Ford Thunderbird

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Ford Thunderbird
1957 Thunderbird
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	October 1954 – September 1997 June 2001 – July 2005
Model years	1955–1997 2002–2005
Body and chassis
Class	Personal luxury car Sports car (first and eleventh generations)
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive

The Ford Thunderbird (colloquially called the T-Bird) is a personal luxury car manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company from model years 1955 to 2005 (with a 1998–2001 hiatus), across 11 generations. Introduced as a two-seat convertible, the Thunderbird was offered variously as a four-seat hardtop coupe, four-seat convertible, five-seat convertible and hardtop, four-door pillared hardtop sedan, six-passenger hardtop coupe, and five-passenger pillared coupe, with the final generation designed again as a two-seat convertible.

Ford targeted the two-seat Thunderbird as an upscale model, but the 1958 model year design introduced a rear seat and arguably marked the expansion of a market segment eventually known as personal luxury cars, positioned to emphasize comfort and convenience over handling and high-speed performance.

The Thunderbird entered production for the 1955 model year as a sporty two-seat convertible. Unlike the Chevrolet Corvette, it was not marketed as a sports car.^[1] Ford positioned the Thunderbird as an upscale model and it is credited in developing a new market segment, the personal luxury car.^{[citation needed]} For 1958, the Thunderbird was redesigned with a second row of seats. Succeeding generations became larger until the line was downsized in 1977, again in 1980, and once again in 1983. Sales were good until the 1990s when large two-door coupes became unpopular. Thunderbird production ended in 1997, then briefly resumed as a two-passenger, marketed from 2002 to 2005.

From its introduction in 1955 to its final phaseout in 2005, Ford produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds.^[2]

A smaller two-seater sports roadster, named the Vega, was developed in 1953 at the behest of Henry Ford II. The completed one-off generated interest at the time, but had meager power, European looks, and a correspondingly high cost, so it never proceeded to production. The Thunderbird was similar in concept but was more American in style, more luxurious, and less sport-oriented.

Credit for the development of the original Thunderbird is given to Lewis Crusoe, a former GM executive lured out of retirement by Henry Ford II; George Walker, chief stylist and a Ford vice president; Frank Hershey, chief stylist for the Ford Division; Bill Boyer, designer for the Body Development Studio, who became the manager of the Thunderbird Studio in the spring of 1955; and Bill Burnett, chief engineer. Ford Designer William P. Boyer was the lead stylist on the original 1955 two-seater Thunderbird and also had input in the following series of Thunderbirds that included the 30th Anniversary Edition.^[3] Hershey's participation in the creation of the Thunderbird was more administrative than artistic.^{[citation needed]} Crusoe and Walker met in France in October 1951. Walking in the Grand Palais in Paris, Crusoe pointed at a sports car and asked Walker, "Why can't we have something like that?" Some versions of the story claim that Walker replied by telling Crusoe, "Oh, we're working on it" ... although if anything existed at the time beyond casual dream-car sketches by members of the design staff, records of it have never come to light.^{[citation needed]}

Walker promptly telephoned Ford's HQ in Dearborn and told designer Frank Hershey about the conversation with Crusoe. Hershey took the idea and began working on the vehicle. The concept was for a two-passenger open car, with a target weight of 2,525 lb (1,145 kg), a 252 cu in (4.1 L) Ford Y-block Interceptor V8 based on the forthcoming overhead-valve Ford engine slated for 1954 model year introduction, and a top speed over 100 mph (161 km/h). Crusoe saw a painted clay model on May 18, 1953, which corresponded closely to the final car; he gave the car the go-ahead in September after comparing it with current European trends. After Henry Ford II returned from the Los Angeles Auto Show (Autorama) in 1953, he approved the final design concept to compete with the then-new Corvette.

The name was not among the thousands proposed, including rejected options such as Apache (the original name of the P-51 Mustang), Falcon (owned by Chrysler at the time),^[4] Eagle, Tropicale, Hawaiian, and Thunderbolt.^[5] A Ford stylist who had lived in the southwest submitted the Thunderbird name,^[6] a reference to the mythological thunderbird, a supernatural bird of great power and strength of the North American indigenous people.

