Thunderbird! An Illustrated History of the Ford T-Bird (The Ford Road Series, Vol. 4) [Hardcover]

Ray Miller (Author), Glenn Embree (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1973

The Thunderbird was originally designed to be small and racy with a unique look and personality that would set it apart from its contemporaries. Although never intended to be a sports car, it was only 52.1" high and its 102 wheelbase was an inch and a half shorter than that of the Model A!

Luxurious enough for the most discriminating buyer, the 1955 model offered plush vinyl upholstery, "Astra Dial" control panel, adjustable steering wheel, tachometer and clock, all standard. Yet with its 292 cubic inch V-8 engine (rated at 198 horsepower), four barrel carburetor and dual exhausts, it was high-spirited enough for any enthusiast. The car was recognized immediately as a breakthrough in automotive engineering and design and soon developed a dedicate owner body. Although the original two-seated Thunderbird was manufactured for only three years, it was so advanced in concept that its influence in the automobile industry is still being felt today as the Ford Motor Company again presents its descendents. 

  Despite many changes through the forty years leading to its demise in the mid-nineties and re-birth on 2001 Thunderbird retained its individuality and has earned its soubriquet "Unique in all the World". In these page one can revisit and enjoy another look at the unique world which is....

THUNDERBIRD!

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

320 pages and over 1000 pictures are employed to describe the early Ford Thunderbirds. The 1955-1957 models are clearly defined and there is additional coverage of the 1958 to 1969 versions. Highly recommended.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

"On February 20, 1954 at the Detroit Automobile Show, the Ford Motor Company unveiled an entirely new automobile concept. Eighteen years later, in the Spring of 1972, its one millionth descendent had been produced.

Assuming an average price of $4000 each, and with a stistical average of over 55,000 units per year, that event at Detroit in 1954 presaged an added annual volume of almost a quarter of a billion dollars for each succeeding year!"

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: The Evergreen Press; 1St Edition edition (June 1, 1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0913056049
• ISBN-13: 978-0913056042
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #492,751 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book is a collector's piece in itself, December 8, 2001

By 

J. Rotella "lovefords" (Camillus, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thunderbird! An Illustrated History of the Ford T-Bird (The Ford Road Series, Vol. 4) (Hardcover)

I have owned this book for about 16 or 17 years. It is a fine reference piece, but it should not be compared to current Thunderbird books. There are scores of close-up photographs that show the finer points of Thunderbirds, from the Volumatic Radio to the SwingAway Steering Wheel. The black and white photos do not in any way detract from the history or technological correctness of everything that is presented. If you need color photographs then look elsewhere. If you want well-researched data and wonderful close-ups, then this is the book for you. The book itself is a collector's item because of its period correctness and the fact that when it was published there was no other book that could come close to it in lavishness or completeness. I think that still holds true today.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thunderbird!, April 3, 2000

By 

W. Bittle "WB" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thunderbird! An Illustrated History of the Ford T-Bird (The Ford Road Series, Vol. 4) (Hardcover)

This book has a lot of good information on 1955 thru 1966 Thunderbirds. Although not complete with respect to information on every aspect of a concours restoration, and hindered by mostly black and white photos of the details of each year, it is still an excellent resource for anyone restoring a 1966 or older Thunderbird. It is especially good for those interrested in the two seaters from 55 - 57. This is a good book for the Tbird owner as well as those who just plain love what is probably the most innovative and trend setting car of the post war era. A must have for any Thunderbird lover.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good background and pictorial of Classic and Vintage T-Birds, March 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Thunderbird! An Illustrated History of the Ford T-Bird (The Ford Road Series, Vol. 4) (Hardcover)

This book provides an in-depth review of the development of the original Classic T-Bird and also dispels certain myths surrounding the Early Birds. It also provides excellent detail photographs for the restorer or enthusiast to use as reference in putting their Bird in order. A must have addition to the Early Bird enthusiast's book shelf.