- Ford unveiled its original design of the Thunderbird for the 1955 model year on February 20, 1954, presenting a stylish new two-seat convertible with an innovative 102-inch-wheelbase chassis frame, new steel body style, a V-8 engine and wing lines running from headlight to taillight. Named after a mythological creature thought to have control over rain, thunder and lightning, the Thunderbird exudes the same qualities of power and speed associated with this creature of lore.
- Ford manufactured the first generation of the Thunderbird from 1955 to 1957. It shared several design features with other Ford models, including circular lights and modest tail fins. Aspects that set first-generation T-Birds apart included a sleek, athletic shape; a faux hood scoop and a 150-mile-per-hour (mph) speedometer. Minor cosmetic changes including new paint colors, more horsepower and the addition of porthole windows in the car's fiberglass root rounded out the features of first-generation Ford Thunderbirds.
- The American automaker produced the second generation of Thunderbirds from 1958 through1960, and few changes distinguished these cars from the earlier design. The T-Bird gained back seats in 1958, ending production of two-seater models, and set the precedent for succeeding generations to become larger in size. A hard-top coupe version of the Ford Thunderbird became available during this time, and the boxy lines, low build, innovative console and wide-pillar roof that defined second-generation T-Birds earned them the nickname "Squarebirds."
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