"The changes included increased safety features, adding more engine options, Dial-O-Matic power seats, a radio that automatically adjusted the volume in proportion to the speed of the engine, adding the option of four seats, increasing interior space within the vehicle, a flat line roof, a rear window, and many other features." "The vehicle would evolve throughout its production time," said Ford Motor Company. ![]() Over time new features were offered to consumers. Two workers on the Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln Continental assembly line at the Ford Motor Company.Ĭonsumers could purchase the vehicle for between $2,695 and $4,000, according to Ford Motor Company. The vehicle was produced at the Dearborn Assembly Plant, and the first one came off the line in September 1954. So, they offered $250 to whoever could come up with a better name, and Alden Giberson, a Ford stylist, suggested they go with Thunderbird for the vehicle's name. The Thunderbird found its place in the market because it was more personal than the typical sports car, having the two-seat feature.īefore releasing the vehicle, the team working on the Thunderbird was having a hard time choosing a name for it, even though 5,000 names had already been suggested. (Photo by National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images)Īccording to Ford Motor Company, the initial guidelines for the Thunderbird included that it would be a two-passenger, canvas-topped open car weighing 2,525 pounds, with an Interceptor V-8 engine and a top speed of over 100 miles per hour. This was Ford's first sports car, and was introduced in 1955 to compete with Chevrolet's 1953 Corvette sports car, which in turn was their answer to sporty European imports. 20, 1954, the Ford Thunderbird made its debut at Detroit's first post-war auto show. Nevertheless, the car's bodywork and color are inevitably an irresistible car.(CBS DETROIT) - On Feb. Despite the wide windshield, several customers complained about this limitation. Although all of these don't help the driver in any way, the large windshield does serve as the driver's companion. The shape of the doors gave the car a masculine appearance, and the car's hardtop got integrated into the pillars. The 1957 Thunderbird is quite beautiful and elegant, with a front bumper that continues to the back end, despite the elevated tailfins. Similarly, the twin headlights, metal eyebrows, and the round-edge hood features remained the same. ![]() The other side of the grille got incorporated into the overhang bumper. The front fascia had a more boxy appearance, and the bumper accommodated the grille. The car features a new front bumper, alongside a longer rear overhang to fit the spare wheel at the back of the trunk. The 1957 Thunderbird brought a befitting new grille along. The 1957 Ford Thunderbird Has A Restyled Exterior ![]() Thus, the rebranded 1958 made amends to the customers' complaints. These complaints were tangible reasons why Ford re-purposed the Thunderbird and rebranded it as a 4-seater car. Based on Automotive mileposts, there had been complaints about the passenger compartment, poor visibility, too warm, limited passenger capacity, and luggage compartment. The 1957 thunderbird comes with better drivability, power steering, and windows. The car also comes with an automatic transmission that controlled by the shift knob. The dash houses the control for the radio and ventilation system. ![]() The center panel extends down the panels and the whole dash. The main gauge got positioned above the steering column, while the remaining smaller gauges stays on the center panel. The large-size steering wheel sits in front of the bubble that homes the gauges. The car comes with a smaller half-ring attached to its spokes. The 1957 interior makes a statement of its sportiness and personal luxury. These new features set the car apart from its competition, especially the Corvette. The 1957 Thunderbird comes with a large porthole and a removable hardtop.
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