FReeper Canteen ~ Motorhead Wednesday: Ford Thunderbird 55-63, 06 ~ July 19, 2006

History
1955-1963

The Ford Thunderbird was Ford's answer to the Chevrolet Corvette. But whereas the Corvette never strayed far from its two seat sports car concept, the Thunderbird would soon add a hardtop coupe version, a back seat, and even two more doors as the do-everything personal car for Ford over the years. But it always provided decent performance along with a dash of style.

1955 Ford Thunderbird

Comments: The Ford Thunderbird debuted in 1955 as Ford's entry into the two seat sports car created by the Chevrolet Corvette. The Thunderbird was always about style, and the clean styling, creature comforts, and V8 refinement made it a sales success. The Thunderbird was only available as a convertible, but a distinctive removeable hardtop with circular portholes was available and was a popular option.

Production: 16,155.
Engines: 292 V8 193 bhp. 292 V8 212 bhp.
Performance: N/A

1956 Ford Thunderbird

Comments: The big change for 1956 was the addition of a larger V8 option, a 312 cid V8 rated at 215 bhp.

Production: 15,631.
Engines: 292 V8 193 bhp. 292 V8 212 bhp. 312 V8 215 bhp.
Performance: N/A

1957 Ford Thunderbird

Comments: Ford finally got serious about performance with the 1957 Thunderbird, the last year of the first generation and the last two seat Thunderbird. New versions of the 312 Y-block V8 were offered that provided serious performance. The E-code 312 V8 featured two four-barrel carbs and was rated at 270 bhp. The F-code 312 V8 featured a single four-barrel carb force fed by a Paxton-built McCulloch centrifugal supercharger. The F-code engine was rated at 300 bhp, or at 340 bhp with the optional NASCAR "racing kit." But these performance options would disappear after February 1957 when the Automobile Manufacturers Association (AMA) decided to end Detroit's horsepower war. In addition to the boost in power, the 1957 Ford Thunderbird received a minor facelift which resulted in what many fans feel is the most stylish Thunderbird of all time.

Production: 21,380.
Engines: 292 V8 193 bhp. 292 V8 212 bhp. 312 V8 215 bhp. 312 V8 270 bhp. 312 V8 300 bhp. 312 V8 340 bhp.
Performance: N/A

1958 Ford Thunderbird

Comments: The 1958 Ford Thunderbird represented the first year of the second generation and the first of the four seat Thunderbird, which marked the end of the two seater (which would not reappear until 2002). The new second generation Thunderbird featured four seats and an available hardtop coupe version along with the convertible. The distinctive styling featured boxy lines and a wide-pillar roof, which earned the second generation Thunderbirds the nickname "Squarebirds," and would later spread to all Ford models. The new Thunderbirds also featured several innovations including unit construction, low build, and pioneered the buckets and console interior that established the personal luxury (and later muscle car) concept. A retractable hardtop was planned, but was shelved after the Skyliner experience. Engine choices were all new, with the elimination of the high performance 312 V8s but the addition of a larger 352 V8.

Production: 2D Hardtop: 35,758. 2D Convertible: 2,134.
Engines: 352 V8 300 bhp.
Performance: N/A

1959 Ford Thunderbird

Comments: The big news for 1959 was the addition of a Lincoln 430 cid V8 rated at 350 bhp. Sales increased tremendously.

Production: 2D Hardtop: 57,195. 2D Convertible: 10,261.
Engines: 352 V8 300 bhp. 430 V8 350 bhp.
Performance: N/A

1960 Ford Thunderbird

Comments: 1960 was the last year of the second generation Thunderbirds. A special "Golden Edition" hardtop was also available as well as the country's first postwar sliding steel sunroof (about 2,500 built).

Production: 2D Hardtop: 78,447. 2D "Golden Edition" Hardtop: 2,536. 2D Convertible: 11,860.
Engines: 352 V8 300 bhp. 430 V8 350 bhp.
Performance: N/A

1961 Ford Thunderbird

Comments: 1961 was the first year of the third generation Thunderbirds which featured all new exterior styling that earned it the nickname "Projectile Birds". Chassis design was carried over, but was reworked slightly for a smoother ride and better handling. The exterior styling featured a severely pointed front "prow," modest fins above huge renditions of Ford's traditional round tail-lights, and softer roof contours on hardtops. The cowl was shared with the Lincoln Continental, and there was soom similarity in the styling of the grille and the quad headlamps receased in oblong housings. The interior design featured a dash which curved at its outboardends to blend in with the door panels, and the first "Swing Away" steering wheel, which would swing to the side when the car was in park and the door was opened to help facilitate entry and exit. The only engine available was the 390 cid V8, rated at 300 bhp.

