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Ford Thunderbird: Difference between revisions

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{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
{{Infobox |
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
|Image = [[Image:G-2079 tbirdwoman acc1660.jpg|300px]]
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:G-2079 tbirdwoman acc1660.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = [[Ford]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
|aka = '''Type aka here, not up there'''
! colspan=2 | '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|Production = 1955-1997<br>2002-2005
|-
|Class = '''denote market class'''
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Ford]]
|Body Style = '''how many doors+how many seats+what type of body'''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|Length = '''length - type here'''
| aka
|Width = '''Width - type here'''
| {{{aka (Type here, not up there)}}}
|Height = '''Height - type here'''
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
|Wheelbase = '''wheelbase - type here'''
| Production
|Weight = '''Weight - you get the point'''
| 1955-1997<br>2002-2005 (Future)
|Transmission = '''transmission + drive'''
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|Engine = '''engine'''
| Class
|Power = N/A hp @ N/A rpm<br>N/A lb-ft of [[torque]] @ N/A rpm
| {{{Class}}}
|Similar =  '''similar (competition)'''
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
|Designer = '''Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)'''
| Body Style  
}}
| {{{Body-Style}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| {{{length - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| {{{Width - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| {{{Height - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| {{{wheelbase - type here}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| {{{Weight - you get the point}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| {{{transmission + drive}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| {{{engine}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| {{{Horsepower and Torque rating}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| {{{similar (competition)}}}
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}}
|}
 
'''Use the following MODEL TEMPLATE as the foundation for the Wikicars' Model page:'''
'''Use the following MODEL TEMPLATE as the foundation for the Wikicars' Model page:'''


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''Add more fields as necessary.''
''Add more fields as necessary.''


<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
<td colspan=4>
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
'''MODEL Trims'''
! colspan=4 |'''MODEL Trims'''
</td>
|-
</tr>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
<td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
</td>
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
<td>
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
Trim2
! colspan=4 |''MSRP''
</td>
|-
<td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
</td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
<td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
Trim4
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
</td>
|- style="color:#fff; background:#811b33; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
</tr>
! colspan=4 |''Invoice''
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
|-
<td colspan=4>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price1
''MSRP''
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price2
</td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $Price3
</tr>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $Price4
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
|}
<td>
$Price1
</td>
<td>
$Price2
</td>
<td>
$Price3
</td>
<td>
$Price4
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$Price1
</td>
<td>
$Price2
</td>
<td>
$Price3
</td>
<td>
$Price4
</td>
</tr>
</table>


===Gas Mileage===
===Gas Mileage===
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As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:


<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
<td colspan=4>
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
'''Trim'''
! colspan=4 |'''Trim'''
</td>
|-
</tr>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim1
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim2
<td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Trim3
Trim1
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Trim4
</td>
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
<td>
|- style="color:#000000; background:#cccccc; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
Trim2
! colspan=4 |'''MPG'''
</td>
|-
<td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | c/h
Trim3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;"| c/h
</td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | c/h
<td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;"| c/h
Trim4
|}
</td>
 
</tr>
===Engine and Transmission===
<tr>
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.
<td colspan=4 bgcolor=#cccccc>
 
'''MPG'''
===Performance===
</td>
Please make sure to '''''write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view'''''. This section should include information about the car's '''acceleration figures''', '''handling''', '''braking''', etc.
</tr>
 
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then '''''please make sure to cite the quote'''''.
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
</tr>
</table>


===Reliability===
===Reliability===
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If there are any features of this [[automobile|vehicle]] that sets it apart from other [[automobile|vehicles]] in its class, then mention those ''unique attributes'' here.
If there are any features of this [[automobile|vehicle]] that sets it apart from other [[automobile|vehicles]] in its class, then mention those ''unique attributes'' here.
    
    
==Interior==
This section should include information on the interior's ''design'', ''build quality'', ''ergonomics'', ''space (head and legroom, front and rear)'', ''features'', ''stowage compartments'' and ''overall comfortability'' and ''livability''. Add pictures wherever applicable and '''''keep information in a third-person point of view'''''.
==Resale Values==
==Resale Values==
''Add more fields as necessary.''
''Add more fields as necessary.''


