Did the Ford Thunderbird ever have a retractable hardtop?
Yes, the Ford Thunderbird did have a retractable hardtop option at one point in its history. The Thunderbird, a classic American sports car, has undergone several design changes and feature updates since its introduction in the 1950s.
The Thunderbird's Retractable Hardtop
The Ford Thunderbird was first introduced in 1955 as a two-seat convertible. Over the years, the Thunderbird evolved, growing in size and adding more seats. In 2002, Ford introduced a retractable hardtop version of the Thunderbird, which allowed drivers to enjoy the open-air experience of a convertible with the added security and weatherproofing of a hardtop roof.
The retractable hardtop Thunderbird was part of the car's 11th generation, which was produced from 2002 to 2005. The hardtop could be raised or lowered at the push of a button, providing drivers with the flexibility to choose between an open-air or enclosed driving experience.
Reasons for the Retractable Hardtop
The addition of the retractable hardtop option was likely a strategic move by Ford to appeal to a wider range of Thunderbird buyers. Convertibles can be less practical in certain weather conditions, and the hardtop provided an alternative that offered the same open-air feel with added protection and security.
Furthermore, retractable hardtops were becoming increasingly popular in the early 2000s, as automakers sought to combine the best features of convertibles and coupes. The Thunderbird's retractable hardtop allowed it to compete with other sports cars and luxury vehicles that offered similar convertible-coupe hybrid designs.
The Thunderbird's Retirement
The retractable hardtop Thunderbird was short-lived, as Ford discontinued the model in 2005. The Thunderbird nameplate was retired altogether in 2007, marking the end of an era for this iconic American sports car.
While the retractable hardtop Thunderbird was a relatively brief chapter in the car's history, it demonstrated Ford's willingness to adapt and innovate in order to meet the changing needs and preferences of its customers.
What is the difference between 1955 and 1956 Thunderbird?
If you're looking to spot a '56 over a '55, you'll note details such as added cowl vents (meant to combat engine heat under-hood), an external spare mounted “Continental”-style on the trunk (because of complaints about low cargo space from the in-trunk spare of '55), and exhaust tips that poked through the bumper.
What is the value of a 1959 Ford Skyliner?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $26,350 for a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner? The highest selling price of a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner at auction over the last three years was $105,300.
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.
What year is the most desirable Thunderbird?
The 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster M-Code is a rare classic car and one of the most sought-after Thunderbird versions.
What years did Ford make a retractable hardtop?
The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner is a two-door full-size retractable hardtop convertible, manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company for model years 1957–1959. However, early into the 1959 model year, its name was expanded to Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner.
Did Thunderbird ever have a retractable hardtop?
First generation (1955–1957)
It was a two-seat design available with a detachable fiberglass hardtop and a folding fabric top. Production of the Thunderbird began on September 9 of that year, with the car beginning sales as a 1955 model on October 22, 1954.
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 was the first car with a retractable hardtop?
1935 Peugeot purchased Paulin's patent, and introduced the first factory production, power-operated, retractable hardtop in 1935, the "402BL Éclipse Décapotable", of which some 470 were built.
Did Edsel have a retractable hardtop?
Super Express V-8 and DualDrive automatic transmission, the most desirable powertrain combination in any 1959 Edsel. Thanks to the excellent maintenance during its time in the Calumet Collection, the car runs and drives well, and the retractable hardtop has been serviced to function as new.
What are the unique features of the 1957 Ford Thunderbird?
For the 1957 model year, the front bumper was reshaped, the grille and tailfins were made larger, and larger taillights were fitted. The spare wheel moved back inside the trunk, which had been redesigned to allow it to be mounted vertically. The side "Thunderbird" script was moved from the fins to the front fenders.