At the time, Ernest Breech, then chairman of Ford Motor Company, was a member of the Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. According to club lore, he asked its permission to use the name, which was granted.^[7]

The Ford Thunderbird was introduced in February 1953 as a response to Chevrolet's new sports car, the Corvette, which was publicly unveiled in prototype form just a month before.^[8] Under rapid development, the Thunderbird went from idea to prototype in about a year, being unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show on February 20, 1954. It was a two-seat design available with a detachable fiberglass hardtop and a folding fabric top.^[9]

Production of the Thunderbird began on September 9 of that year, with the car beginning sales as a 1955 model on October 22, 1954. Though sharing some design characteristics with other Fords of the time such as single circular headlamps and tail lamps, and modest tail fins, the Thunderbird was sleeker in shape and featured a hood scoop and a 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer not available on other Fords. It used mechanical components from mass-market Ford models. The Thunderbird's 102.0 in (2,591 mm) wheelbase frame was a shortened version used in other Fords and the standard 292 cu in (4.8 L) Y-block V8 came from Ford's Mercury division.^[10]

Though inspired by and positioned directly against the Corvette, Ford advertised the Thunderbird at launch as a "personal car of distinction" and put a greater emphasis on the car's comfort and convenience features rather than its inherent sportiness.^{[11][12][13][14][15][16]}

The Thunderbird sold exceptionally well in its first year, outselling the Corvette by more than 23-to-one in 1955 with 16,155 Thunderbirds sold against 700 Corvettes.^{[17][14][18][19]}

With the Thunderbird considered a success, few changes were made to the car for the 1956 model year. The most notable change was moving the spare tire to a Continental-style rear bumper to make more storage room in the trunk and a new 12-volt electrical system.^[11][20] The addition of the weight at the rear caused steering issues. Among the few other changes were new paint colors, the addition of standard circular porthole windows in the fiberglass roof to improve rearward visibility (with a delete option), and a 312 cu in (5.1 L) Y-block V8 rated at 215 hp (160 kW) when mated to a three-speed manual transmission or 225 hp (168 kW) when mated to a Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission; this transmission featured a "low gear", which was accessible manually via the gear selector. When in Drive, it was a two-speed automatic transmission (similar to Chevrolet's Powerglide). Low gear could also be accessed with a wide-open throttle. In 1956, Ford also added its new Lifeguard safety package.^[21]

The Thunderbird was revised for 1957 with a reshaped front bumper, a larger grille and tailfins, and larger tail lamps. The instrument panel was heavily restyled with round gauges in a single pod, and the rear of the car was lengthened, allowing the spare tire to be positioned back in the trunk.^[14] The 312 cu in (5.1 L) V8 became the Thunderbird's standard engine, and was rated at an increased 245 hp (183 kW). Other, more powerful versions of this V8 were available, including one with two four-barrel Holley carburetors (VIN code "E"), and another with a Paxton supercharger rated at 300 hp (224 kW) (VIN code "F"). Though Ford was pleased to see sales of the Thunderbird rise to a highest ever 21,380 units for 1957, company executives felt the car could do even better, leading to a substantial redesign of the car for 1958.

Although the 1955–57 Thunderbird was a success, Ford executives—particularly Robert McNamara—were concerned that the car's position as a two-seater limited its sales potential. As a result, the car was redesigned as a four-seater for 1958.^[12]

Despite being released mid-model year, the new Thunderbird began a sales momentum previously unseen with the car, selling 200,000 units in three years, four times that of the three-year two-seat model run. This success spawned a new market segment, the personal luxury car.^[12] It was the first individual model line (as opposed to an entire brand's line) to earn Motor Trend "Car of the Year" honors.^[22]

It was offered in both hardtop and convertible body styles, although the latter was not introduced until June 1958, five months after the release of the hardtop.^[23] The new Thunderbird was considerably larger than the previous generation, with a longer 113.0 in (2,870 mm) wheelbase to accommodate the new back seat. The increased size also increased the car's weight by 800 lb (363 kg). Along with a new, more rigid unibody construction was new styling, including quad headlights, more prominent tailfins, a bolder chrome grille, and a larger, though nonfunctional, hood scoop. The engine was the new 300 hp (224 kW) 352 cu in (5.8 L) FE V8, available with a three-speed manual or automatic transmissions.^[12] The mid-1958 model year sales were 37,892 units, an increase of 16,000 over the previous year.^[12]

For 1959, the Thunderbird featured a new grille and a newly optional 350 hp (261 kW) 430 cu in (7.0 L) MEL V8 engine. Sales increased to 67,456 units.

