A Cruise-O-Matic and a SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic.ĭimensions for the Full Size Thunderbird includes a 114.7 inch wheelbase, 215.0 inch overall outside length, 77.3 inch width, 53.4 inch height.
Transmissions available were two three speed automatics. Also, a 4 60 cubic inch V-8 and four barrel carburetor with 370 HP. It’s 429 cubic inch V-8 Engine with a four barrel carburetor delivered 360 HP. Plenty of power in the 1970 Ford Thunderbird. Sales success was short lived since both the 19 model years came in lower for each of those tears. The 1967 Ford Thunderbird enjoyed sales of 78,000 units which was above 1966 numbers. Interestingly enough, the 1967 model year saw Thunderbird sales grow. The redesign for 1970 would last for only two model years and change again in 1972. One problem discovered however with the pointed front end (Ford would refer to it as the Thunderbird beak) was that the front bumper didn’t sufficiently protect the protrusion and many were damaged. Knudsen was impressed with what the Pontiac grille styling did for that brand he then desired to try the same with Thunderbird. Ford had hired Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen from General Motors. Some thought it had a bit of a Pontiac look and there was a reason for this. This new front end would be the most significant change you would notice with the 1970 model. These new T-Birds were the largest and most luxurious examples offered to date so the Glamor Bird name was quite appropriate.įor 1970–71, Ford dropped the gaping fish-mouth grille in favor of a narrower grille that jutted forward in the middle. Thunderbird fans gave the name “ Glamor Bird” to these fifth generation models.
With all this competition building, the Ford Motor Company decided to move the T-Bird more upscale and with that the changes mentioned above were put in place. In fact, by the 1970 model year, there were as many as six nameplates competing for the personal luxury buyer. Both models prior to 1967 were two door vehicles and both in a way found themselves competing with each other. The Thunderbird was a snazzy comfortable car with a sporty look.ĭuring the 1960’s the Thunderbird and the Mustang began overlapping. While the Corvette was more of a sports car, Thunderbird put an emphasis on creature comfort.
The T-Bird originally came out as a luxury sport car in competition to the Chevy Corvette. The cars were longer and heavier and actually started to look like Lincolns. Look at a 1966 Ford Thunderbird and then look at a 1967 model and you’ll see a major styling change and the model was re-engineered as well.
The new four door model was officially known as the Landau Sedan. In addition the T-Bird moved from unibody to body-on-frame construction. Starting with the fifth generation in 1967, buyers could no longer buy Thunderbird convertibles and now they saw the addition of a four door full size version with suicide rear doors.
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