Sunday Feb 05

Thunderbird Facts

Key Points

  • Introduced in September 1954 as a 1955 model
    • two seat convertible
    • total original two seat production 53,166
  • Total sales - 4.3 million units
  • Peak sales year 1977 - 322,517 units
  • Built at Lorain assembly, Lorain, Ohio
  • Last redesign in 2002
  • 2005 sales

Product Highlights

  • Introduced in September 1954 as a 1955 model
    • two seat convertible
    • total two seat production 53,166
  • Redesigned in 1958
    • Motor Trend Car of the Year 1958
    • four seat model
    • dubbed "the square 'bird"
    • sales increased from 21,380 in 1957 to 91,058
  • Redesigned in 1961
    • the "projectile" look
  • Redesigned in 1964
    • discontinued convertible after 1966
  • Redesigned on 1967
    • four-door model added to lineup
  • Redesigned in 1970
  • Redesigned in 1972
    • two-door model only
  • Redesigned in 1975
    • personal luxury car
  • Redesigned in 1977
    • peak sales year was 1977 with 322,517 units
  • Redesigned in 1980
  • Redesigned in 1983 with Aero look
    • Motor Trend Car of the Year 1987
  • Redesigned in 1989 Motor Trend Car of the Year
  • Discontinued in 1997
  • Redesigned in 2002
    • two-passenger roadster
  • Discontinued in 2005
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Thunderbird

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.

Classic Thunderbirds

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.

1957 Thunderbird

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.

1955 Thunderbird

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 TBird Community

The T-Bird Community will be opening online soon and featuring social groups, classifieds, photo galleries, events, and more Ford Thunderbird Faves!
Stay tuned!