For the 1960 model year, the grille was again redesigned along with minor styling changes. A new option was a manually operated sunroof for hardtop models. The dual-unit round taillights featured on the 1958 and 1959 were changed to triple-units. Sales increased again, with 92,843 sold in 1960.

The Thunderbird was redesigned for 1961 with styling that gave the car a futuristic bullet-like body-side appearance. A new engine, the 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE V8, was the standard and only engine initially offered in the Thunderbird. It was rated at 300 hp (224 kW) and was mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. The new Thunderbird was well received, with 73,051 sold for 1961.^[24]

The car was 1961's Indianapolis 500 pace car and was featured prominently in US President John F. Kennedy's inaugural parade, who appointed Ford executive Robert McNamara as secretary of defense.^[24] It also benefitted from product placement, notably on the popular television series 77 Sunset Strip.^[24]

A vinyl-roofed Landau option with simulated S-bars was added to the Thunderbird for 1962 as was a Sports Roadster package for convertible models. The Sports Roadster included 48-spoke Kelsey-Hayes-designed wire wheels and a special fiberglass tonneau cover for the rear seats, which gave the car the appearance of a two-seat roadster like the original Thunderbird. The Sports Roadster package was slow-selling due to the high price of the package and the complexity of the tonneau cover.^[10]

Newly optional for 1962 was a 340 hp (254 kW)version of the 390 cu in (6.4 L) V8 equipped with three two-barrel Holley carburetors.^[25] For 1963 only, The engine was only available in cars equipped with factory air conditioning.

Few other changes were made to the Thunderbird for 1963, as Ford prepared to introduce a new version for 1964. A horizontal styling line was added that ran from the front of the car back through the door. Small diagonal chrome bars were added in this area on the door. Alternators rather than generators were a new feature on all 1963 Thunderbirds.

For 1964, the Thunderbird was restyled in favor of a more squared-off appearance, which was mostly evident when viewing the car from the side or rear. Hinting at its roots in the previous generation of Thunderbird, the new model retained a similar grille design with quad headlights and a 113.2 in (2,875 mm) wheelbase. As before, the new Thunderbird continued to be offered in hardtop, convertible, and landau versions. The 300 hp (224 kW) 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE V8 continued as the standard engine. It was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. For 1965, sequential turn signals were added, flashing the individual segments of the broad, horizontal tail lights from inside to outside. Also new for 1965 were standard front disc brakes.

The 1966 model received a new egg crate-style grille and a single-blade front bumper. Its restyled rear bumper included new full-width taillamps. The standard 390 cu in (6.4 L) V8 equipped with a single four-barrel carburetor was rated at 315 hp (235 kW), and a 345 hp (257 kW) 428 cu in (7.0 L) FE V8 became the top power option.^[10] This was the last year for the convertible until the "retro" models of 2002–05.

1967–1969

From 1958 through 1966, the Thunderbird had remained fundamentally the same in concept as a two-door coupe/convertible with two rows of seating. The 1967 model year introduction by Lincoln-Mercury of the similarly configured Mercury Cougar, the most luxurious of the flood of "pony cars" to follow the wildly successful mid-1964 introduction of the Ford Mustang but still considerably less expensive than the Thunderbird, created a challenge to its market positioning. To combat this, the fifth generation Thunderbird was upsized, and a four-door option was added.

The new Thunderbird was no longer unibody, but a body-on-frame construction. The convertible was discontinued in favor of an optional four-door hardtop coupe with suicide doors and a very wide C-pillar.^[26] It received simulated landau bars to help minimize its visual mass.^[27] A new front end included a full-width grille and hidden headlights.

