1955-1978

One of the all time great American dream machines - the original Thunderbird of 1955 was Ford’s two seater response to the Chevrolet Corvette. More boulevard cruiser than sports car, the T-bird became an instant legend. For ‘57 Ford offered the optional high performance 312 cubic inch V8 that only enhanced the performance image. Later models grew back seats, bigger engines, added length and weight, but managed to maintain something of the mystique of the early Birds thanks to sensational styling both inside and out. The 1958 four-seater Thunderbird is credited with inventing a whole new market segment - the personal luxury car. Even today few cars can match the stunning interiors of the 1964-66 ‘Flairbirds’ with integrated center-console, thermometer-style speedo, aircraft style toggle switches and space-age inspired design.

1966 was the last year for the Thunderbird convertible, and the first for the optional 428 big block. From ‘67 Ford offered a four-door Tbird sedan with rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors for back seat entry - just like the bigger Lincoln Continental sedan and convertible. From the early 1970s the Thunderbird grew steadily longer and heavier and gradually lost the distinctive character that makes earlier examples so collectible today. Having said that - a big, luxurious 1970s Thunderbird is still is a pretty cool way to go cruising what with monster big-block power (up to 460 cubic inches) and oozing 1970s excess inside and out. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore and more’s the pity. Read more about Thunderbirds and other personal luxury cars here