My first Fun With Press Photos post involved my undying love of the 1957 Ford Thunderbird. As I was wandering through the web, I came upon a treasure trove of Thunderbirds through the years. It's a clear indication of how the Seventies were the dark years for automotive design and a graphical illustration of the 'Bird's decline.
By the way, I think I need to stage a photo shoot just like the one above with my Thunderbird. Oddly enough, I already have that costume and a pipe.
Sleek, sharp and classy -- that's how I describe the 1957 T-Bird. Except for a few later models, this is the only year I can stomach. And what ever happened to looking presentable before leaving the house? I mean, that's one dapper couple, no? Geez, that made me sound old.
In 1958, Ford added rear seats and more cargo room. This, in my humble opinion, began the downward slide. But at least the 1962 convertible (center) had some nice lines. But check out the rear overhang of the '61 coupe (right).
The 1965 Thunderbird (left) still retained a decent amount of style, but then the 1967 model (center) came along. That Landau top makes it look like a hearse. But that was nothing compared to the 1970 'Bird. My eyes! My eyes! They burn!
From left to right: 1973, 1977 and 1981. Fail, fail and fail.
The 1983 Thunderbird (left) emerged after a crash diet, looking better than the boxy monstrosities that came before. From there, they regained some of their sleekness, as shown with the 1987 model (center). The 2002 Thunderbird marked the eleventh and final iteration. I actually quite like most of the styling, paying homage to my favorite first-generation T-Bird. Too bad the interior was basically unchanged from the Lincoln LS on which it was based.
So what's your favorite T-Bird? Do you know anyone that actually likes the '70's era models?
By rod_stewart
on June 4, 2010
10:09 AM
I'll take the '77 over the '83. It's pimp.
By blueguydotcom
on June 4, 2010
11:12 AM
My dad has a 57 and 55. He can tell them apart down to the bolts. They just look like big old cars to me. Shiny and uber-clean but still big and not very exciting.
By cruiserhead1
on June 4, 2010
12:39 PM
I remember the '83 when I was a little kid. It was revolutionary looking! I just remember being amazed at how rounded the front end was and how deep set the headlights were. LOL
The last TBird looked nice but it severely lacked detailing and finish work. So, to me, it comes across as a cheap looking car.
Given more effort, the 2002 could have looked gorgeous.
By yankeez
on June 4, 2010
12:52 PM
For some reason you left out the 1989-97 version... (?)
Performance-wise the Thunderbird SC of that era was a bit of a force to be reckoned with, it totally ran circles around the 80s Turbo Coupe (even had independent rear suspension, very rare back in those days). It unfortunately did become a bit of a porker though, with curb weights rivaling its 1970s land yacht predecessors - but still, find me a good-condition 5-speed SC coupe and that'd be my choice.
By tysalpha
on June 4, 2010
01:22 PM
I actually like the 77. Not for drivability, but it has a presence.
The 83 version looks better as the Mercury Cougar. Something about the upright rear glass worked well on that car. Starting with 87, the T-Bird is more attractive than the Merc, though.
By brn
on June 4, 2010
01:41 PM
My post disappeared. Must be a conspiracy. :)
First - 1957
Second - 2002
Third - 1977
Honorable mention to 1987. That was a pretty decent car.
By ne1butu2
on June 4, 2010
06:14 PM
I had an charcoal grey 85 t-bird with the sport package and 5.0 engine that I inherited from my parents. Drove it until 1995. Loved that car.
By oldbob
on June 4, 2010
06:31 PM
The '62 with tonneau over the back seat FTW.
By rsholland
on June 5, 2010
06:01 PM
The best T-birds? The original '55; and the '57 model, with the subtle fin (never cared for the '56 model with the continental tire).
The worst? The most recent version. It was a cruel joke.
By levyrob
on June 7, 2010
08:34 AM
Thumbs Up on the 1961 and 1965.
Thumbs Down on the 1981 gussied Ford Fairmont.
Thunderbird is a name that deserves better.
By rsholland
on June 7, 2010
09:49 AM
"Thunderbird is a name that deserves better."
It sure does.
By bodyblue
on June 13, 2010
08:42 AM
In 1977 Ford re-styled the Cougar and T Bird and drasticly cut the price and sales went through the roof. I had a 78 Cougar XR-7 and I really loved that car.
I liked the 65, 83 and 87 the best.
As a side note the horrible 1970 was because Bunkie Knudson had just come over from Pontiac and loved pointy front ends....(That was from Lee Iaccoca's book)