1970–1971

The 1970 model year Thunderbird continued with the same platform and many of the same parts and styling cues from the 1967 through 1969 models, such as the sequential turn signals incorporated into the full-width tail lamps. The most noticeable change was in the front grille, where a prominent projection somewhat resembling a bird's beak was added on the centerline, in line with long, angular lines in the hood. The T-bird was offered in coupe or new sports-back^[clarify] models.

The 1971 Thunderbird was mostly a carry-over from the 1970 model as Ford prepared to release a new, larger Thunderbird for 1972. It was also the last year to offer a four-door.^[28]

The sixth generation of the Thunderbird debuted in the fall of 1971 as a 1972 model. With a 120.4-inch (3,058 mm) wheelbase, an overall length of 214 inches (5,436 mm) (growing to 225 inches (5,715 mm) by 1974), and a curb weight of 4,420 pounds (2,005 kg) (over 4,800 pounds (2,177 kg) when equipped with an optional 460 cu in (7.5 L) V8), it was the largest Thunderbird ever produced by Ford. It continued to share the assembly line with the Lincoln Continental Mark series, as it had since the debut of the Mark III in 1968.

Matching the large size of the car were large engines, including the previous generation’s standard 429 cu in (7.0 L) V8 and the optional 460 cu in (7.5 L) V8, which became standard after 1973. Though offering two of the largest displacement V8 engines ever installed in a production vehicle by Ford, the car's considerable weight combined with low power output caused by restrictive emissions technology resulted in modest performance. Fuel efficiency was corresponding poor.

The big Thunderbirds were initially popular, with sales peaking at over 87,000 units in 1973 in spite of the 1973 oil crisis, but sales had slumped to less than 43,000 by 1975. Sales had a small uptick to almost 53,000 units for 1976, but increasing fuel prices and ever more stringent federal emissions standards led to a downsized vehicle the following year.^[10]

Reflecting the rising demand for more fuel-efficient cars, the model year 1977 Thunderbird was shifted to the smaller 114 in (2,900 mm) wheelbase chassis shared with the 1972–76 Ford Torino and its replacement, the LTD II, which also debuted for 1977. At only 1.2 inches shorter (217.7 vs 218.9) than the 1973-1976 models of the sixth generation,^[29] it still looked large to the eye, and was. As a continuation of the 1974–1976 Ford Elite, this generation Thunderbird represented Ford's effort to compete in the high-volume second-tier personal luxury car market occupied by the Pontiac Grand Prix and Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Along with being shorter, the car was 900 lb (408 kg) lighter, although height and width were relatively unchanged.^[30] A substantial component of the weight reduction was in the drivetrain, where a small-block V8 replaced the big-block V8s of previous years. The standard engine outside California was the 302 cu in (4.9 L) Windsor V8, while the larger 351 cu in (5.8 L) 351M and 400 cu in (6.6 L) and T-tops were available as options along with the 351W. In California, the 351 was the standard engine, and the 400 was optionally available. For the first time, a wide, fixed "B" pillar was used, reflecting Detroit's discontinuation of the pillarless hardtop body designs. However, the door window glass remained frameless.

In 1978, Ford offered the "Diamond Jubilee Edition" to commemorate the company's 75th year as an auto manufacturer. This option package virtually doubled the standard price of the car to almost US$12,000. It included every option available except for a moonroof and engine block heater. A similar "Heritage" option package was available for 1979. Though this generation was the most successful ever, with over 955,000 units produced in its three-year run,^[2] ongoing fuel-efficiency and emissions concerns caused Ford to downsize the Thunderbird further for 1980.

Reflecting a further industry-wide adoption of smaller vehicle designs in the interest of improved fuel efficiency and emissions compliance, the Thunderbird was downsized again for 1980. Even more squarish, it rode on the compact Ford Fox platform, which had first appeared only two years prior as the basis for the Ford Fairmont. Compared to the previous Torino-based Thunderbird's large 114 in (2,900 mm) wheelbase and 217.7 in (5,530 mm) overall length, the new Thunderbird lost 5.6 inches (142 mm) of wheelbase and 17.3 inches (439 mm) in overall length.

