11 Generations of Thunderbird
The Ford Thunderbird (T-Bird) was produced across multiple generations, spanning several decades. Here’s a breakdown of the different model years:
First Generation (1955–1957)
- The original two-seater Thunderbird was introduced as a personal luxury car to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette.
- Featured a sleek design, removable hardtop, and V8 engine.
- The 1957 model had tailfins and a more aggressive look.
Second Generation (1958–1960)
- Redesigned as a four-seater “Square Bird” to appeal to a broader market.
- Introduced unibody construction for improved ride quality.
- The 1960 model featured a more sculpted look.
Third Generation (1961–1963)
- Known as the “Bullet Bird” for its sleek, jet-age styling.
- Introduced the “Swing-Away” steering wheel.
- The 1962–1963 models had a Sports Roadster option with a tonneau cover over the back seats.
Fourth Generation (1964–1966)
- The “Flair Bird” featured a more squared-off, formal design.
- Introduced the sequential turn signals (1965).
- The 1966 model had a larger grille and more chrome trim.
Fifth Generation (1967–1971)
- More aggressive, muscle-car styling.
- Switched to a body-on-frame construction in 1970.
- Larger engine options, including a 429-cubic-inch V8.
Sixth Generation (1972–1976)
- The largest Thunderbird ever, sharing a platform with the Lincoln Continental Mark IV.
- Heavy use of chrome and a luxury-focused ride.
- 1974 models introduced 5 mph bumpers due to federal regulations.
Seventh Generation (1977–1979)
- Downsized to be more fuel-efficient.
- Still shared components with the Lincoln Mark V.
- Emphasized personal luxury with plush interiors.
Eighth Generation (1980–1982)
- Further downsized and more angular in design.
- More aerodynamic and efficient engines were introduced.
- Focused on better fuel economy due to the oil crisis.
Ninth Generation (1983–1988)
- Radically new aerodynamic styling.
- Turbocharged models (Turbo Coupe) introduced for performance.
- 1987–88 models had a sleeker front-end design.
Tenth Generation (1989–1997)
- Completely new modern chassis with independent rear suspension.
- Supercharged Super Coupe (SC) models were performance focused.
- The 1994 model had a mid-cycle refresh with a new grille and updated lights.
Eleventh Generation (2002–2005)
- A retro-styled return to the two-seater Thunderbird.
- Inspired by the original 1955 design.
- Powered by a Jaguar-based V8.
This was the final generation of the Thunderbird,
and production officially ended in 2005.
download: 11 Generations of Thunderbird