2021 thunderbird car2/9/2024 So perhaps the Thunderbird will return in yet another new form. ![]() With the electric Mustang Mach-E, Ford has also shown that's not afraid to reuse classic names in ways hardcore fans might find sacrilegious. Unlike many other iconic nameplates, the Thunderbird has always changed to suit the times. ![]() It was retired after the 2005 model year, and the Thunderbird name has remained dormant ever since. Despite initial hype, that version didn't last long. After a brief hiatus, the Thunderbird returned for the 2002 model year with retro styling. And now it’s being offered for sale on eBay. Starting out in 1955 as a two-seat sports car, it grew into a cushier "personal luxury car," then morphed into a NASCAR homologation special with aerodynamic bodywork. Named SEMA’s 2003 Best of Show, the Ford Foose Speedbird has some provenance. The Thunderbird took on many forms during its decades of production. The mention of "concept motor vehicles" in the application could also indicate plans for a concept car (assuming auto shows ever return), but not a full-fledge production model. ![]() They chose to enhance their 3.8-liter V6, instead of the V8. Apparently coupling the OD transmission with the automatic transmissions lower geared rear end was common when the car was used for racing.1956 Ford Thunderbird parked on the second floor of McCarran International Airport Ford did use forced induction with the Thunderbird, making a supercharged version with its own special bumper, dubbed the Super Coupe. I was surprised when the original build sheet for my 57 TBird with OD described it as having and automatic transmission at birth. The automatic tranny is coupled with a lower geared rear end, this would be an asset because other than actually shifting into Lo gear or fully depressing the accelerator the car starts out in 2nd gear. This is a nice advantage of the standard with OD over the automatic it does have the 4th gear and cruises at lower RPM at HWY speeds. ![]() At 60 MPH it feels like it needs to shift into 4th gear, which obviously it does not have. In January this year, Ford applied for a trademark on the iconic Thunderbird name, and the independent rendering we have here builds on the hopes that were born from the said move. Discover the latest lineup in new Ford vehicles Explore hybrid & electric vehicle options, see photos, build & price, search inventory, view pricing & incentives & see the latest technology & news happening at Ford. I also have a 57 Skyliner with the 3-speed automatic that starts out in second gear. So get your T-Birds ready to soar on Thunderbird Appreciation Day, May 16, 2021, and show the world how unique these iconic Fords really are 14th Annual ShelbyFest and All-Mustang Rally Gears Up to Fill Up Downtown Jefferson City, Missouri, May 6-8. It feels like going into passing gear with an automatic tranny. The percentages from his records for the 1957's with the late data plates are: Ford-O-Matic 82.0. When the accelerator is fully depressed in OD mode the transmission shifts down to 3rd gear until the accerator is released. I asked Dave Tulowitzky, the keeper of the 1955-1957 Thunderbird Registry, and he is working on an article using information from the 1955 invoices and the results are: Ford- O-Matic 76. Another feature of the OD is an electronic kick-down switch under the accelerator pedal.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |