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Ford Thunderbird (first generation)

Ford Thunderbird (first generation)
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Years1955–1957
BodyRoadster Cabriolet
LayoutFront engine
DesignerFrank Hershey, Bill Boyer
ErasWar and the birth of the GT

Why it is in the archive: A two-seat 'personal car' — borderline; in as a two-seater.

Photos

Ford Thunderbird (first generation)
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ford Thunderbird (first generation)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Profile

Illustration: CARZGT body-style drawing (not to scale).

Versions

Specs are metric. Power is shown in PS, hp and kW.

Base
Engine292 cuin Y-block V8
InductionNaturally aspirated
Gearbox3-speed Fordomatic automatic
Length4,453 mm
Width1,786 mm
Wheelbase2,591 mm

Also in this era

Cisitalia 202Cisitalia 202Cisitalia · 1947–1952Ferrari 166 MM BarchettaFerrari 166 MM BarchettaFerrari · 1948–1953Porsche 356Porsche 356Porsche · 1948–1965Jaguar XK120Jaguar XK120Jaguar · 1948–1954Aston Martin DB2Aston Martin DB2Aston Martin · 1950–1953Lancia Aurelia B20 GTLancia Aurelia B20 GTLancia · 1951–1958

Where the facts come from

  1. Wikipedia: Ford Thunderbird (first generation) — accessed 2026-10-30