By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Henry Ford Media Center Archives
Published 1.8.2025
A 1955 Ford Thunderbird ad (Henry Ford Media Center Archives)
On February 20, 1954, the 1955 Ford Thunderbird was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show at the Michigan State Fairgrounds. It’s been 70 years since this iconic car made automotive design history.
The Ford Design Studio in the early 1950s (Henry Ford Media Center Archives)
One of the first steps in planning a new car design is the preparation of a sketch or idea to move the project forward in the design studio. After engineers have decided what the new model should look like, and about how long, how high and how wide it should be, a full-size drawing is made of the car. This drawing is called a design package.
Ford Design studio proposal for the 1955 Ford Thunderbird (Henry Ford Media Center Archives)
During the early 1950s, Ford Motor Company was looking for a sportier automotive design to become part of their line. It was George Walker (May 22, 1896 - January 19,1993), Ford’s Design Vice President, along with Louis D. Crusoe and Bill Boyer, who created the new Ford Thunderbird design look for 1955. Americans during this era were becoming fascinated with imported European sports car designs.
For many years, automotive historians have said that the 1955 Fords were so well-received that more cars were sold than in any other model year in US auto history. However, Ford still trailed to General Motor’s Chevrolet brand in the sales race until 1957. The 1955 Ford designs were the answer to Chevrolet’s Corvette.
The 1955 Ford Thunderbird on display at the Detroit Auto Show (Henry Ford Media Center Archives)
During the planning stages, Ford considered over 5,000 names before the name plate Thunderbird was selected. The name came from the thunder and lightning mythical bird of the Native Americans of the southwest.
The new 1955 Thunderbird was priced at $2,950 and, with the hardtop removed, it became a sporty open two-seater model. The 1955 and 1956 Thunderbird models quickly became a huge success due to the nation’s prosperity.
A 1955 Ford Thunderbird first proposal with the chrome stripe that was later dropped (Henry Ford Media Center Archives)
The first production Thunderbirds drove off the line on September 9, 1954, and went on sale on October 22. The 1955 Thunderbird was manufactured exclusively at Ford’s Dearborn Assembly Plant.
During the 1954 Detroit Auto Show, Henry Ford II, then 36 years old and president of the company, introduced and demonstrated the model to the American Press. Some people even called the T-Bird “Hank the Deuce’s” new personal car. The new 1955 Thunderbird offered high-performance with its Ford Y-block V-8 engine with power seats and an adjustable steering wheel. The car also drew huge crowds at the Chicago Auto Show.
A 1955 Thunderbird on the line at the Dearborn Assembly Plant (Henry Ford Media Center Archives)
The 1956 Thunderbird was not much changed significantly from the previous year’s model, but the sticker price increased to $3,297. One thing that was new -- a classy spare tire that was mounted into the rear bumper, along with dual exhaust and an adjustable steering wheel. The 1956 Thunderbirds also offered a sportier looking design with the hard top with a port-hole design.
The 1956 Ford Thunderbird (Henry Ford Media Center Archives)
Both the 1955 and 1956 Thunderbirds were both displayed at the prestigious Ford Rotunda in Dearborn, Michigan. The two-seaters were both spectacular-looking models which still turn heads today.
A 1956 Ford Thunderbird ad (Henry Ford Media Center Archives)
In conclusion, the 1955 and 1956 Ford Thunderbirds were made at the right time in automotive history. These models are very collectable today and have a huge fan base across the country. For more information on these classics, contact the International Thunderbird Club at PO Box 24041 in Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124, call 216.375.2808 or visit https://intl-thunderbirdclub.com.
Bibliography
Cooke, David C. “How Automobiles Are Made.” Dodd, Mead & Company, New York, 1957.
Sorensen, Lorin. “Ford’s Golden Fifties.” Silverado Publishing Company, St. Hellena, California, 1997.
Dammann, George H. “Illustrated History of Ford 1903-1970.” Crestline Publishing, 1970.
by A. Wayne Ferens
Images Courtesy of Ford Motor Company and the Ferens Collection
Published 1.1.2024