Production: 2D Hardtop: 62,335. 2D Convertible: 10,516.
Engines: 390 V8 300 bhp.
Performance: N/A

1962 Ford Thunderbird

Comments: 1962 saw the return of the two seat Thunderbird -- sort of. Actually, drawing upon aftermarket units, Ford introduced the Sports Roadster package which featured a fiberglass tonneau cover, designed by Bud Kaufman, that covered the rear seat and transformed the four seat Thunderbird into a two seat roadster. The tonneau cover featured twin headrests and were raised so as to flow back to the rear, thus avoiding a too-flat appearance. The convertible top could still operate even with the tonneau cover in place, which was good because the top was difficult to install and remove. The Sports Roadster package also included a dash-mounted grab bar for the passenger and four dazzling Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels. The rear fender skirts were deleted to allow clearance for their knock-off centers. Although a stylish idea (usually attributed to Lee Iacocca), its high price, and cumbersome installation limited its sales. For performance fans, Ford offered a special "M-code" 390 cid FE V8 rated at 340 bhp. It featured three Holley two-barrel carbs and an aluminum manifold which kept the carbs level and at the same height. Only 145 Thunderbirds were built with the M code option, including 120 Sports Roadsters.

Production: 2D Hardtop: 62,335. 2D Convertible: 10,516. 2D Covertible Sports Roadster: 1,427.
Engines: 390 V8 300 bhp. 390 V8 M-code 340 bhp.
Performance: N/A

1963 Ford Thunderbird

Comments: The Thunderbird was carried over for 1963, with the Sports Roadster and M-code 390 engine still available. A new option was a new Landau hardtop with simulated top irons on its rear roof panels which would set a Thunderbird styling gimmick that would continue for years Only 55 M-code Thunderbirds were sold in 1963, including 37 Sports Roadsters.

Production: 2D Hardtop: 42,806. 2D Convertible: 5,913. 2D Covertible Sports Roadster: 455.
Engines: 390 V8 300 bhp. 390 V8 M-code 340 bhp.
Performance: N/A

All information gathered at Musclecarclub.com - Ford Thunderbird - History

2006 Ford Thunderbird

Transmission: Manual
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

280 hp, 32-valve DOHC V8 engine
Convertible top, power retractable (Optional removable top with heated glass rear window on Premium)
Premium leather seating surfaces
4-wheel independent SLA suspension

Marshall Ford

Please remember: the Canteen is place for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coasties and their families to kick back and relax. Please check your politics at the door and just have fun! Thanks!!

1 posted on 07/18/2006 5:59:45 PM PDT by StarCMC

2 posted on 07/18/2006 6:00:20 PM PDT by darkangel82 (Higher visibility leads to greater zottability.)

To: 2LT Radix jr; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; 80 Square Miles; 359Henrie; acad1228; AirForceMom; ...

Ping to Motorhead Wednesday -- Talking about Thunderbirds today! *HUGS!*

3 posted on 07/18/2006 6:01:18 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

4 posted on 07/18/2006 6:02:21 PM PDT by GrandEagle

DANG IT! I just saw Motorhead and I clicked the link. I thought it was something about the band.

5 posted on 07/18/2006 6:03:22 PM PDT by mojo_the_migo

To: StarCMC; All

Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Lord, Please Bless Our Troops they're fighting for our Freedom.

Prayers going up.

6 posted on 07/18/2006 6:03:37 PM PDT by HopeandGlory (Hey, Liberals . . . PC died on 9/11 . . . GET USED TO IT!!!)

Supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen at more than 1,000 places across the U. S. and around the world.

~Tribute to Our Troops~

7 posted on 07/18/2006 6:03:49 PM PDT by AZamericonnie (Support our Troops!)

To: HopeandGlory

8 posted on 07/18/2006 6:03:58 PM PDT by WestVirginiaRebel (Common sense will do to liberalism what the atomic bomb did to Nagasaki-Rush Limbaugh)

To: HopeandGlory

9 posted on 07/18/2006 6:03:59 PM PDT by WestVirginiaRebel (Common sense will do to liberalism what the atomic bomb did to Nagasaki-Rush Limbaugh)

To: HopeandGlory

10 posted on 07/18/2006 6:03:59 PM PDT by WestVirginiaRebel (Common sense will do to liberalism what the atomic bomb did to Nagasaki-Rush Limbaugh)

To: HopeandGlory

11 posted on 07/18/2006 6:04:04 PM PDT by WestVirginiaRebel (Common sense will do to liberalism what the atomic bomb did to Nagasaki-Rush Limbaugh)

To: mojo_the_migo

I thought it was something about the band.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds?

