Is the New Ford Thunderbird DEAD?

Some may believe so because Ford discontinued the Tbird in 2005, but those of us at Thunderbird Concepts do not believe so...... in our experience, it is more alive than ever before.

Why is the Ford Thunderbird more alive than ever?

We have the pleasure to interact with new Ford Thunderbird owners on a daily basis and we witness how they cherish their Tbird in every way. This new Ford Thunderbird is a unique, limited-production, American icon. This is what makes the new Ford Thunderbird even more exciting for the Thunderbird enthusiast. We imagine that most of you Tbird owners are still experiencing the envious and intrigued looks, along with some pleasant Tbird conversation from passers-by. It's a unique vehicle that has too much history to just "die off". We are also of the opinion that Ford will bring it back again, someday. Maybe they will go full circle again like they did with the transition of the two-door 55-57 Tbirds (like the current 2002 2003 2004 and 2005 Tbirds) to the early 60's Tbirds that had four doors thus catering to a larger market? Who is to say what the next models of Tbirds will look like, you just have to know that the Tbird will not die off because Ford would never kill off their iconic automobile........ remember..... Marilyn Monroe, John F. Kennedy, and even Elvis Aaron Presely all had Tbirds!

The Ford Motor Co. communicated that this is not the end of the line for its famous icon. Instead, its release from production referred to the decision as putting the name back in its "future-product vault."

"We promised all along that this Thunderbird would have a limited production run, and we're being true to our word," said Steve Lyons, Ford Division president. "Thunderbird was a terrific image builder for the Ford brand showroom at a time when we needed it."

Like we say here at Thunderbird Concepts, The Ford Thunderbird will never DIE! Yes, you can quote us on that.

What Ford Has To Say On The Subject

Update: March 16, 2012: Our friend, and fellow Tbirder, Glen Lewis, contacted Ford this year and asked them about the possiblility of the Thunderbird making it back into production any time in the near future. This is what they had to say;

Dear Glen,

Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company. We appreciate the time you have taken to write us.

The Thunderbird is a timeless classic, an important part of Ford Motor Company’s heritage, and this country's automotive history. At this time, we do not have an estimated date for when the new Thunderbird will be available at dealerships.

The Ford Thunderbird will make its return as a concept car. The new concept car is an indication of where we’re headed with the Thunderbird when it goes back into production for the new millennium. It's also just one example of the exciting and dynamic new cars we plan to introduce in the future. For more information on the Thunderbird please visit Media.ford.com.

Our Marketing Program Headquarters can make it easier to purchase your next Ford or Lincoln vehicle by informing you of all the current incentives available. We can also send out a new vehicle brochure for any vehicle(s) that may interest you. Our number is 1-800-334-4375 and we are here Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm EST to assist you. When you call, we can also set up a demonstration drive at a time and dealership of your choice to experience the vehicle first hand.

Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company.

Sincerely,
Norma
Ford Motor Company
Ford Marketing Program Headquarters

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A FEW RESPONSES TO THIS ARTICLE

i am hoping to get my hands on the lift for my hard top the first of the year when my funds are better...i have not had the enjoyment yet of riding with the top off, but just CAN"T WAIT to get even more stares and glares...i will keep you posted.

Dear Aaron,

I am 65 and admired the T-Bird when they came out in 1955.  Soon, the model morphed into a nice looking 4-seater, but before much longer into a hideous barge.  Ugh.  Eventually, I could afford an old 2-seater, but by then I had kids and a mortgage and could not justify the costly burden of an old, expensive-to-maintain antique car.

When the two-seater reappered 50 years later, I had kids in grad school.  Thought about it, but couldn't afford or justify buying one, again.  Then, in 2005, I read in the newspaper, "Ford Thunderbird Discontinued."  Yikes!  I went to my Ford dealer within a few days and bought a new 2005.  I knew that I didn't have another 50 years.  Photo attached.

So could the T-Bird reappear some day?  Perhaps, but probably not as a powerful V-8 again, and I doubt they can get much more out of the original styling, re-used as it was in 2003.  So, no, not dead, because so many of us are enthusiasts and own them.  But I doubt the T-Bird will reappear again in my lifetime.  I don't care, though. I intend to make mine last for another 20 years - if I last that long - and even then, I plan to be buried in it.

Don Harmon
Oak Hill, VA

Aaron,

Thanks for the article and information. Even if it does not become a collector’s edition, it is a fantastic car and will probably be given to someone in the family after we are gone.

I gave my Bride (Julie) a very low mile 03 T Bird in September of 2007 for our 40th Anniversary. She has always wanted a Bird and I looked at the old ones and decided to go with newer technology and something she could drive more comfortably. It immediately became “her” vehicle and once in a while she gives me permission to drive it. Her license plate reads “Jules T”.

I have purchased a couple of items from you and I am certain I will be buying more. Your service and commitment to your customers is SUPER! Keep up the good work!

Charlie Workman, Colorado Springs, CO

Aaron:

I do not believe the Tbird is dead, this car has fascinated me ever since it first came out in 1955. I would have purchased one then but could not afford it. Then after college and a few years of military life and then working in the field of marketing for 30 years and raising a family at the same time, the extra money was never there, however, after retirement, that is when my 52 year dream finally came true when I purchased my 2003 Thunderbird with the black soft top and the all red hard top to go with it, the interior is black with the red inserts in the seats and the red on the steering wheel and the shift lever nob.

This is a car that continues to turn heads and all sorts of comments, it gives me great pride to drive it and if the Ford Motor Co decides to bring it back, now that I can afford it, I will be first in line to purchase one.

No I do not believe the Thunderbird is dead.

John

Read more about the Thunderbird and the famous American icons that drove it here

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