thunderbird

[Jeanette Long]

i've always wanted to do a blog about old cars. they fit into the pinup society like a glove. but no one really knows the history of what they're posing with. so this could be educational.
i'll start with my fave car.

The Thunderbird was introduced in 1955 to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette. It was a two-seat car with clean styling, creature comforts, and V8 refinements. The '55 was available with a 193-212 horsepower 292 cubic-inch V8. In 1956 and 1957 the Thunderbird was available with a 215-340 horsepower 312 cubic-inch V8 or the original 292 cubic-inch engine.

In 1958 the Thunderbird was transformed into a four-seat car. It had much boxy lines, a wide-pillar roof, and was classified a personal luxury car.

Although the 1955-1957 two seat roadsters had been very popular, many people wanted the convenience of a car with more passenger and cargo room. The revamped Thunderbird was an instant success, and it was named Motor Trend Magazine's Car of the Year.

From 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.

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 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. The 1961-1963 T-bird had a 390 cubic-inch V8 available and it put out 300-340 horsepower.

The next body re-styling came in 1964. It was known as the "Jet Bird" model line. The wheel base was lengthened to 113 inches and the overall length of the car was 205 inches.

This new body style consisted of shorter roof lines, a newly designed rear-end, and a longer hood and rear deck lid. The convertible option was still available during the '64 model year, however, the Sports Convertible option was officially dropped from the lineup. In 1965, the Thunderbird changed cosmetically with a reversed scoop behind the front wheels and a different front end. Available for the first time were power front disc brakes.

1966 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.

Also new for 1966 was the 428 cubic-inch engine, which was available as an option along side the standard 390.

from: http://www.albeedigital.com/supercoupe/articles/tbird_history.html

[Mrs.Killer]

a lady after my very heart! :) great post!

[Edson Carlos]

What a fantastic idea Jeanette! I look forward to your posts. Keep it going, people are reading!