12 posted on 07/18/2006 6:04:57 PM PDT by GrandEagle

To: mojo_the_migo

I had an 1986 T'Bird Turbocoupe.
Bought it new.
Bad to the bone! It was awesome!

Currently own a 1995 model. Pretty benign automobile.
Pretty good car but kinda ho-hum

13 posted on 07/18/2006 6:07:39 PM PDT by GrandEagle

To: StarCMC; xzins; CMS; The Sailor; txradioguy; Jet Jaguar; Defender2; OneLoyalAmerican; bkwells; ...

Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of today's thread

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.

If you would like to be removed or added to my ping list please click below.

Please Remove Me

CLICK HERE to FReep mail to remove from ping list.

Please Add Me

CLICK HERE to FReep mail to add to ping list.

CLICK FOR Current local times around the world

CLICK FOR local times in Seoul, Baghdad, Kabul,
New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Anchorage

To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.
To our military readers, we remain steadfast
in keeping the Canteen doors open.
The FR Canteen is Free Republics longest running daily thread specifically designed
to provide entertainment and morale support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.
We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.

CLICK BELOW to ENTER the
FR Canteen Post Office, Support Our Military and Vets Links and Info

FR Canteen Post Office Established November 30, 2001

NOTE : CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily, and on the Music Thread,
Never requires a paid subscription to listen to.
It's always provided FREE,
for the enjoyment
of our troops and visitors

14 posted on 07/18/2006 6:08:13 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a service man or woman today?)

Concept for the batmobile ya think? :) Thanks for this evenings thread Star! *Hugs*

15 posted on 07/18/2006 6:09:16 PM PDT by AZamericonnie (Support our Troops!)

What's a T-Bird without the biggest fan of Detroit Steel?

16 posted on 07/18/2006 6:10:38 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)

Thanks for today's thread!

17 posted on 07/18/2006 6:11:05 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a service man or woman today?)

Ive never understood why ford decided to base the new Tbird on the 60s models instead of the classic 55-57 models

18 posted on 07/18/2006 6:12:37 PM PDT by mylife

To: StarCMC; All

19 posted on 07/18/2006 6:12:53 PM PDT by laurenmarlowe

When I was in high school, one of the guys has a 1964 (I think). Pretty cool car. The steering wheel moved to the right out of the way.
It was a 400hp jukebox on wheels - girl magnet.

Cordially,
GE

20 posted on 07/18/2006 6:13:45 PM PDT by GrandEagle

by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika July 18, 2006 Sgt. Michael Wade, from 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, calls fellow Soldiers forward during a gun battle with insurgents in Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq.

by Petty Officer 1st Class Bart A. Bauer July 17, 2006 Sgt. Antonio Montes and fellow Soldiers from the 506th Regimental Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, patrol the neighborhood of Adhamiya in east Baghdad.

by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Larson July 17, 2006 Capt. Chad Foster, from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, delivers a situation report during an air assault raid on suspected insurgent sanctuaries in Mushahda, Iraq.

21 posted on 07/18/2006 6:16:31 PM PDT by laurenmarlowe

WOOOHOOOO!!

FIRST!

22 posted on 07/18/2006 6:20:09 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

Second!!

LOL!

23 posted on 07/18/2006 6:21:33 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

To: mojo_the_migo; AZamericonnie

Stick around -- Connie usually plays some Motorhead tunes too! :-)

24 posted on 07/18/2006 6:22:11 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

To: HopeandGlory; AZamericonnie

Woohoo!! Thanks ladies -- gorgeous posts!! Thanks for the pledge and the tribute to the troops!!

25 posted on 07/18/2006 6:22:57 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

To: StarCMC; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; All

Bump! Good evening, and thanks for the ping.

26 posted on 07/18/2006 6:23:07 PM PDT by Gucho

To: trussell; GummyIII; LaDivaLoca; 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub; Kathy in Alaska; Fawnn; MoJo2001; ...

Good Evening Canteen FReepers!

27 posted on 07/18/2006 6:23:08 PM PDT by darkwing104 (Let's get dangerous)

LOL! I was sitting on the ready - I just got beat to the punch!

Anybody remember who the SECOND guy to wakl on the moon was?

28 posted on 07/18/2006 6:23:13 PM PDT by GrandEagle

To: WestVirginiaRebel

LOL -- yes! You were...and you were...and you were...and you were!

29 posted on 07/18/2006 6:23:51 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

wakl
Looks a gread deal like WALKING.

