Corvette would add a V-8 as an option for the 1955 model.Īnother important thing to note was that the Ford Thunderbird was not really built solely as a sports car like the Chevy Corvette. The first Corvette had a straight six engine and the first Thunderbird came with a V-8. First off, the Corvette was had a fiberglass body. When you note that the Thunderbird was created to compete against the two-seater Chevy Corvette, you have to also point out the differences between the two cars.

It’s been said that Ford had some 4,000 pre-orders for the 55 Thunderbird. This new automobile from Ford generated so much excitement that the company sold their first cars in October 1954, about one month ahead of schedule. On top of that the car had a removable hardtop. Add to that performance and you had an all around sports car that had more creature comforts than the British imports.

This was a sporty two seat roadster that emphasized passenger comfort. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird was introduced to the public at the 1954 Detroit Auto Show. As a result, when the Ford designers were given the job of designing the Thunderbird a lot of work had already been completed. Designing for what would be the Ford Thunderbird began during the first years of the 1950’s. At the same time the economy was humming along fine and sport cars even as second vehicles were popular.

All they had to do was look at the British MG and it’s success in North America. Interestingly enough, Ford was well aware of the popularity of two seat sports cars prior to Chevrolet coming out with the Corvette. The first 1955 Ford Thunderbird was built in September 1954 in Dearborn, Michigan.Ĭhevrolet introduced it’s Corvette at the 1953 Metrorama. The winning employee, a Ford stylist, won a suit from Saks Fifth Avenue. As a side note, the “ Thunderbird” name was drawn from an in-house contest at Ford Motor Company.

Tbird 1955