11 Most Iconic Ford Thunderbirds Ever Made

It’s 1955, and if you’re looking for an all-American luxury car, the Ford Thunderbird stands out. More than just a muscle car, the Thunderbird was Ford’s answer to the luxury grand-tourer market. Over the years, it became a symbol of American style and performance, though it eventually faded out in 2005.

We’ve ranked the best Ford Thunderbird models using a mix of market prices, engine output, and production totals. Check out our list to see which Thunderbird models soared the highest.

1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster

If you’re on the hunt for a classic car that really captures the spirit of its era, the 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster M-Code should be on your radar. This model is a gem among Thunderbird enthusiasts, primarily because of its unique two-seater layout that cleverly masquerades as a four-seater.

Ford’s experiment to inject some excitement back into the Thunderbird lineup led to this rare edition, which features the powerful 390-cid M-Code V8 engine, producing a solid 300 horsepower.

1967 Ford Thunderbird

This fifth generation made a significant jump in size and introduced three body styles: the two-door Landau coupe, the four-door Landau sedan with its unique suicide rear doors, and the two-door hardtop coupe. It aimed to create a clear division from the more compact Mustang.

The four-door Landau, equipped with a powerful 6.4-liter FE V8 engine generating 315 horsepower, is particularly appealing if you’re looking for a mix of performance and practical luxury.

1961 Ford Thunderbird

This third-generation T-Bird shifted away from its sporty, two-seater origins to become a larger, more luxurious sedan. It featured a 6.4-liter FE-series V8 engine, pumping out 300 horsepower, which contributed to impressive sales figures between 1961 and 1963, reaching over 214,000 units. Even President John F. Kennedy drove a 1961 Thunderbird convertible!

1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code

As the first-generation Thunderbird neared its end, Ford wasn’t about to let it go quietly. Enter the 1957 Thunderbird E-Code, a version that packed a serious punch with its Mercury-sourced 312-cid Y-engine.

But the real thrill came from its dual Holley four-barrel carburetors, aluminum intake manifold, high-performance camshaft, and a three-speed manual transmission. These tweaks boosted its output to 225 horsepower, making it a ride that could easily stand toe-to-toe with muscle cars of its time.

1970 Ford Thunderbird Neiman Marcus Edition

1970 was a year of big changes for the Ford Thunderbird, most notably with its bird-like beak front grille. But the real showstopper was the Neiman Marcus His And Hers Thunderbirds—yes, you heard that right—two cars, each tailored to either ‘his’ or ‘her’ tastes, complete with telephones and tape recorders among other luxuries.

Priced at $25,000 for the pair back then (about $200,000 today), these models were a statement of opulence and personalization. With a hefty 7.0-liter V8 engine producing 360 horsepower, these Thunderbirds had some crazy power for their time.

1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe

If you like cars that pack a punch but fly under the radar, then the 1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe deserves your attention. This model came with the cool appeal of a muscle car with the sleekness of a sports car, yet it landed firmly in the luxury coupe category.

Its supercharged 3.8-liter V6 engine churned out 230 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, offering plenty of power under the hood. Despite its capabilities and advanced features like automatic seatbelts, it’s one of the most underrated cars from the American automaker.

1958 Ford Thunderbird

Meet the 1958 Ford Thunderbird, otherwise known as the ‘Square Bird’. This second-generation model marked a bold move by Ford, introducing a four-seater option that expanded its appeal and doubled its market reach compared to the original.

It’s an unapologetically ostentatious car, decked out with loads of chrome. Underneath its flashy exterior lies a 5.8-liter V8 engine pushing out 300 horsepower.

1955 Ford Thunderbird

When you chat with a true Ford Thunderbird lover about their favorite model, don’t be surprised if they rave about the 1955 original. This was the model that kicked everything off, setting a high bar that later generations struggled to match.

Despite selling just over 16,000 units, this first-generation Thunderbird captured the essence of American luxury with its 4.8-liter V8 engine cranking out 198 horsepower.

1956 Ford Thunderbird

The 1956 Ford Thunderbird built on its predecessor’s legacy with a few clever tweaks aimed at enhancing functionality and style. It borrowed the elegant exterior spare tire mount from the Lincoln Continental, which initially increased trunk space but unexpectedly impacted the car’s balance and handling. This led to the tire moving back into the trunk the following year, with an extended trunk design.

The introduction of portholes in the removable hardtop was another big change, improving side visibility. Sporting a 5.1-liter V8, this model came with 225 horsepower, making it a standout for its time.

1983 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe

Ford took a big swing to boost its appeal and sales by redesigning the Thunderbird into a more luxurious competitor, aiming to snatch attention from the likes of the BMW 6 Series. This model was the first to feature Ford’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With its 2.3-liter turbo delivering 142 horsepower, it offers a smooth ride that makes it a practical choice for car enthusiasts.

1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe

Initially, the 1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe might seem underwhelming, but it packs a surprise under the hood. As this generation drew to a close, Ford upped the ante with the intercooled version of the 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. This powertrain pumps out 190 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, similar to the mechanics of a Fox body Mustang SVO, but housed in a more luxurious frame.

Whether you opt for the 5-speed manual or the 4-speed automatic, this Thunderbird offers a solid performance wrapped in comfort, which made it a pretty interesting choice in the series.