Ford Thunderbird

Every generation since the baby boom has memories associated with the Ford Thunderbird. Although never a muscle car or as popular as the Corvette, it has made an indelible mark on the American Psyche.

The Thunderbird has always represented luxury, freedom, and a sense of adventure. From its early days as a small two-seater it was meant to be a show car for the Ford brand. Chevrolet was having massive success with its small two-seater called the Corvette. As most automotive manufacturers felt Ford thought it must stay competitive by offering a similar model. The Thunderbird or "T-Bird" came into being.

The first generation of Thunderbirds (1955 - 1957) was small and sporty. Its styling was flared and dramatic, like the other cars of the era. While the sales figures were never as high as the Corvette for this first generation it was definitely a hit with the right crowd. The Thunderbird mystique had begun.

Over the next several generations the Thunderbird would change appearance and audiences. It would go from this svelte two-seater to a large four-passenger behemoth in the mid-seventies. These "Big Birds" as they were known (each of the 11 generations of Thunderbirds had its own nickname) had little in common with the original car. Still the American car buying market had changed its tastes, and the Thunderbird adapted and prospered over the years.

Over time the Thunderbird went from being a show car for the Ford Motor Company to just another model in the line up. The "Aero Birds" and "Super Birds" of the 80s and 90s were reduced to being the "sporty" 2-door sedan of the Ford catalog. While they retained some of their luxury upbringing most of that flair went to sibling Lincoln (as the luxury marque of Ford). There was little need for a true luxury model in the Ford stable.

After 1997 the T-Bird was retired as Ford sought to strengthen its line up against the now powerful Japanese car firms. But soon Ford realized one of their strengths was the ability to pull from their long and proud heritage. The new "Retro Bird" Thunderbird of 2002 was the first vehicle of this generation of Fords, followed by in 2005 the new Ford Mustang. The new Thunderbird was a brand new car, but it drew heavily on the look, feel, and personality of the original 1955 model. It was a two-door two-seater sports car with little in the way of the staid practicality of the 70s T-birds.

While the Retro Birds have since ceased in production, the spirit of the Thunderbird marque has been revived. With a renewed interest in the cars of the golden era I'm sure we've not seen the last of the iconic Ford Thunderbird.

Tune in soon for a feast of classic car goodness: 100 Muscle Cars: A history and encyclopedia of the American Muscle Car.