- #1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD BIRD STEERING WHEEL MANUAL#
- #1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD BIRD STEERING WHEEL WINDOWS#
In 1962 a Sports Roadster package for the convertible models was added, as was a vinyl-roofed Laundau option with simulated S-bars. The 1961 Ford Thunderbird was also Indianapolis 500’s pace car for that year. Kennedy’s inaugural parade you will see a 1961 Thunderbird. This V8 produced 300 hp and came with a 3-speed automatic transmission. The style was sleeker, giving the car now classic bullet shaped front end. In fact the 3rd generation was a dramatic redesign. Sales broke records in 1960, with 92,843 vehicles sold.ġ961 saw a big change for the Thunderbird. The taillights that were in place for 19 were now replaced with triple-units, in competition with the look of the Chevrolet Impala. In 1960 more style was introduced, another new grille upgrade, and optional manually operated sunroof for the hardtop models. In 1959 a new grille and optional 350 hp 430 cu MEL V8 was introduced. A new 352 cu V8 with 300hp was available with automatic transmissions or 3-speed manuals.
Also introduced was dual headlights, more prominent tailfins, larger hood scoop and a more dramatic chrome grille. The wheelbase was now 113 inches long because of the new back seat in the car. The entire body was much larger than the first generation. TThe 1958 Thunderbird was first released as a hard top, and in June 1958 the convertible body style was released. This was the first individual model line to earn Motor Trend “Car of the Year” honors. This was the beginning of the personal luxury car. While the 2-seaters of 1955-1957 were outstanding, the 4-door blew the lid off the sales force, selling 200,000 in three years. In 1958 the Thunderbird got a redesign as a 4-seater. Sales of the Thunderbird went up to over 21,300 units sold. There was also a McCulloch supercharged version rated at 300 and 340 hp. Some versions of the 312 had higher states of tune. For engines, there was a 312 and 292 engine. Passengers loved the new 4-way power seat “dial-o-matic” option. The scripted “Thunderbird” lettering was moved to the front fenders. The spare tire was no longer on the outside of the car, but instead it was mounted vertically inside the trunk. The grille and tailfins were bigger, as were the tail lights. The 1957 Thunderbird had a more dramatic look. Production dropped this year to only 15,631 units. If you wanted more power you could opt for a 312 Y-Block V8.
#1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD BIRD STEERING WHEEL WINDOWS#
Small porthole windows were added to help improve rear-quarter visibility. Air vents were added behind the front wheel cabin, which boosted interior ventilation, and the exhausts were moved to the end of the bumper. In 1956 the spare wheel was mounted to the outside of the car, giving the car much need trunk space. While it was not designed to be a sports car, it could it 110-120mph with its V8 engine.
#1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD BIRD STEERING WHEEL MANUAL#
It had a manual overdrive transmission or a Fordomatic automatic, 4-way powered seats, pushbutton interior door handles, telescoping steering wheel and a tachometer. Between 10 a total of 53,116 cars were made for the three model years. The 102-inch wheelbase was the same as the Corvette. The entire frame was a version of the standard Ford body-on-frame design. It had fender skirts and the exhaust pipes exited through twin bumper guards bolted to the rear bumper. There was an optional fabric convertible top. WThe top of the 1955 Ford Thunderbird was fiberglass and removable. Even the speedometer said it could go up to 150mph. Still, it was sleeker and had a stylish hood scoop. Physically the Thunderbird it looked like a lot of other Fords, with circular headlamps and tail lamps and a modest tailfin.
Within days 3,500 were sold and, by the end of 1955 16,155 were sold, outselling the Corvette more than 23-to-1, as the Corvette only sold 700 units that year. They rolled off the production line in September of that year and went on sale in October as the ’55 model. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in February, 1954. At the time Chevrolet introduced the Chevrolet Corvette at the New York Auto Show, and Ford simply had to compete with its own great car or, as they called this new market, the personal car. This was the time when the 2-seat convertible was introduced, which was actually the first 2-seat Ford vehicle since 1938. 1955 -1957 is known as the first generation of Ford Thunderbird. There is no denying the awesome design and style of the Ford Thunderbird.
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