carlsbad on a Sunday with the top down and you’ll think the car is wearing a bikini by the number of looks, craning necks and comments it garners.

Is this the perfect car? Sadly, there are some downsides. As with all convertibles, at least all American convertibles, the lack of upper structure reduces the stiffness of the entire chassis to a jiggly, jelly like mess on anything but an ultra smooth road. Ford has done a fair job of keeping chassis flex down, but every time the car encounters a rough patch, there is a little shake. You won’t find that jiggle in a Porsche Boxster, a BMW Z series, or Mercedes SLK convertible.

Another problem is the proximity of the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. My right foot, size 10, could not apply the gas without also applying the brake — not a good thing. Although the soft top was easy to raise and lower, it was not as easy to latch down. Another fault, common with many convertibles is the lack of trunk space — don’t plan any long journeys or trips to the airport. And if you are tall, forget it, the front seat has adjustment limitations at the rear bulkhead.

Another deterrent is the hefty price — $43,390 for the top of the line Pacific Coast model, $38,390 for the premium model and $37,345 for the deluxe model, this car does not come cheap.

But, all of this is forgotten when the car motors up Highway 101 topless for all to see.

If you want the optional hard top with the porthole, it is included in the Pacific Coast model and is $2,500 on the premium model. It is not offered on the deluxe model. There are few options available on any of these cars.

EPA estimates its fuel consumption at 17 mpg city and 24 highway. The warranty offered is three years or 36,000 miles. The extended warranty takes it to 100,000 miles.

Ford is limiting production of this car to about 80,000. The message here is if you want one, you’d better get going. Try Mossy Ford of Pacific Beach, who loaned the car for this review.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 55 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at austin@sandiegometro.com.