30 posted on 07/18/2006 6:24:13 PM PDT by GrandEagle

Prayers for those who willingly take the battle to our enemy so the enemy can't do battle here.
My God keep your families in your absence, grant you victory on the battle field, and deliver you safely back home to your loved ones.

My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

GE

31 posted on 07/18/2006 6:34:32 PM PDT by GrandEagle (US Marines: Allah’s travel agents)

To: AZamericonnie

Yeah, I was kinda thinkin that myself.

32 posted on 07/18/2006 6:36:28 PM PDT by Cheapskate ('Hey there brotha, who you jivin with that cosmic debris?" F.Zappa)

To: GrandEagle; StarCMC; All

The Fabulous Thunderbirds~Girls Go Wild

Click at your own risk!:)

Want more information about the artists we play? Perhaps you'd like to buy concert tickets or their CDs? Click the links below for more information!

ArtistDirect.com Amazon.com Ticketmaster.com Songfacts.com Walmart.com

33 posted on 07/18/2006 6:37:15 PM PDT by AZamericonnie (Support our Troops!)

To: AZamericonnie

34 posted on 07/18/2006 6:37:27 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

35 posted on 07/18/2006 6:38:01 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

Thanks Mr. Tonkin! Goodtaseeya tonight!! :o)

36 posted on 07/18/2006 6:38:38 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

Evening friend. I hope all is well with you and you're keeping cool. :)

37 posted on 07/18/2006 6:39:14 PM PDT by MeekMom (Obey Jesus, the benefits are great!)

To: AZamericonnie

Thanks! I've not heard them in years!

GE

38 posted on 07/18/2006 6:39:43 PM PDT by GrandEagle (US Marines: Allah’s travel agents)

Who can fathom the mind of an executive?? He he he!!

Good evening my -- good to see ya!

39 posted on 07/18/2006 6:39:52 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

Thanks for the new thread StarCMC.God bless all our troops.

40 posted on 07/18/2006 6:40:26 PM PDT by fatima (You can read History or make it,fatima)

Evening Cheapskate. Crossed your mind too? lol

Love the tag. Hope you have a great evening....

41 posted on 07/18/2006 6:40:33 PM PDT by AZamericonnie (Support our Troops!)

42 posted on 07/18/2006 6:41:42 PM PDT by GrandEagle (US Marines: Allah’s travel agents)

Good evening Mom! I am cool if I am inside or in the water! It's hotter than blazes here! :o) How about you??

It's good to be here among friends!

43 posted on 07/18/2006 6:41:47 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

Hi GrandEagle(((Hugs))) Lot's of our troops coming to the rescue:)

44 posted on 07/18/2006 6:44:46 PM PDT by fatima (You can read History or make it,fatima)

"Comments: The big change for 1956 was the addition of a larger V8 option, a 312 cid V8 rated at 215 bhp."

A bigger one I feel was the change over from a 6-volt to 12-volt electrical system.

45 posted on 07/18/2006 6:46:44 PM PDT by moonman (`)

........FIRST!....FIRST AGAIN!.....WE WUZ FIRST!!!!........FIRST!....FIRST AGAIN!.....WE WUZ FIRST!!!!........FIRST!....FIRST AGAIN!.....WE WUZ FIRST!!!!........FIRST!....FIRST AGAIN!.....WE WUZ FIRST!!!!........FIRST!....FIRST AGAIN!.....WE WUZ FIRST!!!!

46 posted on 07/18/2006 6:48:02 PM PDT by tomkow6 (........Support the artists appearing in the Canteen (buy a BURKA)!)

Yes! 9 ships!
FOX new is just now reporting that the first ship with 126 of our countrymen just arrived in Cypress

Things are starting to happen! (((Hugs))) back to you.

GE

47 posted on 07/18/2006 6:49:41 PM PDT by GrandEagle (US Marines: Allah’s travel agents)

To: mojo_the_migo; StarCMC; All

~The Very Best Of Motorhead~

Click at your own risk!:)

Want more information about the artists we play? Perhaps you'd like to buy concert tickets or their CDs? Click the links below for more information!

ArtistDirect.com Amazon.com Ticketmaster.com Songfacts.com Walmart.com

48 posted on 07/18/2006 6:50:23 PM PDT by AZamericonnie (Support our Troops!)

CUTE Gucho!! Good evening!!

49 posted on 07/18/2006 6:50:54 PM PDT by StarCMC ("The word of muslims will never, ever override what our U.S. Marines say." - TheCrusader)

50 posted on 07/18/2006 6:51:16 PM PDT by tomkow6 (........Support the artists appearing in the Canteen (buy a BURKA)!)

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794