Ford Thunderbird.
Last Updated:
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…