Ford's historic Thunderbird nameplate returns to the future-product vault

March 15, 2005 Ford Motor Company will put the legendary Thunderbird nameplate back into the company's future-product vault after production for this model year ends in July. The Ford Thunderbird first went on sale October 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. His article traces the history of the legend.

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