Frameless door glass was discontinued in favor of a chrome-trimmed metal frame. The combination of a low-output 115 to 122 hp (86 to 91 kW) 4.2 L (255 cu in) Windsor V8 base engine and a C5 three-speed transmission with 2.26 rear gears resulted in dismal acceleration. The optional 131 hp (98 kW), 302 cu in (4.9 L) Windsor V8, coupled with the optional AOD automatic overdrive transmission and optional 3.45 rear-end ratio, showed only moderate improvement. The heritage of the Thunderbird as a performance personal luxury car was completely lost.

Reinforcing this reality, a six-cylinder engine was made available for the first time in the Thunderbird's history in 1981, the aptly named, thoroughly anemic, 200 cu in (3.3 L) Thriftpower Six first introduced by the manufacturer in 1963.

For the 1982 model year, the straight-six was replaced with a more modern V6, the 112 hp (84 kW) 3.8 L Essex, as the Thunderbird's standard engine. The 4.2 L (255 cu in) V8 was optional.

At 288,638 units produced between 1980 and 1982, the eighth generation of the Thunderbird had a sales average under 100,000 units a year. This, however, tapered off drastically after the first year, whereas the previous generation had achieved sales records for three consecutive years.^[2]

Seeking to reverse the sales slide of the 1980–1982 models and revitalize the Thunderbird's appearance, Ford executed a significant redesign for 1983. Though still based on the Fox body, it featured a radically sleeker, more aerodynamic body and a slightly shorter wheelbase of 104.2 in (2,647 mm). Power, however, remained limited, with the 3.8 L Essex V6 and the 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 being carried over from the previous generation. The 302 gained CFI electronic fuel injection in 1983, and the V6 in 1984 for US models, 1985 for Canadian models (which was in turn replaced by multipoint fuel injection on the V8 in 1986 and the V6 in 1988). All-new, and a Thunderbird first, was a turbocharged 2.3 L OHC four-cylinder engine featured in the 1983 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. The engine initially was rated at 142 hp (106 kW), but by 1985, power was increased to 155 hp (116 kW). Another first was the availability of a five-speed manual transmission with the turbocharged four. In 1983, the higher trim model was the Heritage; this was renamed the Elan in 1984. Also, a Fila-branded model was introduced. In 1985, a special 30th Anniversary edition was available, with special Medium Regatta Blue Metallic paint, special graphics, and trim.

For 1987, the Thunderbird received a significant refresh, complete with new sheet metal and a revised front fascia with aerodynamic composite headlamps. Mechanically, the car was little changed. The V6 models carried over port fuel injection from 1986, while the Turbo Coupe's turbocharged four-cylinder engine gained an intercooler, increasing output to 190 hp (142 kW) and 240 lb of torque.

In late 1988, for the 1989 model year, a completely redesigned Thunderbird was introduced, along with the similar Mercury Cougar.^[31] The new Thunderbird was developed on Ford's MN12 (mid-sized North American Project 12) platform, which had been in development since 1984.^[32] Featuring a 9-inch (229 mm) longer wheelbase than the previous-generation Thunderbird and a four-wheel independent suspension, the car offered better handling and ride quality.

Only two engines were originally available—naturally aspirated and supercharged versions of the 3.8 L (232 cu in) Essex V6. The naturally aspirated standard engine produced 140 hp (104 kW), while the "Super Coupe" model received a supercharged and intercooled version rated at 210 hp (157 kW).

The 35th anniversary of the Thunderbird was released in 1989, for the 1990 model year. The Super Coupe was available with a black-and-silver two-tone paint Anniversary Edition with Anniversary floor mats, a car cover, a pen, a poster, and a few other anniversary collectible items.

A 302 cu in (4,949 cm³) V8, marketed as the "5.0" was added in 1990, for the 1991 model year. Power ranged between the standard and supercharged versions of the 3.8 L V6.

In 1993, the 1994 model year Thunderbird received a substantial refresh, including stylistic changes inside and out and mechanical enhancements. In particular, the small block 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 was replaced with Ford's new Modular 4.6 L OHC V8. The Super Coupe's supercharged V6 produced more power and torque.

After a five-year hiatus, the Thunderbird returned for the 2002 model year. For its eleventh generation, the model line reverted to its original two-passenger personal convertible configuration. Along with its revived layout, the 2002 Thunderbird combined many design elements of the first generation with the minimalist styling of the third generation convertibles. A predominant feature of the removable hardtop was the circular window (from the 1956-1957 versions).

