Sales for 1955 surpassed predictions, and even though sales dropped off for 1956 slightly, that was due to a late introduction of the '56 cars as much as anything. Sales the first two years were quite good, especially considering the very limited market for this type of a car in the first place. It captured the hearts of America, brought people into Ford showrooms so they could see it first hand, and hopefully buy another Ford automobile if the Thunderbird wasn't right for them, and it was the car to own and be seen in. The Ford Thunderbird had done everything Ford intended for it to do. New front bumper, doors, and heavily restyled rear fenders and deck lid gave the little Bird a new look.

Round, reflective yellow 'Lifeguard Design' decal added to driver's door rear edge to warn oncoming carsĨ4/HO - FMC Transportation/Equipment Department (Home Office Reserve)Ībove: 1957 Ford Thunderbird in Inca Gold.

New seat and door panel upholstery designs.

Restyled front and rear bumpers, doors, and rear fenders.

Wheel/tire size changed from 15' to 14'.

We hear there are plans to bring the Thunderbird back at some point in the future, so the T-bird's story hasn't ended yet. In 1968, a standard front bench seat allowed for six passengers for the first time ever.Ī retro-styled two passenger Thunderbird would debut in 2002, and would be built in limited numbers through 2005.

In 1967, it would introduce the first four door personal luxury car. In 1958, the Thunderbird would grow to accommodate four passengers. Height to Top of Convertible Top: 51.8 inchesįront Headroom: 33.1 inches (Hardtop) 33.6 inches (Convertible Top)ġ957 was the third and final year for the original two passenger Ford Thunderbird.

Original Tire Brand: Firestone and Goodyear Optional Automatic: Ford-O-Matic torque converter with planetary gears Optional Overdrive: Planetary overdrive with planetary gears Standard: 3-speed Synchromesh with helical gears

Built: 21,380 Production: September 17, 1956-December 13,1957 (1957 production held over due to delays in the introduction of the new 1958 models)Ĭarburetor: Holley 4V with McCulloch Variable Ratio Centrifugal Supercharger TOP LINE: BODY CODE/MODEL NAME/BASE PRICE

70 thunderbird convertible