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. ![]() The Thunderbird was similar in concept but was more American in style, more luxurious, and less sport-oriented.Ĭredit 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. 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. Development Ī smaller two-seater sports roadster was developed at the behest of Henry Ford II in 1953 called the Vega. Thunderbird production ended in 1997, then briefly resumed as a two-passenger, marketed from 2002 to 2005.įrom its introduction in 1955 to its final phaseout in 2005, Ford produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds. Sales were good until the 1990s when large two-door coupes became unpopular. Succeeding generations became larger until the line was downsized in 1977, again in 1980, and once again in 1983. For 1958, the Thunderbird was redesigned with a second row of seats. Ford positioned the Thunderbird as an upscale model and it is credited in developing a new market segment, the personal luxury car. Unlike the Chevrolet Corvette, it was not marketed as a sports car. The Thunderbird entered production for the 1955 model year as a sporty two-seat convertible. 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.įord 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 Ford Thunderbird (colloquially called the T-Bird) is a personal luxury car manufactured and marketed by Ford from model years 1955-2005 (with a 1997-2002 hiatus), across 11 generations. Sports car (first and eleventh generations).Feel free to email me with any questions you may have. ![]() More than the money it was the time that it took to locate many of the hard to find parts. I spent well north of $20K in making this car look and work great. The only reason I am selling it is because I am moving and I can not take all my "toys" with me. Overall the car is in an amazing condition. All window motors were replaced and all windows go up and down easily. A/C works well and keeps the car cool in the California summer. The interior was reconditioned with new foam being inserted under the seats. The paint is still in excellent condition with very few blemishes. The car was painted about three years ago to its original color and the landau top was also replaced with an original Thunderbird landau top. The car also futures sequential turn signals that are very cool. A new owner can get this fixed easily if you have the time. ![]() horn doesn't always work well so I installed a separate horn until I get that fixed properly. For example sometimes the shifter by the steering wheel needs to be pushed up when starting the car and I've been to lazy to take it to be fixed. The steering wheel was reconditioned but since has developed a few cracks on the back of it that can barely be seen. This car does not have a cruise control (although one can be added for some extra cost). to an adjustable steering wheel with cruise control controls type wheel. hich was a standard fixed steering wheel. The steering column and steering wheel were replaced from the original that came in the car. You'll cruise at 80 mph on the fwy thinking you're in a Mercedes. A rear sway bar was installed to add stability to the car. Brake system was redone including a new master cylinder and hoses. All hoses under the hood were replaced as well. All engine seals were replaced to prevent leaking in the future. This is a 1968 4 door T-Bird that was restored using only NOS parts.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |