The design was inspired by the first-generation of the T-Bird. When it unveiled it, the whole market was enthusiastic, but that enthusiasm didn't last long, and the T-Bird sunk with slow sales. It was based on the same platform as the Jaguar XF or the Lincoln LS. Sales increased again with 92,843 sold for 1960.With its retro-design look and modern features, the 2001 Thunderbird should have been a blast from the past and revive the brand name, but it was a flop.įord launched the eleventh generation of the Thunderbird in 1999 as a 2001 model-year. The dual-unit round taillights featured on the 19 were changed to triple-units. A new option was a manually operated sunroof for hardtop models. Sales increased to 67,456 units.įor the 1960 model year, the grille was again redesigned along with minor styling changes.
The engine was the new 300 hp (224 kW) 352 cu in (5.8 L) FE V8 available with a three-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The 1958 model sales were 37,892 units an increase of 16,000 over the previous year.įor 1959, the Thunderbird featured a new grille and a newly optional 350 hp (261 kW) 430 cu in (7.0 L) MEL V8 engine. Along with a new, more rigid unibody construction was new styling, including quad headlights, more prominent tailfins, a bolder chrome grille, and a larger, though nonfunctional, hood scoop. The increased size also increased the car's weight by 800 lb (363 kg). This success spawned a new market segment, the personal luxury car. It was the first individual model line (as opposed to an entire brand's line) to earn Motor Trend "Car of the Year" honors. It was offered in both hardtop and convertible body styles, although the latter was not introduced until June 1958, five months after the release of the hardtop. The new Thunderbird was considerably larger than the previous generation, with a longer 113.0 in (2,870 mm) wheelbase to accommodate the new back seat.
The new Thunderbird began a sales momentum previously unseen with the car, selling 200,000 units in three years, four times the result of the two-seat model.
0 kommentar(er)