<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0em 1em; width:collapse; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:2.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
<td colspan=4>
|- style="color:#000000; background:#9e9784; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
'''<MODEL> Year'''
! colspan=4 |'''<MODEL> Year'''
</td>
|-
</tr>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Year X
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Year X-2
<td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | Year X-3
Year X
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | Year X-4
</td>
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
<td>
|- style="text-align:left; background:#f0f0f0;"
Year X-2
|- style="color:#000000; background:#9e9784; font-size:larger; font-style:bold; text-align:left;"
</td>
! colspan=4 |'''Resale Value'''
<td>
|-
Year X-3
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $
</td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $
<td>
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#ddb;" | $
Year X-4
! style="text-align:left; font-weight:large; background:#f4f4da;" | $
</td>
|}
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=4 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''Resale Value'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
</tr>
</table>


==Criticisms==
==Criticisms==
Please make sure to '''''keep critiques in a third-person point of view'''''. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then '''''please make sure to cite the quote'''''.
The twelfth generation Thunderbird is underpowered and sluggish, their specs are a (3.8 Litre V-6 140-HP) (4.6 Litre V-8 215-HP) (5 Litre V-8 230-HP) and besides being underpowered they are also very heavy (3700-4100 LBS)


==Generations==  
==Generations==  
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'''''Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures'''''.
'''''Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures'''''.


==Current Generation: (YYYY–present)==
===Revival (2002-2005)===
The price tag for the new Thunderbird would be $40,000. It won Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" in 2002. The 2003 Thunderbird was featured in Die Another Day. It was discontinued in 2005 because of slow sales.


===Fifth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
===Tenth Generation (1989-1997)===
In 1989 there were only two engine options. Also in 1989 the Super Coupe won Motor Trend's "Car of the Year". In 1994 the grille got new headlamps, a new hood, and larger air scoops. On all 1994 Thunderbirds dual front-side air bags became standard. The Thunderbird was reviewed on MotorWeek in 1994. In 1995 the Super Coupe was discontinued. In 1996 the hood was redesigned.


===Ninth Generation (1983-1988)===
The ninth generation Thunderbird had a top speed of 143 mph. It had three models. In 1984 Ford introduced the "FILA" model. The FILA model ended in 1986. In 1987 the Turbo Coupe won Motor Trend's "Car of the Year". The Turbo Coupe got new features like 16 inch wheels, fog lights, and special trim. In 1988 the Turbo Coupe ended. It was replaced by the Super Coupe in 1989.


===Fourth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
===Eighth Generation (1980-1982)===
This eighth generation Thunderbird did not sell well. In 1980 Ford made the "Silver Anniversary Edition". It had a "Anniversary Glow Silver" color scheme. A garage door opener was standard on the Thunderbird.


===Seventh Generation (1977-1979)===
The downsized Thunderbird had a wheel base of 114 inches. This generation of the Thunderbird sold very well. In 1978 the Thunderbird's sales were 352,000, the highest sales year in Thunderbird history. This time it sold better than the Grand Prix or the Monte Carlo. Also in 1978 the Diamond Jubilee Edition came out. It had a base price of $12,000. There were two color choices.


===Third generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
===Sixth Generation (1972-1976)===
The sixth generation Thunderbird had a 120.4 inch wheel base. The price also rose up to $7,790. But the did drop down to a base price of $5,293. In 1973 the grille got a new look. Opera windows were new to the Thunderbird. In 1975 the seat belt alarm was dropped. 299,149 cars were produced total.


===Fifth generation (1967-1971)===
The Thunderbird suffered with its sales (since the Mustang was battling the Thunderbird). Ford's solution was to make the Thunderbird a luxury car instead of a sports car. The four door model replaced the convertible. It had suicide doors. The four door was a decent seller that lasted all the way to 1971. The front grille had hidden headlamps. But in 1970 the Thunderbird got a different grille with beak like styling.


===Second generation (1958–1960)===
===Fourth generation (1964-1966)===
Although the original Thunderbird was successful, the corporation's executives -- particularly Robert McNamara -- felt its sales volume was small. Market research suggested that sales were limited by its two-seat configuration, making it unsuitable as an only car for families. The second generation, introduced for the 1958 model year, was designed as a four-seat car.
The fourth generation Thunderbird had a similar grille from the previous generation and was squared-off. It had a wheel base of 113.2 inches. The Thunderbird could also hit a high speed of 120 mph.  92,465 Thunderbirds were sold in 1964. But in 1965 sales dropped to 74,972. Also in 1965 front disc brakes were added. In 1966 the Landau was replaced by the Town Landau. The Town Landau's sales were best-selling at 35,105. The fourth generation Thunderbird ended with 69,176 sales.


