Did Ford ever make a 4 door Thunderbird?
The Ford Thunderbird is one of the most iconic vehicles in American automotive history, known for its sleek design and luxurious features. While it is primarily remembered as a two-door personal luxury car, there is an interesting chapter in its history where a 4-door version was introduced. Let’s dive into the details of this unique model and its place in the Thunderbird legacy.
The Introduction of the 4-Door Thunderbird
Yes, Ford did produce a 4-door version of the Thunderbird. This occurred during the fifth generation of the Thunderbird, which was manufactured from 1967 to 1971. The 4-door Thunderbird was introduced in 1967 as part of Ford's effort to expand the appeal of the model and cater to a broader audience. This marked a significant departure from the Thunderbird's traditional two-door coupe and convertible designs.
Key Features of the 4-Door Thunderbird
The 4-door Thunderbird was designed to maintain the luxury and style that the model was known for while offering more practicality. Here are some of its standout features:
- Suicide Doors: The 4-door Thunderbird featured rear-hinged "suicide doors," which added a unique and elegant touch to its design.
- Luxury Interior: The interior was spacious and luxurious, with high-quality materials and advanced features for its time.
- Distinctive Styling: Despite the additional doors, the car retained the sleek and aerodynamic styling that the Thunderbird was famous for.
- Powerful Engine Options: The 4-door Thunderbird came with a range of powerful V8 engines, ensuring it delivered strong performance.
Why the 4-Door Thunderbird Was Discontinued
While the 4-door Thunderbird was an innovative concept, it was not as successful as Ford had hoped. The model faced criticism for straying too far from the Thunderbird's original identity as a sporty personal luxury car. Additionally, the market for 4-door luxury cars was already competitive, and the Thunderbird struggled to carve out a niche. As a result, Ford discontinued the 4-door version after the 1971 model year, and subsequent generations of the Thunderbird returned to the two-door format.
The Legacy of the 4-Door Thunderbird
Today, the 4-door Thunderbird is a rare and intriguing piece of automotive history. It represents Ford's willingness to experiment and adapt to changing market demands. For collectors and enthusiasts, the 4-door Thunderbird is a unique model that stands out in the Thunderbird's long and storied history.
At Kevin's Autos, we love exploring the fascinating stories behind classic cars like the Thunderbird. If you own a vintage vehicle and need expert maintenance or repair, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to keep your automotive treasures running smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1957 Ford Thunderbird worth today?
The value of a 1957 Ford Thunderbird can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $46,850 for a 1957 Ford Thunderbird in good condition with average spec.
What is the most sought-after Thunderbird?
2 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster
The 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster M-Code is a rare classic car and one of the most sought-after Thunderbird versions.
Did Ford make a four door Thunderbird?
Offered in 2- or 4-door models, all 1970−1971 Thunderbirds had prominent angular lines on the hood leading to a jutting tip, that also formed the center of the grill work, that was not a too thinly disguised bird beak.
Why did Ford discontinue the Thunderbird?
With sales dropping significantly after its first model year, Ford discontinued the eleventh-generation Thunderbird after the 2005 model year; the final vehicle was manufactured on July 1, 2005.
How many 1966 Thunderbird Landau were made?
35,105 units
The Landau trim package added to the Town Sedan a padded roof and landau S-bars. It became by far the best-selling model, accounting for 35,105 units of the 1966 model year's 69,176 units sold.
What is the most valuable Ford Thunderbird?
And paired with a 3-speed cruisomatic automatic transmission sending power to the rear. Wheels. Coming in at around 4,300 lb this Thunderbird achieves 0 to 60 in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 125.
What is the difference between the 1956 and 1957 Thunderbirds?
The tailfins on a 1956 T-Bird were straight up in the air, while the tailfins on a '57 Thunderbird slid down the rear quarter panels and were positioned at a more horizontal angle compared to the earlier Bird.
What is the rarest Ford Thunderbird?
1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged
The rarest of all 1957 Ford Thunderbirds is the 1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged. One of 15 hand-built for Ford Competition at Ford Headquarters, and one of eight known to survive today.
How many 1957 Thunderbirds still exist?
In total, there were 21,380 Thunderbirds sold in 1957, each with one of three V8 engine options: D-, E- or F-Type. The vast majority were the D-Type V8, while 1,363 were E-Type, and just 197 were F-Type. There are only an estimated 40 F-Types left in existence today.
How many doors did the original Thunderbird have?
Ford Thunderbird (first generation)
| Ford Thunderbird | |
|---|---|
| Body style | 2-door convertible/roadster |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Chassis | Body-on-frame |
| Powertrain |
