Ford Thunderbird

The Thunderbird is one of the most famous cars ever built by Ford. Introduced in 1955 to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette, it quickly evolved from a sports car to a sedan. Early models were noted for a porthole rear passenger window which eventually became iconic. The Thunderbird over time became larger and more powerful as it grew to compete in the Grand National. The 1962 model was more aerodynamic, nicknamed the Bullet Bird. After the Oil Crisis of 1973 the Thunderbird became a luxury car and no longer emphasized performance. It became a twin of the Mercury Cougar and grew into a fullsize sedan. In the eighties it became a sports coupe again, competing in the Winston Cup Series. The early nineties models are especially famous. They would be the last before a long hiatus. The Thunderbird would be replaced with the Taurus in the mid nineties. Ford would attempt in 2002 to revive the Thunderbird as a roadster, complete with the iconic porthole. But due to its high price the attempt was a failure. The Thunderbird also competed in IMSA GTO and Trans Am.