The 1964 Thunderbird models were great looking vehicles, and the public thoroughly enjoyed the new features, which included a sculptured body and rectangular taillights that were set inside a massive bumper for extra safety. The larger Thunderbird was introduced as a 1958 model and met with quick public acceptance and huge success. Many Thunderbird buyers were asking for two seats in the back, so they could show their vehicle off to more passengers, so a four-seater model was developed. Despite the immediate success of the small classic car, Ford product planners realized early that design changes would need to be made. The Thunderbird was created to fill a need for a personal car in the American automotive market during the early 1950s. The 1964 models were the fourth in the Thunderbird line to be completely redesigned.ġ964 Thunderbird ad featuring the interior (Robert Tate Collection) Some automotive historians have referred to the 1964 Thunderbirds as the sculptured look because of its side view design. Thunderbird offered the consumer a longer hood and a shorter roofline that most consumers had admired. The all new Ford Thunderbird was completely restyled for the 1964 model year. Images courtesy of the Robert Tate Collection/Ford Motor Company Archivesġ964 Ford Thunderbird Landau (Robert Tate Collection) While it wouldn't boast a mid-engined layout, it would indirectly rival the Corvette as a halo grand tourer.By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher According to new reports, a return is in the cards, with Ford considering a new Thunderbird as a Corvette rival of sorts. Last seen in 2005 when the brand tried (halfheartedly) to revive the iconic nameplate, many thought we'd seen the last of it. Over at Ford, the Thunderbird is all but forgotten. The new Corvette Stingray is in high demand (even the drop-top is posting remarkable sales figures) and it's only set to skyrocket with the arrival of the high-performance Z06. Introduced as the Thunderbird, the gorgeous styling and V8 powertrains brought many into Dearborn's fold and, interestingly, the Blue Oval's offering outsold the Corvette of the day by thousands.Ĭut to 2022 and things couldn't be more different. At the 1954 Detroit Auto Show, Ford lifted the lid on a two-seater convertible that, to this day, is much loved by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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