Thunder Car

Product Information

The sixth generation of the Thunderbird debuted in the fall of 1971 as a 1972 model. With a 120.4-inch (3,058mm) wheelbase, an overall length of 214 inches (5,436mm) (growing to 225 inches (5,715mm) by 1974), and a curb weight of 4,420 pounds (2,005kg) (over 4,800 pounds (2,177kg) when equipped with an optional 460cuin (7.5L) V8), it was the largest Thunderbird ever produced by Ford, sharing the assembly line with the Continental Mark IV. Ford targeted the two-seat Thunderbird as an upscale model, but the 1958 model year design introduced a rear seat and arguably marked the expansion of a market segment eventually known as personal luxury cars, positioned to emphasize comfort and convenience over handling and high-speed performance. Seeking to revitalize the Thunderbird's appearance, Ford executed a significant redesign for 1983. Though still based on the Fox body, it featured a radically sleeker, more aerodynamic body and a slightly shorter wheelbase of 104.2in (2,647mm). Power, however, remained limited, with the 3.8 L Essex V6 and the 302cuin (4.9L) V8 being carried over from the previous generation. The 302 gained CFI electronic fuel injection in 1983, and the V6 in 1984 for US models, 1985 for Canadian models (which was in turn replaced by multipoint fuel injection on the V8 in 1986 and the V6 in 1988). All-new, and a Thunderbird first, was a turbocharged 2.3 L OHC four-cylinder engine featured in the 1983 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. The engine initially was rated at 142hp (106kW), but by 1985, power was increased to 155hp (116kW). Another first was the availability of a five-speed manual transmission with the turbocharged four. In 1983, the higher trim model was the Heritage; this was renamed the Elan in 1984. Also, a Fila-branded model was introduced. In 1985, a special 30th Anniversary edition was available, with special Medium Regatta Blue Metallic paint, special graphics, and trim. a b c Tast, Alan H.; Newhardt, David (2015). Thunderbird Fifty Years. Motorbooks. ISBN 978-0-7858-3245-4. Unlike hardtop models that used a conventional key-secured, forward-hinged design, the convertibles combined the trunk opening and closing within the convertible top operating system.

Keep your speed down, lowering your speed will lower the distance you travel when buffeted around by the wind.

By publishing online there is no need to print a monthly magazine. This reduces our carbon footprint and saves you money. Run by Enthusiasts for Enthusiasts Thunderstorms can also bring a risk of sudden gusty winds, those most at risk would include cyclists, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector.

Seek shelter if possible. When you hear thunder you are already within range of where the next ground flash may occur, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the centre of a storm. As it stands, a Thunder begins life as a complete F-Type R, with Lister having no use for many of the parts it strips from the donor car. Jaguar – and particularly design director Ian Callum – has given short shrift to third-party tuners in the past, although the company has already been in touch to offer help with sourcing cars for modification. Where this will eventually lead is anybody’s guess, but it’s an encouraging start. Ford Thunderbird: Thunderbird History 1955-1963". musclecarclub.com. 2019 . Retrieved May 15, 2022. The second- to fourth-generation Thunderbird convertibles were similar in design to the Lincoln convertible of the time and used a design from earlier Ford Skyliner hardtop and convertible models. While these Thunderbird models had a true convertible soft top, the top was lowered to stow in the trunk area. This design reduced available trunk space when the top was down. [34]Ford says the Ranger had its strongest sales year yet in 2019, with 52,500 units sold across Europe. More than 16,000 of those were in the UK. Main article: Ford Thunderbird (fourth generation) 1966 Ford Thunderbird convertible Rear view (hardtop) For 1964, the Thunderbird was restyled in favor of a more squared-off appearance, which was mostly evident when viewing the car from the side or rear. Hinting at its roots in the previous generation of Thunderbird, the new model retained a similar grille design with quad headlights and a 113.2in (2,875mm) wheelbase. As before, the new Thunderbird continued to be offered in hardtop, convertible, and landau versions. The 300hp (224kW) 390cuin (6.4L) FE V8 continued as the standard engine for the Thunderbird. It was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. For 1965, sequential turn signals were added, flashing the individual segments of the broad, horizontal tail lights in sequences from inside to outside to indicate a turn. Also new for 1965 were standard front disc brakes, and doubled-sided keys.