The 'Bird Is Back: Ford's Thunderbird to 'Fly' Again
8 May 1998
The 'Bird Is Back: Ford's Thunderbird to 'Fly' Again
DEARBORN, Mich., May 8 -- They're the six words that Ford
fans have been waiting to hear -- "The Ford Thunderbird will be
back," and it promises to be a modern classic.
Jac Nasser, Ford Automotive Operations president, has confirmed that the
company will build a new generation Thunderbird that blends leading edge
technology and world-class driving dynamics and features with design cues true
to the heritage of the original T'Bird of the mid-1950s.
"A sporty Thunderbird will once again grace America's roads," Nasser said.
"Ford owes car lovers everywhere exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles. With the
new T'bird, we promise to bring back the magic of owning and driving an
American icon."
Nasser confirmed that the new Thunderbird will be a rear-wheel drive
specialty sports coupe to be built at the Wixom Assembly Plant in Michigan.
The new car will share the same world-class DEW platform with the 2000 model
year Lincoln LS, also to be built at Wixom.
Chief Program Engineer Nancy Gioia and Chief Designer Doug Gaffka have
been named to head up the Thunderbird team, with the mission of giving drivers
a spirited American sports coupe that's fun and comfortable to drive.
A new internet web site will be unveiled May 15 dedicated to classic
Thunderbirds. It will be linked to the Ford corporate web site (http://www.ford.com)
and is a paradise of information for classic T'bird lovers the world over. It
includes an interactive site that will contain official periodic updates about
the all-new Thunderbird.
Thunderbird Facts
Key Points
Introduced in September 1954 as a 1955 model
two seat convertible
total two seat production 53,166
Total sales -- 4.2 million units
Peak sales year 1977 -- 322,517 units
Built at Lorain assembly, Lorain, Ohio
Last redesign in 1989
1996 sales 79,721 (-24%)
Product Highlights
Introduced in September 1954 as a 1955 model
two seat convertible
total two seat production 53,166
Redesigned in 1958
Motor Trend Car of the Year 1958
four seat model
dubbed "the square 'bird"
sales increased from 21,380 in 1957 to 91,058
Redesigned in 1961
the "projectile" look
Redesigned in 1964
discontinued convertible after 1966
Redesigned on 1967
four-door model added to lineup
Redesigned in 1970
Redesigned in 1972
two-door model only
Redesigned in 1975
personal luxury car
Redesigned in 1977
peak sales year was 1977 with 322,517 units
Redesigned in 1980
Redesigned in 1983 with Aero look
Motor Trend Car of the Year 1987
Redesigned in 1989 Motor Trend Car of the Year
FORD THUNDERBIRD U.S. SALES HISTORY
1955 14,190
1956 16,763
1957 15,173
1958 48,482
1959 72,859
1960 81,555
1961 85,142
1962 74,306
1963 67,871
1964 85,661
1965 72,132
1966 68,816
1967 57,313
1968 67,373
1969 49,381
1970 40,868
1971 41,801
1972 58,731
1973 79,759
1974 47,646
1975 36,803
1976 91,140
1977 322,517
1978 304,430
1979 215,698
1980 127,248
1981 69,775
1982 49,585
1983 134,710
1984 154,865
1985 157,209
1986 140,713
1987 132,623
1988 117,866
1989 120,645
1990 106,124
1991 74,189
1992 84,186
1993 122,415
1994 130,713
1995 104,254
1996 79,721
1997 Through February 11,815
Total 4,148,716
Total U.S. sales through February 1997.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company