

The only engine available for the 1969 Thunderbird was a 360 horse 429 cubic-inch V8.ġ970 saw still another body change. The single taillight was replaced with two taillights that had a thunderbird emblem located to the center. In 1969 the grille and the taillight assemblies were the only real changes. The only real difference in 1968 was a new grille which featured small Thunderbird emblems attached to each of the retractable headlight doors and a new 360 horse 429 cubic-inch V8 engine option. The convertible option was dropped from production in 1967. The engine options available were a 315 horse 390 cubic-inch V8 and a 345 horse 428 cubic-inch V8. The four-door model had rear “suicide” doors. The headlights on these models were concealed until the headlight switch was turned on. Also changed was the grille and headlight layout, which were designed to appear like a jet engine intake.

With an all new chassis design a 4-door option became available. The 1967 Thunderbirds were very different from their predecessors. Available for the first time were power front disc brakes.ġ966 saw more cosmetic changes such as a new grille, a single tail-light that ran the width of the back of the car, and new body sculpting.Īlso new for 1966 was the 428 cubic-inch engine, which was available as an option along side the standard 390. In 1965, the Thunderbird changed cosmetically with a reversed scoop behind the front wheels and a different front end.

The convertible option was still available during the ’64 model year, however, the Sports Convertible option was officially dropped from the lineup. This new body style consisted of shorter roof lines, a newly designed rear-end, and a longer hood and rear deck lid. The wheel base was lengthened to 113 inches and the overall length of the car was 205 inches. It was known as the “Jet Bird” model line. The 1961-1963 T-bird had a 390 cubic-inch V8 available and it put out 300-340 horsepower. The interior featured a dash that curved at its outboard ends to blend in with the door panels, and the first ever “Swing Away” steering column. In 1961 the Thunderbird went through yet another restyling and the all-new body shell featured a pointed front nose, modest fins above the traditional round taillights, quad headlamps recessed in oblong housings, and much softer roof lines for the hard-top versions. The revamped Thunderbird was an instant success, and it was named Motor Trend Magazine’s Car of the Year.įrom 1958 through 1960 the Thunderbird could be ordered with either a 352 cubic-inch V8 engine that put out 300 horsepower or it could be ordered with a huge 430 cubic-inch engine that put out 350 horsepower. It had much boxy lines, a wide-pillar roof, and was classified a personal luxury car.Īlthough the 1955-1957 two seat roadsters had been very popular, many people wanted the convenience of a car with more passenger and cargo room. In 1958 the Thunderbird was transformed into a four-seat car. Ford Thunderbird Flat Metal Art Wall Sign (Small) In 19 the Thunderbird was available with a 215-340 horsepower 312 cubic-inch V8 or the original 292 cubic-inch engine.

In 1955, the Thunderbird was available with a 193-212 horsepower 292 cubic-inch V8. It was a two-seat car with clean styling, creature comforts, and V8 refinements. When the Thunderbird was introduced in 1955 it was intended to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette. history as an icon of automotive technology. Over the years the Ford Thunderbird has earned its place in U.S.
