Ford Thunderbird

The Ford Thunderbird is a car manufactured in the USA by the Ford Motor Company. It entered production for the 1955 model year as a two-seater sporty car; unlike the superficially similar (and slightly earlier) Chevrolet Corvette, the Thunderbird was never sold as a full-blown sports car. Ford described it as a personal luxury car, a description which named a new market segment. In 1958, the Thunderbird gained a second row of seats for greater practicality. Succeeding generations became larger and more luxurious, until the line was downsized in 1977 and again in 1980. Sales were good until the 1990s, when large 2-door coupes became unpopular; production ceased after 1997. In 2002, a revived 2-seat model was launched, which will be available through the end of the 2005 model year.

1983-1988 "Aero Birds"

However, 1983 saw a much improved and aerodynamic car and the launch of the Turbo Coupe, and a much sportier image. In 1987, the Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe was redesigned and came with such notable features as automatic ride control, anti-lock brakes, and the intercooled turbocharged engine from the Ford Mustang SVO. All this resulted in a personal luxury car that produced 190 horsepower (142 kW) from a 2.3 L 4-cylinder engine and had a 146 mph top speed. The Turbo Coupe was Motor Trends Car of the Year for 1987.

Related Topics:
1983 - Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe - Motor Trend - Car of the Year

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