The eleventh-generation Thunderbird uses the Ford DEW platform also used by the Lincoln LS sedan (and the Jaguar S-Type); the Ford Mustang is loosely based on it. Though sharing no body panels with its sedan counterparts, the Thunderbird shared some visible components with the LS (instrument panel, steering wheel, and other trim pieces). As with the LS V8, the Thunderbird was powered by a Jaguar DOHC 3.9 L AJ-30 V8, producing 252 hp (188 kW) and 267 lb⋅ft (362 N⋅m) of torque; the engine was paired with a Ford-designed 5R55N 5-speed automatic. For 2003, the AJ30 became the AJ35 following the addition of variable valve timing and electronic throttle control; output increased to 280 hp (209 kW) and 286 lb⋅ft (388 N⋅m) of torque. The 5-speed automatic received optional SelectShift manual shifting control.

With sales dropping significantly after its first model year, Ford discontinued the eleventh-generation Thunderbird after the 2005 model year; the final vehicle was manufactured on July 1, 2005. As of current production, Ford has not returned the model line to sale in any form.

Alongside the original two-seat Thunderbirds of 1955-1957, the Thunderbird was offered as a soft-top convertible from 1958 through 1966. The model shared its convertible top retraction mechanism with the Ford Skyliner retractable-hardtop convertible and would also be shared the 1960s Lincoln Continental convertible. When the top was stowed, the rear-hinged trunklid was raised in order for the forward edge of the trunklid to serve as a metal boot cover.^[33] Though the hydraulically-powered design reduced available trunk space, the metal top boot negated the need for a separate cover. Unlike hardtop models that used a conventional key-secured, forward-hinged design, the convertibles combined the trunk opening and closing within the convertible top operating system.

The Skyliner-derived design could present challenges for troubleshooting a convertible top malfunction. The system consists of solenoids, relays, limit switches, electric motors, and a hydraulic pump/reservoir, as well as several hydraulic directional valves and cylinders. While the hydraulic system is not often a cause for trouble, electrical relays are known to fail. Malfunction of any of the numerous relays, motors, or limit switches prevents the convertible system from completing the cycle.

For 1962 through 1964, the Ford offered convertible Thunderbirds with a rare "Sports Roadster" option, with a fiberglass tonneau cover over the rear seat offering the appearance of a two-seat car; the Sports Roadster packaged was sometimes combined with even rarer options including higher-performance engines and wire-spoke wheels.

Thunderbirds first made inroads into NASCAR racing in the 1959 season. The combination of the second-generation body style and the newly available 430 CID V8 took drivers Curtis Turner, Johnny Beauchamp, "Tiger" Tom Pistone, and Cotton Owens to victory lane. In the 1960 season, most teams returned to using the conventional full-sized Ford body style, and the T-Bird made only sporadic appearances through the rest of the 1960s, with no additional wins.

Beginning in 1977, Thunderbird-bodied racecars replaced the Torino as Ford's primary body style in NASCAR, starting a trend of luxury coupe-type body styles (eventually the 1981 Imperial would also be seen racing) being used as a sheet-metal source on the race track. Bobby Allison won 13 races with this car driving for owner Bud Moore in the 1977 through 1980 seasons, though the cars looked boxy and un-aerodynamic. During 1981–1997, the downsized and aerodynamically clean Thunderbirds were successful in NASCAR stock car racing before they were replaced by Taurus-based bodies in 1998. The 1983- through 1988-bodied exceeded 200 mph and in one case during a qualifying session set the record of the fastest lap in stock car history at 44.998 seconds with an average speed of 212.809 mph (342.483 km/h) at Talladega Superspeedway, a record that still stands.^[34][35] Bill Elliott and Davey Allison, in particular, were successful with the cars, with Elliott winning the 1988 championship. Alan Kulwicki also won the championship in 1992 in a car nicknamed "Underbird", for his underdog status as a driver. The last time a Thunderbird was used in the Cup Series was when Billy Standridge failed to qualify for the 1999 Daytona 500.

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