Classic Cars | Ford Thunderbird
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Originating in the deserts of the southwest, the name “Thunderbird” came from Native American legends and was proposed to Ford by young car stylist Alden Giberson, in 1954. Giberson purportedly won a $95 suit from Saks Fifth Avenue for suggesting the name.
By emphasizing the Thunderbird’s comfort and luxury, Ford sold more than 16,000 Thunderbirds in the first year, while Chevrolet managed to move only about 700 Corvettes.
THE THUNDERBIRD made its debut in 1954, initially as a two-seat convertible that Ford hoped would rival Chevrolet’s racy Corvette. With its scooped hood, covered, rear-mounted spare tire, and (somewhat optimistic) 150 mph (241 km/h) speedometer, the car undoubtedly had upmarket credentials, but like the early Corvettes, it was never meant to be overtly sporty. While striking to look at, it used the same conventional 4.8-liter V8 as several other cars in Ford’s Mercury stable.
Although not the fastest Ford, appearance came first for many Thunderbird buyers. By making it relatively large for a two-seater, the company was able to create a sleek, low-riding shape with high levels of interior comfort. With its single headlamps and small rear fins, it was instantly recognizable as a Ford.
The Classic Thunderbird
was Ford's first true two-seater sports car for many years. It came out
in 1955 as Ford’s answer to the Chevrolet Corvette. The Thunderbird was
a beauty with crisp and restrained styling and it was a great success.
Over 16,000 were built in 1955 compared to sales of only 700 Corvettes
that year. The classic sporty two-seater lasted just 3 years, though the
Thunderbird name lived on in a bigger, heavier cars with little
sportiness about them. 
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