Classic Car Reviews 1957 Ford Thunderbird

There have been many memorable T-birds produced in the US over years, but in my opinion one of the greatest was the 1957 model. It was a retired executive by the name of Lewis D Crusoe, George Walker ( Ford vice president and chief stylist in the early 1950s), and Ford designer Frank Hershey who came up with the idea to create the first Thunderbirds in the early 1950s. The car was a success as soon as it appeared in American car showrooms during October 1954. A year later they sold over 16,000 which was an excellent achievement in the mid 1950s. After another successful year in 1956 when Ford introduced the more powerful 312ci they thought it was time for a bit of a face lift for the Thunderbird. What they created was one of the most perfectly designed vehicles in history. Although they lengthened the car they still managed to reduce the diameter of the wheels from fifteen inches to fourteen. The T-bird front was also remodelled with the fender curving around the radiator grille.The refined and lower Thunderbird had two discreet fins that started at the door handles. There were also different engine options ranging from the basic 292ci to the rare 300 horsepower version. Some unusual features on this car were the volume option on the radio that automatically turned up the radio at high speed, plus the steering wheel with its adjustable height, and electrically operated seats and windows.This all meant that they sold over 21,000 back in 1957. Unfortunately Ford financiers expected more sales than this so management decided to plan a new direction for the Thunderbird. Although the 1962 model was almost equally as good, the 57 T-bird had that 1950s rock n roll rebellion about it. There were countless rock n roll and doo wop songs sung about this legend, and the car could be seen in some of the movies back then. Even to this day when you visit any classic car and 1950s nostalgia events you will come across one. I could imagine that they must have been one of the most desired cars for young drivers at the time who listened to the sounds of Elvis, Little Richard, Buddy Holly and all the other pioneers of rock music from the 1950s. Whatever the future may hold for The Ford Motor Company and the rest of the American auto industry. As long as their are collectors and enthusiasts out there these cars will be around for many years to come. Danny and The Juniors were correct back in 1957 when they sang ‘rock n roll will never die’ in one of their songs. Neither will the cars! Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11