First Generation Ford Thunderbird
The first generation of the Ford Thunderbird was produced for the model years 1955 to 1957. It was a two-seat convertible, marking the first 2-seat Ford since 1938. The Thunderbird was developed in response to the 1953 Motorama display at the New York Auto Show, which showcased the Chevrolet Corvette. The first generation Thunderbird was not as successful as Ford expected, leading to a final refresh in 1957 to revive its sales ).
The introduction of the Thunderbird in 1955 was a response to Chevrolet’s new sports car, the Corvette, which was publicly unveiled in prototype form just a month before. The Thunderbird went from idea to prototype in about a year and was unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show.
In summary, the first generation Ford Thunderbird was produced from 1955 to 1957 and was a two-seat convertible designed in response to the Chevrolet Corvette’s popularity at the time.
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Contents
- Did Ford make a 1953 Thunderbird?
- What is the difference between 1956 and 1957 Thunderbird?
- What year is the most desirable Thunderbird?
- What year was the fastest Thunderbird?
- How much did a 1957 Thunderbird cost in 1957?
- How much is a Ford Thunderbird worth?
- What is the difference between 1955 and 1956 Thunderbird?
- What is the most collectible Thunderbird?
- How many 1957 Thunderbirds exist today?
- What was the first generation Thunderbird?
Did Ford make a 1953 Thunderbird?
You might have read that the Thunderbird was Ford’s response to the Corvette, as in this sentence from a publication: “The Ford Thunderbird was introduced in February 1953 as a response to Chevrolet’s new sports car, the Corvette, which was publicly unveiled in prototype form just a month before.”
What is the difference between 1956 and 1957 Thunderbird?
For the 1957 model year, the front bumper was reshaped, the grille and tailfins were made larger, and larger taillights were fitted. The spare wheel moved back inside the trunk, which had been redesigned to allow it to be mounted vertically. The side “Thunderbird” script was moved from the fins to the front fenders.
What year is the most desirable Thunderbird?
Ranking The Best Ford Thunderbird Models Ever Made
- 7 1989–1997 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe.
- 6 1958–1960 Ford Thunderbird (Second Generation)
- 5 1955 -1957 Ford Thunderbird (First Generation)
- 4 1963 Ford Thunderbird M-Code.
- 3 1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code.
- 2 1957 Ford Thunderbird F-Code.
- 1 1957 Ford Thunderbird D/F-Code.
What year was the fastest Thunderbird?
1987
Bill Elliott set NASCAR’s all-time speed record with this car when he qualified for the 1987 Winston 500 at Talladega at 212.809 miles per hour.
How much did a 1957 Thunderbird cost in 1957?
The 1957 T-Bird’s price had climbed to $3,408, but it remained an attractive buy. The 1957 Thunderbird was arguably the best 1950s T-Bird two-seater, although it lacked the clean lines of the first two models.
How much is a Ford Thunderbird worth?
TrueCar has 149 used Ford Thunderbird models for sale nationwide, including a Ford Thunderbird Deluxe and a Ford Thunderbird 2dr Convertible Deluxe. Prices for a used Ford Thunderbird currently range from $6,988 to $29,990, with vehicle mileage ranging from 10 to 179,061.
What is the difference between 1955 and 1956 Thunderbird?
If you’re looking to spot a ’56 over a ’55, you’ll note details such as added cowl vents (meant to combat engine heat under-hood), an external spare mounted “Continental”-style on the trunk (because of complaints about low cargo space from the in-trunk spare of ’55), and exhaust tips that poked through the bumper.
What is the most collectible Thunderbird?
1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster: This restricted creation model is one of the most sought-after Thunderbirds by collectors. It included the powerful “M-Code” V8 motor, creating 430 pull, making it a genuine muscle vehicle of its period.
How many 1957 Thunderbirds exist today?
In total, there were 21,380 Thunderbirds sold in 1957, each with one of three V8 engine options: D-, E- or F-Type. The vast majority were the D-Type V8, while 1,363 were E-Type, and just 197 were F-Type. There are only an estimated 40 F-Types left in existence today.
What was the first generation Thunderbird?
First Generation: 1955 to 1957 the “Littlebird”
It was a two-seater with a choice of convertible or hardtop powered by a 292 cid V8 (the Corvette at this time only had a 6 cylinder). In its first year Ford managed to deliver 16,000 units to eager owners, easily outstripping its rival.