Which Thunderbirds were supercharged?
The Thunderbirds, Ford's iconic sports car, were known for their powerful engines. However, some Thunderbird models were equipped with supercharged engines, providing even greater performance. These supercharged Thunderbirds were highly sought-after by enthusiasts and offered a thrilling driving experience.
The Supercharged Thunderbird Models
Ford offered supercharged Thunderbird models in several generations of the car:
- 1957 Thunderbird F-Code - This model featured a supercharged 312 cubic inch V8 engine, producing 300 horsepower. It was the first factory-supercharged Thunderbird and a rare find today.
- 1962-1963 Thunderbird Sports Roadster - The Sports Roadster package included a supercharged 390 cubic inch V8 engine, generating 340 horsepower. This model was designed for high-performance driving.
- 1967 Thunderbird S-Code - The S-Code Thunderbird had a supercharged 428 cubic inch V8 engine, making it one of the most powerful Thunderbirds ever produced. It delivered 360 horsepower.
These supercharged Thunderbirds were not only powerful but also highly collectible today, with pristine examples fetching premium prices among classic car enthusiasts.
The Supercharging Technology
The superchargers used in these Thunderbird models were mechanical, meaning they were driven by the engine's crankshaft. This allowed the supercharger to increase the air flow into the engine, resulting in a significant boost in power output. The superchargers used were typically Roots-type or centrifugal designs, which were well-suited for the Thunderbird's V8 engines.
The supercharging technology not only provided more power but also improved the Thunderbird's acceleration and top speed, making them true high-performance sports cars of their era.
How much horsepower does a Thunderbird 3.8 supercharger have?
The Super Coupe continued on for 1994 with the same supercharged 3.8 L V6 as before, but now with 230 horsepower (170 kW) at 4,400 rpm and 330 lb⋅ft (447 N⋅m) of torque at 2,500 rpm.
What is the fastest Thunderbird?
The fastest Ford Thunderbird is the 1987 NASCAR stock car driven by Bill Elliott, which set the all-time NASCAR speed record at 212.809 mph. For a classic car, the 1957 F-Code Thunderbird was the most powerful production version, reaching 138 mph at the Daytona Speed event, though its racing variant, the D/F-Code Phase I, was even faster. The fastest airplane named Thunderbird is the P-51C Mustang Thunderbird, which holds the all-time propeller-driven race speed record at 470.136 mph.
This video discusses the 1957 Ford Thunderbird F-Code, known for its performance and power: 1mRare CarsYouTube · Jan 20, 2024
Automotive
- 1987 Ford Thunderbird NASCAR Stock Car: Bill Elliott set the all-time NASCAR speed record by qualifying at Talladega at 212.809 mph.
- 1957 F-Code Thunderbird: This production model was the fastest of its era, reaching 138 mph at the Daytona Speed event.
- 1957 D/F-Code Thunderbird (Phase I): A special racing version of the F-Code, it was used to set a new American production sports car speed record of 138.755 mph at Daytona.
Aviation
- P-51C Mustang "Thunderbird": This customized fighter plane holds the all-time propeller-driven race average speed record at 470.136 mph after winning the 1949 Bendix Trophy race.
This video shows a modified 1957 Ford Thunderbird known as the "Battle Bird": 1mREVan EvanYouTube · Jun 26, 2025
What year did Thunderbird have a supercharger?
1957
Of the 21,380 Thunderbirds produced in 1957, supercharged cars were said to number somewhere between 208 and 211 cars, making them the most revered of their breed.
How much horsepower does a 1995 Ford Thunderbird 4.6 V-8 have?
205-h.p.
While the base engine in the LX is only a 3.8-liter, 140-h.p., V-6, the optional engine is a 4.6-liter, 205-h.p., V-8.
