Ford Thunderbird.
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It seems Ford is way too busy turning out one SUV after another to even think of something as wonderful as a new Thunderbird.
And of course, who can really blame them? This is a business, after all, and they do need to make money. And yet, they totally abandoned cars a few years ago, back when the Ford Fusion was still selling over 200,000 units a year in the US. Since other manufacturers have been making money selling “non-SUVs”. But not Ford…
What really wouldn’t sell is a 2 door coupe. However, Honda is getting ready to launch a new Prelude. Toyota is actually planning a new Celica. And Dodge just released a new Charger. We’ll have to wait for the ICE model to be available to see if a new Charger was the right move or not. Since the EV-only model is a tough sell for the typical muscle car crowd.And yet, Dodge is actually currently producing a gorgeous, large American 2 door coupe.
The Ford Thunderbird was produced from 1955 to 1997. The last “extra” generation came out from 2002 to 2004.
It went through 10 generations all the way until 1997. Started as a 2 door, 2 seater convertible. Became a 4 seater convertible. From 1967 to 1971, it was even offered as a 4 door sedan as well as the coupe (the convertible had been discontinued).
Just like almost every other American car, it became a generic, bloated coupe through most of the 1970s. However, the 7th generation produced from 1977 to 1979 was the most popular ever, with almost a million of them sold!
It makes you wonder what a modern version could look like. Using a retro design that could be inspired by the 5th generation produced from 1967 to 1971. Something that would look a bit odd today, maybe. And why not? The current Mustang is not selling well at all, and I think this is mostly due to its design. Which looks too much like the previous generation (a fate shared with the last generation Camaro). As well as that ghastly interior that has nothing to do with a Mustang.
A Mustang or a Thunderbird needs more of a personality.
Let’s enjoy these original ads for the Thunderbird over the years, shall we…
I’m not sure why, but I do have a sweet spot for the 1976 model. That seventh generation was somehow the most popular ever.
I really like the roof design and that huge retro size is also kind of fun these days…
❤️ my T Birds…5 small 55,56,57s and one sq bird 59…
Amazing pictures and showmanship
One of the finest cars I’ve ever owned (including my Mercedes) my 2010, 2015 & 2019 Taurus Limited.great cars
No Ford did not abandon cars. They’re the only one of the big three that still make a car, ie: the mustang so a new Thunderbird would be great.
My first car was a 1965 Tbird. I loved it. Wish I still had it. I would love a 20026 model if they are going to make it
Had a 66 Bird when I was 19 that would have been 1982 color silver blue metallic with genuine blue metal flake vinyl interior. The interior always reminds me of a fighter jet with the rounded back seats the speedometer that turns red when it accelerates fat man steering wheel the rounded gages fuel temperature voltage and the 390ci 4 BBL carb and the C-6 Ford Transmission Crager Wheels G/60s the rear E/60s on the front. Cruise the strip, Every Friday & Saturday night Consol Bucket seats. Thinking we were so Cool AM/FM Casset set of pipe organ speakers and 6×9PBS90S.Speakers in the doors and don’t forget the 10 band equalizer. Just a hell of a good time. Girl friend music sound of the headers Cherry Bomb mufflers & Bob Seger played on the cassette Turn the page just can’t think of anything better well maybe 1 thing
Had a new 66 Thunderbird yellow with a black padded top. Great sound system, the driver seat turned out so you could just sit down the steering wheel went to the right and as you shut the door, the driver seat turned in and the steering wheel came back in front of you. If I remember right, it was very high in price I think loaded out it was $6500. A lot of money back then today you could buy 10 of them for what you now pay for a car. I now hav a Volvo.