The four-seat Thunderbird was designed with unibody construction, eschewing a separate chassis. The intent was to allow the maximum interior space in a relatively small exterior package. The new Thunderbirds were produced at a new assembly plant at Wixom, Michigan, built as part of a corporate expansion plan to increase the sales of up-market cars (Mercurys, Lincolns, and Thunderbirds).
===Third generation (1961–1963)===
A feature on the redesigned Ford Thunderbird was the 'Swing Away' steering wheel. In 1962 Ford introduced the Thunderbird Sports Roadster. But when you turned hard a wheel could collapse on early models. The Landau model was also introduced in 1962. In 1963 woodgrain trim was added to the Landau. 12,193 Landaus were sold.


The new Thunderbird had a distinct new styling theme. The design was driven entirely by the styling department and approved before the engineering was considered. The design was one of two proposed, styled primarily by Joe Oros, who later worked on the Ford Mustang; the losing proposal, by designer Elwood Engel, was reworked in size to become the 1961 Lincoln Continental.
===Second generation (1958–1960)===
 
When Robert McNamara saw that the two seater was a success he wanted to make it a four seater for 1958. This made the Thunderbird longer. It also made the Thunderbird a little heavier. Now instead of one round headlamp the Thunderbird got dual headlamps. In 1958 the Thunderbird won Motor Trend's "Car of the Year". In 1960 the Thunderbird had 92,843 sales. The success made Ford do another redesign of the Thunderbird.
The new Thunderbird was nine inches (230 mm) lower than the standard American car of the time, at 52.5 in (1.33 m), with only 5.8 in (147 mm) of ground clearance. The significant transmission tunnel intrusion required to fit the powertrain into such a low car was turned into a styling feature by covering it with a large, full-length center console dividing the front and rear seats and containing ashtrays, switches, and minor controls.
 
Beneath the monocoque construction, the remainder of the engineering was conventional. Ford's new FE-series engine was used, with 352 cu in (5.8 L) displacement. Standard transmission remained a three-speed manual transmission, with optional overdrive or Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. Front suspension was independent, with coil springs and unequal-length A-arms. The rear was initially a live axle suspended by coil springs, which were intended to be interchangeable with optional air springs that were canceled before production. Drum brakes were used at all four wheels.
 
Various delays conspired to have production start only on December 20, 1957, much later than the normal September start; the 1957 Thunderbird was thus built for three extra months.
 
The new Thunderbird captured Motor Trend's Car of the Year award in its debut season. While many fans of the earlier, two-seat Thunderbirds were not happy with the new direction, Ford was vindicated with sales figures of 37,892, more than double the previous year despite losing three months of production and 1958 being a very poor year for car sales—the Thunderbird was one of only two cars to show a sales increase that year (the other being the Rambler). Only 2,134 convertibles were built, mostly because the convertible model did not become available until June 1958.
 
For the 1959 model year, Ford made changes to the front, rear, and side ornamentation, and made leather upholstery available for the first time. The rear suspension was revised, discarding coil springs for Hotchkiss drive, with parallel leaf springs. A new engine, the 430 cu in (7 L) MEL-series, was available in small numbers. Sales almost doubled again, to 67,456 units, including 10,261 convertibles. Thunderbird advertising in 1959 targeted women in particular, showing glamorous models in country club and other exclusive settings, and the sales figures bore out Ford's marketing plans.
 
With more trim changes, 1960's sales figures hit another record: 92,843 units sold, including 11,860 convertibles. A rare option in this year was a sunroof; this "Golde Edition" (Golde was a German company whose sunroof patent Ford licensed) sold 2,530 examples.
 
At the end of 1960 production two Thunderbirds were constructed of stainless steel for the Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation, at a price of $35,000 each. Because of the properties of stainless steel, the production dies would be destroyed as a result of the stamping of the parts. This was not a problem for Ford, as the next generation of T-Bird used a new body style. To duplicate the T-Birds 3,957 lb. normal production weight, body panels were made of Type 302 stainless steel, and trim pieces out of Type 430 stainless steel. At the time of their production, because of the maximum rolling mill for stainless steel only produced stock that was 72 inches in width, both cars' roofs were constructed from two 42-inch-wide sections which were welded together in the middle (the roof would have required an 84-inch-wide sheet of stainless steel, which apparently could not be obtained). Both T-Birds received mechanical and interior restorations in the 1980s and survive to this day, with one on permanent display at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, PA.


