Ford Thunderbird – Little Bird 1955–1957

The Ford Thunderbird was introduced to the U.S. market in 1955 as a response by Ford to the Chevy Corvette, which had come out two years prior to capture the Sports car market. In 1953, with Ford trying to respond swiftly to the Corvette’s release, the Thunderbird underwent rapid development, going from an initial concept to a first prototype within the space of a year. The vehicle hit the market toward the end of 1954 as a 1955 model with success beyond Ford’s wildest expectations.

Post-WWII Car Production

During the decade following World War II, American servicemen who had fought in Europe had arrived back home to settle back and enjoy their normal lives once again. They either returned to their former jobs or found new ones. Some had become married, some purchased homes. And, all had returned to meld back into society and become a vibrant and integral part of America’s post-war culture.