The 'Bird Is Back: Ford's Thunderbird to 'Fly' Again
8 May 1998
The 'Bird Is Back: Ford's Thunderbird to 'Fly' AgainDEARBORN, 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