Sales were good until the 1990s when large two-door coupes became unpopular. Succeeding generations became larger until the line was downsized in 1977, again in 1980, and once again in 1983. For 1958, the Thunderbird was redesigned with a second row of seats. Ford positioned the Thunderbird as an upscale model and it is credited in developing a new market segment, the personal luxury car. Unlike the Chevrolet Corvette, it was not marketed as a sports car. The Thunderbird entered production for the 1955 model year as a sporty two-seat convertible. Introduced as a two-seat convertible, the Thunderbird was offered variously as a four-seat hardtop coupe, four-seat convertible, five-seat convertible and hardtop, four-door pillared hardtop sedan, six-passenger hardtop coupe, and five-passenger pillared coupe, with the final generation designed again as a two-seat convertible.įord targeted the two-seat Thunderbird as an upscale model, but the 1958 model year design introduced a rear seat and arguably marked the expansion of a market segment eventually known as personal luxury cars, positioned to emphasize comfort and convenience over handling and high-speed performance. The Ford Thunderbird (colloquially called the T-Bird) is a personal luxury car manufactured and marketed by Ford from model years 1955-2005 (with a 1997-2002 hiatus), across 11 generations. Sports car (first and eleventh generations).The sellers also just installed a new fuel pump and fresh gas to deal with what happened during storage. The seller tells us that the brakes are good and that it has a nice set of radial tires installed. The one in this car is said to run and drive well, and that the transmission shifts correctly. Here’s the source of that burbling–the 185 horsepower (I should note that Ford calls it 350 in the advertising videos), 352 cubic inch V8. I used to joke with him about his “burblemobile” and how input to the steering wheel was like sending a message to the engine room. But I have to admit that I enjoyed driving it–a lot! My uncle had a 1960 Thunderbird convertible that I was lucky enough to drive once honestly, it felt like steering a motorboat compared to the Triumphs I was used to. The interior is similar to the car not pristine but perfectly adequate for a weekend (or more) driver. The ad spots are incredible products of their time! Please, if you have a few minutes, take a look at these original Ford 2-minute advertisements here and here touting the car as the “World’s Most Wanted Car” to get a real feel for how the Thunderbird was positioned by Ford’s marketing personnel. What a great profile! With all the jet fighter like touches and the wrap around windshield, this Thunderbird is absolutely a product of its time. While most of it looks solid, there are some rusty spots around the edges of the car. To their credit, the seller includes lots of clear pictures, so you know exactly what you are getting into if you’re considering the car. You can also see some of the spots of rust, for example just above the corners of the rear bumper. The Lincoln wheels don’t really do it for me, but that’s easy enough to change if you feel the same way. The big bird is located in Marlboro, New Jersey. Despite being not pristine, perhaps you may think this 1960 Thunderbird deserves the moniker the ad mavens gave it at the time as “The World’s Most Wanted Car”? More about that later–but for now, this Corinthian White example is for sale here on eBay, where bidding is currently at only $1,975 and there’s no reserve.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |