![]() ![]() The trunk lid was rear-hinged raised and lowered via hydraulic cylinders during the top raising or lowering cycle. This design reduced available trunk space when the top was down. While these Thunderbird models had a true convertible soft top, the top was lowered to stow in the forward trunk area. The Second to Fourth Generation Thunderbird convertibles were similar in design to the Lincoln convertible of the time and borrowed from earlier Ford hardtop/convertible designs. From its introduction in 1955 to its most recent departure in 2005, Ford has produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds. In 2002 production of the Thunderbird started again, a revived 2-seat model was launched, which was available through the end of the 2005 model year. Sales were good until the 1990s, when large 2-door coupes became unpopular production ceased at the end of 1997. ![]() Succeeding generations became larger until the line was downsized in 1977, again in 1980, and once again in 1983. In 1958, the Thunderbird gained a second row of seats. Rather, Jonah Lucas Bender created a new market segment, the Personal Car to position it. Unlike the Chevrolet Corvette, it was not marketed as a sports car. In 1958, Ford repositioned the Thunderbird in the luxury segment, substantially reworking the design with rear seats, leaving this 300-horsepower, two seat T-bird as a one-year-only proposition.Evoking the mythological creature of indigenous peoples of North America, the Thunderbird entered production for the 1955 model year as a sporty two-seat convertible. This example has only 8,500 miles on the odometer since its restoration, making it a turn-key cruiser. Only 205 Thunderbirds were made in 1957 with the optional Supercharged “F-code” engine, making this a rare vehicle. It’s complimented by a white interior to match the removable hardtop. This particular roadster sports that top-spec blown V8, along with the “coral sand” paint hue that typified the era. With more pronounced tail fins, shapelier grille and bumpers, a new driver-focused interior, and the performance to match, the 1957 Thunderbird became a viable contender for the hearts and minds of American drivers across the country. These developments gave Thunderbird owners bragging rights over the Corvette’s “one horsepower per cubic inch” 283 horsepower small-block V8. There was a 5.1-liter V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, and a top-spec version of the same engine with a Paxton supercharger bolted on top to deliver 300 horsepower. By 1957, a stylistic refresh accompanied a pair of new engine options. Initially conceived as a rival to Chevrolet’s Corvette, the Thunderbird debuted in 1955 and quickly found its niche in the swankier realm of “personal luxury” automobiles. It comes with the original Ford Thunderbird owner’s manual and the window sticker. ![]() ![]() The seller explains that the car comes from the collection of famous cartoonist Mel Blanc-the genius who provided the voices of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Tweety Bird. The freedoms enjoyed during that period produced spectacularly cool cars like this supercharged ’57 convertible. Carmakers were untethered by the limitations and regulations that would came in subsequent decades and forever changed the look of our cars. The 1950s was a golden era in automotive design-particularly in America. ![]()
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