This day in history: Ford’s Thunderbird makes debut at Detroit’s first post-war auto show

(CBS DETROIT) – On Feb. 20, 1954, the Ford Thunderbird made its debut at Detroit’s first post-war auto present. 

In line with Ford Motor Firm, the preliminary pointers for the Thunderbird included that it could be a two-passenger, canvas-topped open automotive weighing 2,525 kilos, with an Interceptor V-8 engine and a prime velocity of over 100 miles per hour. 

The Thunderbird discovered its place available in the market as a result of it was extra private than the standard sports activities automotive, having the two-seat characteristic. 

Earlier than releasing the car, the workforce engaged on the Thunderbird was having a tough time selecting a reputation for it, regardless that 5,000 names had already been urged. So, they provided $250 to whoever might give you a greater identify, and Alden Giberson, a Ford stylist, urged they go together with Thunderbird for the car’s identify.

The car was produced on the Dearborn Meeting Plant, and the primary one got here off the road in September 1954.

Shoppers might buy the car for between $2,695 and $4,000, in accordance with Ford Motor Firm. 

Over time new options had been provided to shoppers.

“The car would evolve all through its manufacturing time,” mentioned Ford Motor Firm. “The adjustments included elevated security options, including extra engine choices, Dial-O-Matic energy seats, a radio that mechanically adjusted the quantity in proportion to the velocity of the engine, including the choice of 4 seats, rising inside house inside the car, a flat line roof, a rear window, and plenty of different options.”

The car was additionally utilized in NASCAR races and because the restyled model appeared in 1982, the automotive gained 150 races in NASCAR’s prime division and 4 Daytona 500 races.

Ford stopped producing the Thunderbird within the mid-Nineteen Nineties, however they launched a Heritage Version within the early 2,000s.

The fiftieth anniversary of the Thunderbird was celebrated in 2005, and in that yr, Ford additionally introduced the car could be discontinued.