HCS
10-12-2006, 08:23 AM
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
http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/ford-thunderbird/images/ford-thunderbird-1955a.jpg
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
http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/ford-thunderbird/images/ford-thunderbird-1956a.jpg
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
http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/ford-thunderbird/images/ford-thunderbird-1957a.jpg
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
1955 Ford Thunderbird
http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/ford-thunderbird/images/ford-thunderbird-1955a.jpg
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
http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/ford-thunderbird/images/ford-thunderbird-1956a.jpg
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
http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/ford-thunderbird/images/ford-thunderbird-1957a.jpg
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