![]() ![]() Ford incorporated the higher drivetrain tunnel that was required in a lower car into a center console dividing both front and rear seats which featured ashtrays, switches, and minor controls. The 1958 Thunderbird was only 52.5 inches tall, nearly 9 inches shorter than an average American sedan the Thunderbird had only 5.8 inches of ground clearance. The intent was to allow the maximum interior space in a relatively small exterior package. The four-seat Thunderbird was designed with unibody construction, eschewing a separate chassis shared with the all-new Lincoln built at the all new factory in Wixom, Michigan. ![]() However, the losing proposal, styled by Elwood Engel, would gain its own place in Ford Motor Company history: after minor revisions, it would become the 1961 Lincoln Continental. The design was one of two proposals, styled primarily by Joe Oros, who later worked on the 1964 Ford Mustang. The design was driven entirely by the styling department and approved before the engineering was considered. ![]() The new Thunderbird had a distinct new styling theme. Mercury also saw the introduction of a flagship hardtop coupe with a similar approach to luxury called the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser with a longer wheelbase and two inches more for width dimensions, then updated to the 1958 Mercury Park Lane. The listed retail price was US$3,408 for the base price ($35,509 in 2022 dollars ). As a response, Ford executives decided to add a rear seat to the Thunderbird. The Studebaker Speedster and the Chrysler 300C shared many appearances with the Thunderbird, while offering a rear seat. Market research suggested sales of the Thunderbird were limited by its two-seat configuration, making it unsuitable for families. Īlong with the 1958 Lincolns, the 1958 Thunderbird was the first Ford Motor Company vehicle designed with unibody construction.Īlthough the 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbird had proved successful (in comparison to the Chevrolet Corvette), Ford executives-particularly Robert McNamara-still felt its overall sales volume had room to improve. Sales totalled 198,191 over three model years, approximately four times that of the earlier two seat model. In response to Ford-conducted surveys two major changes were made to attract potential buyers: two rear seats were added and the level of luxury and features of a full-sized car were incorporated into a mid-size platform.Īs a result, sales soared and the new model dramatically expanded the personal luxury car market, winning the Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1958. Both versions were paired to a standard 3-speed manual, while a 3-speed automatic was on the options list.The second generation Ford Thunderbird (also called Square Bird ) was produced by Ford for the 1958 to 1960 model years as a successor to the popular 1955–1957 two-seater. While the smaller one offered a 5.8-liter displacement rated at 300 hp, the other option was the Interceptor engine: a 7.0-liter V8 rated at 350 hp. Under the hood, Ford installed a choice of two, V8 engines. Ford Thunderbird found its niche market for those who didn't want to race the cars but enjoyed the drive. On the dash-panel, the carmaker installed three large dials, and there was no tachometer. All four windows were cranked even if it was a coupe. The interior was big enough for four adults, with four individual seats inside. Behind, the three, round lights for each taillight were part of a thruster-like body panel. Its rear quarter panels featured fins on the trunk's sides, like some winglets on a plane. The curved windshield and the sidelines followed the same idea of jet-age design trend. Most of the front fascia was covered by the big, chromed bumper, which was extended to the sides. The car featured a special headlight casing, which mimicked the shape of an eagle eye. The car was big and comfortable, and it also had some muscles under the hood, while the unibody construction made it lighter than its main competitors. ![]() Ford tried and succeeded in placing the T-Bird in the personal luxury car segment. The second generation of the Thunderbird was born in the jet-age era, where the new fighter-jets heavily influenced car design.Īlso known as the Square-Bird, the second generation only lasted for three years between 19, and it was an absolute success. ![]()
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