Despite the comparatively steep worth (a 1955 Chevy Bel Air convertible began at simply $2,321), Ford offered 3,500 1955 Thunderbirds within the first 10 days they had been accessible. In its first three years, the Thunderbird outsold the Chevy Corvette by a margin of greater than 4.5 to 1. In that span, Ford made regular adjustments to the Thunderbird, even morphing it from a two- to four-seater in 1958. Other updates included the addition of a rear window, energy seats, and a radio that mechanically adjusted its quantity in response to the automotive’s pace. In the primary yr, solely a 292 cubic inch V8 was accessible, however a 312 cubic inch engine was added as an possibility for the 1956 mannequin yr. The following yr, Thunderbird consumers may additionally go for a supercharged model of the 312 that produced 340 horsepower and a spine-jiggling 450 pound-feet of torque. Ford introduced the T-Bird to NASCAR in 1959, and it gained six races that yr in what was then generally known as the Grand National collection.

The Thunderbird has gone by 10 generational updates, with every one drifting farther from the unique. The eleventh technology was an attempt to reimagine the styling of the original, however missed the mark this misfire led to the mannequin being dropped in 2005.

First technology 1955 to 1957 fashions stay probably the most coveted to at the present time, with examples in prime situation routinely promoting for greater than $100,000.