
The new Ford Bronco is a recent example of the brand bringing a nameplate back from the grave on a fresh model with success. Since sales of the 2002 version of the car didn't quite meet expectations, a different execution could change the car's long-term fate.

The Blue Oval discontinued and revived the Thunderbird once before. While there aren't plans made public by Ford to revive the Thunderbird nameplate, never say never. Thunderbird-specific badging and yellow brake calipers finish off the change as a modern coupe. Cars like the current Dodge Challenger similarly nod to the past while keeping in touch with the taste of consumers who want power and good looks in 2023. The headlights and taillights on the new version are more boldly styled with an overstated, halo-light look more closely aligned with modern cars.īlack wheels, a gunmetal gray paint scheme, and sharp lines take a famous personal luxury car design and incorporate modern muscle. The hardtop roof stays true to form complete with the small circular windows behind the driver and passenger side doors. Rostislav Prokop's render is both a tribute to the original and a bold redesign that incorporates modern styling. RELATED: Here's Why The Last Ford Thunderbird Was Ahead Of Its Time Ford has not indicated they'll revive the Thunderbird for a future generation, but that doesn't stop the enthusiasm for the car from remaining strong. The eleventh generation T-Bird would run through 2005 until again getting discontinued by the blue oval. The Thunderbird then went on a five-year hiatus, returning to its roots in 2002 with a two-seater convertible design.

This was because sales were insufficient to support continuing manufacture.Ford built the first Thunderbird starting with its model year 1955 debut through 1997. It started off strong, but despite strong initial demand and favorable reviews, Ford again canceled the new Thunderbird in the middle of 2005. A two-seater convertible that borrowed some of its appearance from the original classic in 2002 in an effort to cash in on automobile customers' sentimentality.

However, the business started making a throwback T-Bird. Nevertheless, the oil crisis doomed this iconic car and others like it because buyers began to perceive them as extravagant and expensive gas guzzlers. The base model costs $2,750, but for an additional $70, you could add a canvas top.įor many years, the "T-Bird" was incredibly popular. With a top speed of 112 mph, this Ford could go from 0 to 62mph in under 10 seconds.īefore Ford produced the first Thunderbirds on October 22, 1954, 4,000 models had already been pre-sold. V8 engine, which produced 202 horsepower. One of the Thunderbird's iconic features was its 292 cu. It was only rivaled by the two-year-old Chevy Corvette when it debuted as a two-seater.
