Ford Motor Company will put the legendary Thunderbird nameplate back into the company's future-product vault after this model year, the company confirmed today with employees.

Production of the current generation vehicle will end in July at the company's Wixom Assembly Plant in Wixom, Mich. Since the launch of the roadster as a 2002 model, more than 55,000 Thunderbirds have been sold.

"We promised all along that this Thunderbird would have a limited production run, and we're being true to our word," explains Steve Lyons, Ford Division president. "Thunderbird was a terrific image builder for the Ford brand showroom at a time when we needed it. Now, we're in the midst of a major product onslaught, including more news on the Mustang at this month's New York Auto Show."

A Storied History
Ford Thunderbird first went on sale Oct. 22, 1954, marking the birth of a new legend that would grow with each generation. During five decades, Thunderbird went through several design changes with coupes, sedans, convertibles, hardtops, mid-size and large-size configurations. It went on hiatus after the 1997 model year. Thunderbird returned in 2001 as a retro-styled roadster to serve a similar role to its 1955 forebear - create excitement for the Ford brand.

This year, Ford Thunderbird celebrates its golden anniversary with a 50th anniversary limited-edition 2005 model. As the anniversary coincides with the end of the current generation, the special-edition models are expected to become collector's items.

"There's a place for a dream car in any car company," says Lyons. "At Ford, we're fortunate to have several dream cars, including the new Ford GT and Ford Mustang. For now, the Thunderbird nameplate will be placed on our shelf. But we'll keep it polished for future use."

The Wixom Assembly Plant will continue to produce the Lincoln LS and Town Car and remain the final assembly point for the Ford GT supercar.

 

Having sold several of these at the dealership I work at, I really love driving this car. It was by no means a sports car, but more of a touring car. Very comfortable, quiet, soft ride, and reasonably quick ('03 MY and beyond w/280 hp), and a good looking car in general. I still remember taking a brand new 2002 home for the weekend in August of '02. I was taking it to a car show. Being you didn't see very many of these when they first came out, I wanted to bring this car along. The attention this car drew was incredible. I took one of my friends for a ride the Saturday before the show, and we had people following us to check the car out. Alot of people were complementing the way the car looked. It was really cool.

The only problem the car had was with the way it was handled regarding to its introduction. They showed the concept at the 2000 Detroit show, but the real cars weren't available for almost 2 years. This is way too long to make customers wait for a car. Plus the price of the car just got too high. When you could buy them with all the "dealer cash" helping bring the price down, then it was a good buy. I only hope is that Ford keeps it a 2 seat convertible, but keeps the price in the mid $30K range. I don't want to see it become a big car again. If they plan on making it a 4 seat convertible, just keep the size down, equal to a CLK Merc, or a 330 Vert BMW. Only time will tell.

 

I wish SVT would've gotten their hands on one.

 

im with ya there.
maybe finally it could be a vette competitior again. but i guess we wont see that anytime soon

i hope they do bring it back again... i like the current ones. just not enough uumph, too much groan, i need another mortgage

 

It was little pricey. Over $40,000.

 

although, with rebates and whatnot, they're gettin pretty cheap now. $32K anyone. but that ads from like a month ago, maybe its even less now!

 

are they reintroducing the current design or a new design??

I'd like to see a facelift eventhough the current model is quite sexy!

 

I agree, it should definatly come back as a Vette compeitor.

 

I had heard that they will have a back seat in the next version.

 

I liked it...but I never could comfortably sit in one.

 

They are basically saying that the name will be re-introduced in the future, but for now, the t'bird is shelved

 

I always loved the version Chip Foose did of one.

Personally I found the T-Bird a little TOO retro for my tastes.

 

Often wonder "what if" they had kept it as competition to the vette in the 50's. Liked the ext design. Wonder what Ford had projected in sales versus sold units? IMO, the intial price just killed it.

 

Still too pricey IMO. Maybe with the end of production we'll see some good prices on used ones. Always loved the car.

 

Not something I'd drive regularly, but I loved seeing them on the roads. Really a classy car.

 

I had a 78 T-bird, it was nice.... sad to see it go.... hope then next redesign is reminesent (sp?) of the late 60's models....