Ford History
Years Models Wins
1949-1955 Ford/Lincoln/Mercury 10
1956-1959 Ford Fairlane/Mercury Monterey 60
1960-1968 Ford Thunderbird/Ford Galaxie 199
1968- 1971 Ford Torino/Mercury Cyclone 55
1972-1977 Mercury Montego 47
1978 – 1997 Ford Thunderbird/Mercury Cougar 184
1998-2005 Ford Taurus 100
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The name Thunderbird comes from the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, where, according to Indian legend, the Thunderbird was a divine helper of man. Its great flapping wings, invisible to the eyes of mortal man, created the winds and the thunder, and gave the Indians water to live on in the dry wilderness where fate had flung them.
Seldom in the history of the automobile industry has a company achieved the success Ford reached in creating the Thunderbird. The car stunned the automotive world and the effect was a lasting one.
It gave to America and the world a handsome car that was entirely in the American idiom -- a practical and enjoyable car for daily transportation and long trips, and a stylish, yet unique sporting machine with excellent performance and intriguing pedigree.
The 1957 Thunderbird was the first to have a fully padded dash surface. It featured optional Dial-O-Matic power seats and a radio that automatically adjusted the volume in proportion to the speed of the engine.
It would be the last of the two-seaters. With production of 1958 models delayed, 1957 Thunderbird production continued for three extra months. The last one rolled off the assembly line December 13, 1957. An era had ended.
The 1955 Thunderbird was more of a personal car concept than a sports car, the result of a decision Crusoe made during the winter of 1953-54. The more luxurious direction created the personal luxury car segment of the automotive market, and Thunderbird would enjoy almost uninterrupted leadership in this segment for decades.
The T-Bird Community will be opening online soon and featuring social groups, classifieds, photo galleries, events, and more Ford Thunderbird Faves!
Stay tuned!