Thunderbird An Illustrated History Of The Ford T Bird

The definitive history of Ford s iconic Thunderbird sports car from 1950s dream, through to a year-by-year analysis of the production models. The American automotive scene was changed forever when Ford launched its legendary 1955 Thunderbird. Half a century and innumerable facelifts later, the Thunderbird still manages to capture the heart of American car enthusiasts with its sporting character and bold styling. This book covers the full story of the Thunderbird, from concept, the various yearly changes, through to its demise in the 1990s and rebirth in the new millennium (and its subsequent exit from the Ford line-up), looking at the model s numerous competition exploits along the way. Written by an acclaimed motoring historian with full co-operation form the factory this is an extremely comprehensive reference. In addition, it is illustrated throughout with over 400 contemporary photographs, brochures and advertising and has a range of useful appendices meaning this is the only book on this subject you will ever need.

Surveys the history of the Ford Thunderbird and its designs, engines, and performance.

The Ford Thunderbird became a classic the moment it was introduced in 1955, rivaled in its appeal only by the Mustang and Corvette. This full-color gallery examines the T-Bird from the first models to the last versions built in 1997 and the new edition Ford will introduce in the year 2000. Exemplary photography features cars from all eras. Special emphasis is given to the marketing strategies that helped make the T-Bird Ford's signature car for more than 40 years.

For five decades, the Ford Thunderbird has been a car that has taken America on a wonderful ride through the changes of its time. From the sporty classic two-seater that people still go nuts for over half a century after it was first built, to the retro reincarnation of today and everything in between from sleek convertibles and suicide-doored sedans to supercharged coupes, the T-bird has been an enthusiast's car for all seasons. Thunderbird: 50 Years takes a look at the golden history of every generation of this American classic, and details the development and evolution of one of Ford's best-known models year-by-year, in text and 200 photographs. Chapter by chapter, each generation of the T-bird is placed within the context of its time to help illustrate why the car evolved as it did. From the ever-desirable finned two-seaters of the 1950s, stylish and sporty convertibles of the late 1950s and early 1960s, suicide-door cruisers of the late 1960s, land yachts of the 1970s, aerodynamic turbo- and supercharged coupes of the 1980s and 1990s, and today's retro-influenced reincarnations, all are covered from an enthusiast's viewpoint. Learn what's rare and desirable in the lists of options, colors and production figures. See examples of the most desirable and collectible 'Birds around, including excellent originals and authentically restored jewels presented in color.- Complete history of the Thunderbird- Spectacular photography by David Newhardt- Sidebars touch on pop culture status and impact- Very detailed appendix with production features and options