Where was the Ford Thunderbird made?
The Ford Thunderbird was built at several Ford plants across North America, not a single factory. Early Thunderbirds came from Dearborn, Michigan, and Wixom, Michigan; later versions from Atlanta, Georgia; and the 2002–2005 revival from Flat Rock, Michigan.
The following overview traces where Thunderbirds were produced across major generations, highlighting the primary assembly sites that delivered the iconic personal-luxury car to customers around the world.
Early generations (1955-1960)
These early Thunderbirds were produced in Ford's Michigan facilities.
- 1955–1957 Thunderbird — Dearborn Assembly Plant, Dearborn, Michigan
- 1958–1960 Thunderbird — Wixom Assembly Plant, Wixom, Michigan
Early production established the two Michigan sites as the original backbone for the Thunderbird's assembly.
Later generations (1989-1997)
In the late 1980s and 1990s, Ford assigned Thunderbird production to its southeastern and midwestern facilities.
- 1989–1997 Thunderbird — Atlanta Assembly Plant, Hapeville, Georgia
That facility remained the primary Thunderbird factory during the 1990s revival before the model moved again in the 2000s.
2002-2005 revival
The retro-styled, fifth-generation revival was built at a dedicated Michigan facility.
- 2002–2005 Thunderbird — AutoAlliance International (AAI), Flat Rock, Michigan
That Flat Rock plant was a Ford-Mazda joint venture facility that produced several models, including the Thunderbird, during its run.
Summary
Ford’s Thunderbird has a history of production across multiple sites, reflecting Ford’s manufacturing network and the changing footprint of the model over time. If you need a precise plant for a given year or trim, specify the model year and I can confirm the exact factory.
Where was the Ford Thunderbird built?
Wixom, Michigan
Ford unveiled the car as a concept vehicle at the 1999 edition of the North American International Auto Show, and revealed the car's final design at the same motor show two years later. Official manufacture of the Thunderbird began in June 2001, at the assembly plant in Wixom, Michigan.
How much is a 1957 T bird worth today?
The value of a 1957 Ford Thunderbird varies significantly, with prices generally ranging from approximately $2,200 for a project car to over $495,000 for a rare, pristine model. A typical example in good condition can be valued around $45,025, though this depends on condition, mileage, and specific options. Specific rare versions, like the E-Code, have a higher average range of about $54,128 to $140,484, while the extremely rare F-Code can be worth significantly more.
Factors that influence value
- Condition: A car's overall condition is the most significant factor. Well-maintained, original, or professionally restored cars command higher prices. Poor condition, extensive rust, or accident history can drastically lower the value.
- Mileage and history: Lower mileage generally increases value. A car with a well-documented history is also more desirable.
- Engine and options: The original engine and specific factory options play a huge role.
- D-Type: The most common engine.
- E-Type: A more powerful V8, generally worth more than the D-Type.
- F-Code: The rarest and most valuable version, featuring a factory-supercharged engine. These are highly sought after by collectors.
- Body style: Convertibles are often more valuable than hardtops.
How to determine your car's value
- Consult online valuation tools: Websites like Hagerty and Classic.com can provide estimated values based on a car's specific details and recent sales data.
- Look at recent sales: Check auction sites and classic car listings on sites like eBay, Cars.com, and Classics on Autotrader to see what similar cars are actually selling for.
How many 1957 Thunderbirds still exist in the US?
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.
What is a 1970 Thunderbird worth now?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,900 for a 1970 Ford Thunderbird in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1970 Ford Thunderbird at auction over the last three years was $60,480.
