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The Ford Motor Company first introduced the Thunderbird on February 20, 1954 at the Detroit Auto Show. The car was originally designed to be small and racy with a unique look that would set it apart from its contemporaries. This original model was only manufactured for three years, but it was so advanced in concept that its influence on the automotive industry is still being felt today. A total of only 53,166 of the 1955-1957 model T-Birds were produced. Eighteen years later its one-millionth decendant rolled out of the Ford factories.
The 1955-1957 models are commonly known as “Classic Thunderbirds”.
Major changes to the design of the T-Bird were introduced in increments of three years with minor cosmetic changes being made annually. The 1958-1966 models are designated as “Vintage Thunderbirds”
New Thunderbird designs followed throughout the years, culminating with the introduction in 2002 of the “Retro” model - a two seat T-Bird with many styling features borrowed from the original 1955-1957 Classic models.
Currently Ford intends to phase out the Thunderbird with the 2005 model year. At that point another proud automotive marque will join others as part of the automotive history of the United States.
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