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Thunderbird: An American Icon (111)
The Ford Thunderbird has been a beloved automobile of enthusiasts the world over for almost 50 years. From its beginnings as a sporty two-seater built to rival the Corvette, it evolved to a classic luxury car in 1958... then back to a sleek retro roadster in 2002.

When considering names for the automobile, The Ford Motor Company turned to Native American mythology. Tradition had it that the thunderbird was a guardian spirit that had the power to invoke thunder, lightning, rain, and hail. Join us for a look at the history of the Ford Thunderbird—a legendary name for a legendary car.

Thunderbird Facts:

William Burnett, Ford's chief engineer, oversaw the development of the original Thunderbird.
More than 5,000 names were considered for the two-seater Ford.
The name "Thunderbird" was made official in February 1954, and production of the car began in September of the same year.
The suggested retail price for a 1955 Thunderbird hardtop was $2,695.
The first 1956 Thunderbird was built on October 17, 1955.
A top with rear quarter windows was designed in 1956, but never used on production Thunderbirds.
The fins on the 1957 Thunderbird were styled by designer Frank Hershey.
The Thunderbird was chosen as the pace car for the 1961 Indianapolis 500.
Ford produced 14,276 Thunderbird sport roadsters in 1962.
Front disc brakes were standard in the 1965 Thunderbird.
Ford first offered a four-door Thunderbird in 1967.
The 1973 Thunderbird was 216 inches long.
A 115-horsepower six-cylinder engine was made available in 1980.
The last four-passenger Thunderbird was built on September 4, 1997.
Ford has produced more than 4.3 million Thunderbirds since 1954.
The 2002 Thunderbird is powered by a 252-horsepower 3.9-liter V-8 engine and lists for $35,495.
The price of fully restored 1955-1957 Thunderbirds ranges from $45,000 to $50,000.
Ford has produced 12 different generations of Thunderbirds.
Ford has won more NASCAR Winston Cup races than any other automobile manufacturer.
Holman & Moody was formed in 1957 and ran Ford's stock car racing program from 1957 to 1973.
Chris Turner and "Little" Joe Weatherly drove the Holman & Moody Thunderbird stock cars in 1958.
Thunderbirds won six NASCAR Grand National races in 1959.