===First Generation/Origins (1955–1957)===
===First Generation/Origins (1955–1957)===
The car was shown at the Detroit Auto Show on February 20, 1954. The first production car came off the line on September 9, 1954, and went on sale on October 22, 1954 as a 1955 model, and sold briskly; 3,500 orders were placed in the first ten days of sale. Ford had only projected building 10,000; eventual 1955 sales were 16,155.
The Ford Thunderbird was Ford's answer to the Chevy Corvette. The Thunderbird sold better than the Corvette. It was revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in 1954. The Thunderbird had a 102 inch wheel base. In 1957 the Thunderbird got a reshaped bumper, a larger grille, and larger tailfins with larger tail lamps.  
 
As standard, the 1955 Ford Thunderbird included a removable fiberglass top; a fabric convertible top was an option, although commonly specified. The engine was a 292 Y-block V8. The car had fender skirts. The exhaust pipes exited through twin bumper guards, which are bolted to the rear bumper.
 
Created to act as a retort to the Chevrolet Corvette, it was also the first mass produced edition of all the Ford Thunderbird models. Exactly 53,166 models were produced. It was produced with a Fordomatic or Overdrive transmissions, and featured four-way powered seats and pushbutton interior door handles.
 
Equipped with a V8 engine, the Thunderbird could hit 110-120 mph. It was a smaller two-seat "personal luxury car", compared to the wallowing barges that roamed all the roads in the 1950s. It was designed to be a brisk luxury tourer, and not a sports car.
 
For the 1956 model, more trunk space was added, the spare wheel was mounted outside, the exhausts were moved to the ends of the bumper, and air vents were added behind the front wheels to improve cabin ventilation. To improve rear-quarter visibility with the removable hardtop in place, "porthole" windows were made available as a no-cost option. An optional 312 Y-block V8 was made available for those that wanted more performance. 1956 sales were 15,631, the lowest of all three 2-seater Thunderbird model years.
 
For 1957, a more radical restyle was performed. The front bumper was reshaped, the grille and tailfins were made larger, and larger tail-lights were fitted. The spare wheel moved inside the trunk again, which had been redesigned to allow it to be mounted vertically. The side "Thunderbird" script moved from the fins to the front fenders. As well as the standard 292 and 312 engines, versions of the 312 were produced in higher states of tune, and even a few McCulloch supercharged versions, rated at 300 and 340 hp (254 kW) respectively. 1957 sales were 21,380, including three extra months of production because the 1958 models were late. The 1957 Thunderbird would be the last two-seater Ford ever built and sold to the public until the 1982 Ford EXP sport compact car.


==Worldwide==
==Worldwide==
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==External Links==
==External Links==
Please include any external sites that were used in collaborating this data, including manufacturer sites, in this section.
Please include any external sites that were used in collaborating this data, including manufacturer sites, in this section.
[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]

Latest revision as of 00:04, 14 May 2010

G-2079 tbirdwoman acc1660.jpg
Ford Thunderbird
Ford
aka Type aka here, not up there
Production 1955-1997
2002-2005
Class denote market class
Body Style how many doors+how many seats+what type of body
Length length - type here
Width Width - type here
Height Height - type here
Wheelbase wheelbase - type here
Weight Weight - you get the point
Transmission transmission + drive
Engine engine
Power N/A hp @ N/A rpm
N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm
Similar similar (competition)
Designer Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)

Use the following MODEL TEMPLATE as the foundation for the Wikicars' Model page:

Start off with a brief Introduction to the particular MODEL. Please DO NOT use the same Introduction text from the <MODEL> Review page, but rather paraphrase ideas relevant to grasp an overall scope of the vehicle.

Please include the following line at the bottom of this section. Please replace <MODEL> Review with the proper text:

See Wikicars' comprehensive <MODEL> Review.

Recent Changes

Mention any minor facelifts or major changes made to the vehicle here.

Styles and Major Options

Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.

Pricing

Add more fields as necessary.

MODEL Trims
Trim1 Trim2 Trim3 Trim4
MSRP
$Price1 $Price2 $Price3 $Price4
Invoice
$Price1 $Price2 $Price3 $Price4

Gas Mileage

Add more fields as necessary.

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
Trim1 Trim2 Trim3 Trim4
MPG
c/h c/h c/h c/h

Engine and Transmission

Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance

Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.

If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability

Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here.

Safety

This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.

Photos

  • 1957-Ford-Thunderbird-1600x1200.jpg
  • 97tbird lx1.jpg
  • 2002-Ford-Thunderbird-blue-top-off.jpg

Add Photos of the vehicle here.

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Colors

List the colors that the particular <MODEL> is offered in.

Main Competitors

Create links to other <MAKE> <MODEL> pages in this section.

Hybrid Models

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Unique Attributes

If there are any features of this vehicle that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class, then mention those unique attributes here.


