GenesisĪ smaller two-seater sports roadster was created at the behest of Henry Ford II in 1953 called the Vega. As a result of this design, the trunks of convertible models were notorious for leaking. Unlike hardtop models that utilized a conventional key-secured, forward hinged design, the convertibles combined the trunk opening and closing within the convertible top operating system. Failure of any of the relays, motors or limit switches will prevent the convertible system from completing the cycle. While the hydraulics are not often a cause for trouble, the electrical relays are known to fail. The system consists of a spiderweb of solenoids, relays, limit switches, electric motors, a hydraulic pump/reservoir, hydraulic directional valves and cylinders.
However, this design could present a challenge to one who is troubleshooting a convertible top malfunction. The overall appearance was a sleek look with no trace of a convertible top at all. With the top down and the trunk lid lowered, there is no sight of the soft top. The forward end of the trunk lid contained a metal plate that extended upward to cover the area that the top is stowed in. The trunk lid was rear-hinged raised and lowered via hydraulic cylinders during the top raising or lowering cycle. This design reduced available trunk space when the top was down. While these Thunderbird models had a true convertible soft top, the top was lowered to stow in the forward trunk area. The Second to Fourth Generation Thunderbird convertibles were similar in design to the Lincoln convertible of the time and borrowed from earlier Ford hardtop/convertible designs.
From its introduction in 1955 to its phaseout in 2005, Ford produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds. In 2002 production of the Thunderbird started again, a revived 2-seat model was launched, which was available through the end of the 2005 model year. Sales were good until the 1990s, when large 2-door coupes became unpopular production ceased at the end of 1997. Succeeding generations became larger until the line was downsized in 1977, again in 1980, and once again in 1983. In 1958, the Thunderbird gained a second row of seats. Ford positioned the Thunderbird as an upscale model and is credited in developing a new market segment, the personal luxury car. Unlike the Chevrolet Corvette, it was not marketed as a sports car. We want to protect your passion! Click below for an online quote, or give us a call at Thunderbird entered production for the 1955 model year as a sporty two-seat convertible. If you have an early model Ford Thunderbird or another collectible you’d like to insure with us, let us show you how we are more than just another collector vehicle insurance company.
The unique Swing-Away steering wheel allowed easy access to the driver’s power bucket seat, and the thoroughly modern interior features an AM radio, factory seat belts, and a unique center console in it’s contemporary wrap-around design. It features power brakes, steering, locks and seats, and has obviously been meticulously cared for since new. It’s a western car from new, with dealer installed air conditioning and a large stack of original sales and maintenance documents. It’s got a great sound, tons of torque, and the engine bay is just as clean and correct as the rest of this beautiful car.įinished in the factory Heritage Burgundy paint with a very nice Pearl Beige interior, the car has had but one repaint since new, and survives in outstanding condition with just 55,000 original miles. All of this helped the Thunderbird ride like a luxury car, but it was the big 390 ci V-8 that gave the T-bird its performance reputation. Part performance car and part luxury vehicle, the 1962 Thunderbirds featured about 45 pounds of sound-deadening materials for a quiet ride, zinc-coated steel to resist rust, and both 3 coats of primer and 2 coats of “never-wax” enamel paint, as well as significant improvements to the fuel and braking systems. Sales were brisk, with over 73,000 1961 units sold, and that rose to over 78,0. The new Thunderbird was given the honor of serving as the Indianapolis 500 pace car in 1961, and 50 ‘Birds were used by President Kennedy during his inaugural. The sharp nose, modern symmetrical shape, jet engine inspired tail lights, and sleek fins were all styling cues inspired by the early 60’s fascination with space and supersonic travel, and the new Thunderbird reflected the styling leader position it occupied in Ford’s lineup. Ford introduced the third generation Thunderbird in 1961, and their aggressive styling soon became known as the Bullet Bird, and it’s easy to see why.
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