Ford Thunderbird History

In the half century existence and development, Thunderbird was seen as a symbol of the cars for the U.S. auto industry. It is also the factors that helped Ford Motor Company to build and maintain a leading reputation in America.

T-bird car model in 1954.

The period of World War II, did not have any innovation in the auto companies. 40 By the end of the decade, the demand for cars exploded and one of the most popular car is the sports car. Returning from Europe, the U.S. soldiers carry the prestigious sports car of Italy, Germany, France and Britain. Meanwhile, car racing became popular with the newly constructed race, the race was held over the place.

Plus the impact of a growing economy, there is no surprise that the Thunderbird appeared and immediately achieved success in the U.S. easily. The car was first unveiled in 1954 at the Detroit Auto Show. It's a roadster (convertible two-seater) brought modern amenities, the convenience as well as strength and ability to control easily. Only the first 10 days, Ford has sold 3,500 vehicles during the whole year's target is 10,000 cars.

Thunderbird is really the answer for which Ford of Chevrolet Corvette roadster. But while the Corvette is loyal only to a single style, the Thunderbird has appeared with many different versions, from the hardtop coupe (hardtop is a term no car hardtop struts in the middle) and vehicle 4-door. Easy to see why Thunderbird are favorites. It combines the qualities of a luxury sports car with characteristics that Americans are very popular. Only two seats but

T-bird in 1972.

The first car to over 5 m long, while Thunderbird 2005 model also has a length of more than 4.7 m. In any stage, Thunderbird has always been equipped with first class amenities and the most powerful engine, even during the oil crisis 70s.

Maybe 50 years of Thunderbird divided into 4 phases, 1955-1963, 1964-1975, 1976-1997, 1998-2004.

Right from the first vehicle, the manufacturer has chosen to give it a fitting V8. From 1958 to 1960 Thunderbird motor vehicle capacity of 5.8 liters, 300 horsepower capacity. However, customers can choose the car with the engine power up to 7 liters and 350 horsepower equivalent. In 1961, Thunderbird is the first significant improvement in her appearance, leaving the top two sharp fins round tail lights, headlights square, and there is a convertible version (convertible). From 1961 to 1963, for vehicles equipped with standard Thunderbird V8 6.4 liter capacity, capacity of 300-340 horsepower.

T-bird Turbo car.

Car production in 1964 is known as "Jet Bird". Axial distance is extended to 2870 mm, making the car up to 5207 mm. The highlight of the car is shorter hood, while the bonnet and the barrel after being stretched, the entire rear end was redesigned. In 1965, the first disc brakes became standard equipment for the two front wheels.

Each year, a team of Ford engineers have made ​​the job of their new car, sometimes in the interior, when the claw back the outline. However, the new 1967 models really that much different from the previous point. The chassis is completely new design, the front car more simple, headlight tucked under the bonnet, rising only when drivers press the start button. So, until 1971, any improvement is only in some details at the front and rear.

T-bird Super Coupe produced in 1994.

Until 1972, Thunderbird has led to the emergence of a generation of luxury. The only 2-door hardtop versions, attention to car designs powerful and luxurious interior than in previous concept of a Thunderbird. The engine of this car weighs 2085 kg with a capacity of 7 liters. In 1973, Thunderbird is mounted dual headlights on each side.

The car 1976 Thunderbird can be seen as the biggest and most luxurious. But that does not seem to bring more economic efficiency should be in later versions, manufacturers have narrowed the size of the car, even though the entire facility does not change, thus reducing the 450 kg in weight. 1980 Thunderbird bodywork been converted unibody (including steel plates attached to each other), 360 kg lighter than the previous car, and also shorter than 431 mm.

1983 was a successful year in the Ford Thunderbird. February of that year, Thunderbird Turbo coupe was introduced and attention at any place it appears. The car is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine, 5-speed gearbox. Since the early '80s, the rear bucket back gradually is reduced but the style bonnet full stretch forward Ao is the way that American-style favorites. Version 1989 caused a fever.Super Coupe car has a longer wheelbase, wider well width, the rear independent suspension, disc brakes at all four wheels with a supercharged V6 engine.

2002 T-bird winner of Motor Trend magazine.

Entering the '90s, Thunderbird car sales slow down and gradually people began to blow Powered preparation time for the Ford roadster production after 40 years. This news has been confirmed in 1998, when Ford Thunderbird no longer display in the showroom. Experts also said the new millennium, there will be a completely new model instead.

However, the 2002 version again help Thunderbird won Car of the Year by Motor Trend magazine. This success can be predicted when the Thunderbird 2001 (concept car) has attracted much attention when Ford introduced at major auto shows around the world. Nevertheless, assessment of the experts are not always match the needs of customers. There are no small number of sales in 2002, but Thunderbird does not achieve the goal that manufacturers set. Ford hopes the 2005 version, released in the second half of this year, will actually be a vehicle to celebrate the 50 birthday of Thunderbird.