Interior

This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.

Resale Values

Add more fields as necessary.

<MODEL> Year
Year X Year X-2 Year X-3 Year X-4
Resale Value
$ $ $ $

Criticisms

The twelfth generation Thunderbird is underpowered and sluggish, their specs are a (3.8 Litre V-6 140-HP) (4.6 Litre V-8 215-HP) (5 Litre V-8 230-HP) and besides being underpowered they are also very heavy (3700-4100 LBS)

Generations

Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures.

Revival (2002-2005)

The price tag for the new Thunderbird would be $40,000. It won Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" in 2002. The 2003 Thunderbird was featured in Die Another Day. It was discontinued in 2005 because of slow sales.

Tenth Generation (1989-1997)

In 1989 there were only two engine options. Also in 1989 the Super Coupe won Motor Trend's "Car of the Year". In 1994 the grille got new headlamps, a new hood, and larger air scoops. On all 1994 Thunderbirds dual front-side air bags became standard. The Thunderbird was reviewed on MotorWeek in 1994. In 1995 the Super Coupe was discontinued. In 1996 the hood was redesigned.

Ninth Generation (1983-1988)

The ninth generation Thunderbird had a top speed of 143 mph. It had three models. In 1984 Ford introduced the "FILA" model. The FILA model ended in 1986. In 1987 the Turbo Coupe won Motor Trend's "Car of the Year". The Turbo Coupe got new features like 16 inch wheels, fog lights, and special trim. In 1988 the Turbo Coupe ended. It was replaced by the Super Coupe in 1989.

Eighth Generation (1980-1982)

This eighth generation Thunderbird did not sell well. In 1980 Ford made the "Silver Anniversary Edition". It had a "Anniversary Glow Silver" color scheme. A garage door opener was standard on the Thunderbird.

Seventh Generation (1977-1979)

The downsized Thunderbird had a wheel base of 114 inches. This generation of the Thunderbird sold very well. In 1978 the Thunderbird's sales were 352,000, the highest sales year in Thunderbird history. This time it sold better than the Grand Prix or the Monte Carlo. Also in 1978 the Diamond Jubilee Edition came out. It had a base price of $12,000. There were two color choices.

Sixth Generation (1972-1976)

The sixth generation Thunderbird had a 120.4 inch wheel base. The price also rose up to $7,790. But the did drop down to a base price of $5,293. In 1973 the grille got a new look. Opera windows were new to the Thunderbird. In 1975 the seat belt alarm was dropped. 299,149 cars were produced total.

Fifth generation (1967-1971)

The Thunderbird suffered with its sales (since the Mustang was battling the Thunderbird). Ford's solution was to make the Thunderbird a luxury car instead of a sports car. The four door model replaced the convertible. It had suicide doors. The four door was a decent seller that lasted all the way to 1971. The front grille had hidden headlamps. But in 1970 the Thunderbird got a different grille with beak like styling.

Fourth generation (1964-1966)

The fourth generation Thunderbird had a similar grille from the previous generation and was squared-off. It had a wheel base of 113.2 inches. The Thunderbird could also hit a high speed of 120 mph. 92,465 Thunderbirds were sold in 1964. But in 1965 sales dropped to 74,972. Also in 1965 front disc brakes were added. In 1966 the Landau was replaced by the Town Landau. The Town Landau's sales were best-selling at 35,105. The fourth generation Thunderbird ended with 69,176 sales.

Third generation (1961–1963)

A feature on the redesigned Ford Thunderbird was the 'Swing Away' steering wheel. In 1962 Ford introduced the Thunderbird Sports Roadster. But when you turned hard a wheel could collapse on early models. The Landau model was also introduced in 1962. In 1963 woodgrain trim was added to the Landau. 12,193 Landaus were sold.

Second generation (1958–1960)

When Robert McNamara saw that the two seater was a success he wanted to make it a four seater for 1958. This made the Thunderbird longer. It also made the Thunderbird a little heavier. Now instead of one round headlamp the Thunderbird got dual headlamps. In 1958 the Thunderbird won Motor Trend's "Car of the Year". In 1960 the Thunderbird had 92,843 sales. The success made Ford do another redesign of the Thunderbird.

First Generation/Origins (1955–1957)

The Ford Thunderbird was Ford's answer to the Chevy Corvette. The Thunderbird sold better than the Corvette. It was revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in 1954. The Thunderbird had a 102 inch wheel base. In 1957 the Thunderbird got a reshaped bumper, a larger grille, and larger tailfins with larger tail lamps.

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