*Photographs are courtesy of Richard Coney*
The Thunderbird ('T-Bird') was manufactured by Ford in the United States over eleven model generations from 1955 through to 2005. 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. While these Thunderbird models had a true convertible soft top, the top was lowered to stow in the boot area, considerably reducing available boot space when the top was down. The overall appearance was a sleek look with no trace of a convertible top at all. The Ford Thunderbird began life in February 1953 in direct response to Chevrolet's new sports car, the Corvette, which was publicly unveiled in prototype form just a month before. Under rapid development, the Thunderbird went from drawing board to prototype in about a year, being unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show on 20<sup>th</sup> February 1954. Similar to the Corvette, the Thunderbird had a two-seat coupé/convertible layout and shared some design characteristics with other Fords of the time, such as single, circular headlamps and tail lamps together with modest tailfins. Production of the Thunderbird began later in 1954 with the car beginning sales as a 1955 model on 22<sup>nd</sup> October 1954.
The condition of this 1957 Thunderbird can only be described as exceptional. Imported into the UK in 2009, the car has obviously seen little or no rain in its former life, in view of the fact that the paintwork is original. To be expected from a 55 year old vehicle, there are a couple of small blemishes, although no corrosion, on the paintwork. This should not detract prospective purchasers from a car that presents itself as a superb example. The 5122cc, V8 engine performs and sounds exquisite, and finished in willow green with matching green/grey trim, this Thunderbird is fitted with the very desirable 'port hole' hardtop. The period white wall tyres, oceans of gleaming chrome and excellent condition make this a stunning looking T'bird. Supplied with a V5 registration document and a current MoT test certificate, Thunderbirds are hard to find as good as this.
The Thunderbird ('T-Bird') was manufactured by Ford in the United States over eleven model generations from 1955 through to 2005. 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. While these Thunderbird models had a true convertible soft top, the top was lowered to stow in the boot area, considerably reducing available boot space when the top was down. The overall appearance was a sleek look with no trace of a convertible top at all. The Ford Thunderbird began life in February 1953 in direct response to Chevrolet's new sports car, the Corvette, which was publicly unveiled in prototype form just a month before. Under rapid development, the Thunderbird went from drawing board to prototype in about a year, being unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show on 20<sup>th</sup> February 1954. Similar to the Corvette, the Thunderbird had a two-seat coupé/convertible layout and shared some design characteristics with other Fords of the time, such as single, circular headlamps and tail lamps together with modest tailfins. Production of the Thunderbird began later in 1954 with the car beginning sales as a 1955 model on 22<sup>nd</sup> October 1954.
The condition of this 1957 Thunderbird can only be described as exceptional. Imported into the UK in 2009, the car has obviously seen little or no rain in its former life, in view of the fact that the paintwork is original. To be expected from a 55 year old vehicle, there are a couple of small blemishes, although no corrosion, on the paintwork. This should not detract prospective purchasers from a car that presents itself as a superb example. The 5122cc, V8 engine performs and sounds exquisite, and finished in willow green with matching green/grey trim, this Thunderbird is fitted with the very desirable 'port hole' hardtop. The period white wall tyres, oceans of gleaming chrome and excellent condition make this a stunning looking T'bird. Supplied with a V5 registration document and a current MoT test certificate, Thunderbirds are hard to find as good as this.