With 37,892 sold in 1958-outselling the previous model year by well over 16,000 units-the new Thunderbird began a sales momentum previously unseen with the car. Powering the Thunderbird was a new, 300 horsepower 352 cu in (5.8 L) FE V8, available with a 3-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Along with a new, more rigid unibody construction was new styling, including dual headlights (for a total of four), more prominent tail fins, a bolder chrome grille, and a larger, though non-functional, hood scoop. The increased size also increased the car's weight significantly by close to 1,000 pounds (454 kg). Though retaining a design as a two-door hardtop coupe/convertible, the new Thunderbird was considerably larger than the previous generation, with a longer 113.0 inches (2,870 mm) wheelbase to accommodate the new back seat. As a result, the car was redesigned as a four-seater for 1958. In fact, the Thunderbird outsold the Corvette by more than 23-to-one for 1955 with 16,155 Thunderbirds sold against 700 CorvettesĪlthough the Thunderbird had been considered a rousing success, Ford executives-particularly Robert McNamara – felt that the car's position as a two-seater restricted its sales potential. Though inspired by, and positioned directly against, the Corvette, Ford billed the Thunderbird as a personal luxury car, putting a greater emphasis on the car's comfort and convenience features rather than its inherent sportiness. Designations aside, the Thunderbird sold exceptionally well in its first year. The Thunderbird's 102.0 inches wheelbase frame was mostly a shortened version of that used in other Fords while the car's standard 292 cu in (4.8 L) Y-Block V8 came from Ford's Mercury division. Mechanically though, the Thunderbird could trace its roots to other mainstream Fords. Though sharing some design characteristics with other Fords of the time, such as single, circular headlamps and tail lamps and modest tail fins, the Thunderbird was sleeker and more athletic in shape, and had features like a hood scoop and a 150 mph speedometer hinting a higher performance nature that other Fords didn't possess. Production of the Thunderbird began later on in 1954 on September 9 with the car beginning sales as a 1955 model on October 22, 1954. Like the Corvette, the Thunderbird had a two-seat coupe/convertible layout. Under rapid development, the Thunderbird went from idea to prototype in about a year, being unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show on February 20, 1954. A rare remnant from the classic ford years of great value to the collector or restorer.The Ford Thunderbird began life in February 1953 in direct response to Chevrolet's new sports car, the Corvette, which was publicly unveiled in prototype form just a month before. The exterior color swatches in front are wrinkled and some have stuck together sith small loss when pulled apart. This book is in good original condition with the replacement swatches still in the rear envelope, along with overlays for the Thunderbird colors. For the Thunderbird swatches along with the other swatches are some made of leather. Along with this were instructions on how to cover over the previous swatches. 32, with a notice that these trims "now appearing in your book will only be available for 60 to 90 days, then changed to the enclosed patches". At the very back of the book is an envelope containing the 1961 Thunderbird Color and upholstery supplement and revision for Galaxie and Country Squire Trims No. Further back is a series of tables "Your 1961 Ford, Falcon & Thundrbird Color and Upholstery Selector Selection Charts". Within is a color selections with all available Ford colors on vinyl samples: a color demonstrator with overlays so the buyer could compare the various color combinations Ford upholstery selections with actual swatches of the various vinyl and vinyl-and-cloth combinations, Sunliner soft tops and separate Falcon, Falcon Futura and Falcon wagon sections. This is a thick vinyl cover spiral bound dealers book demonstrating the exterior colors and interiorupholstery finishes available for the 1961 Ford.
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