By Robert Tate Award Winning Automotive Historian/Researcher.
Images Courtesy of Henry Ford Media Center Archives.
Published 3.11.2026
One of the most iconic automobile designs that was introduced by Ford Motor Company during the 1950’s was the first two-seater Ford Thunderbird model. During the 1950’s, Americans were becoming fascinated with fast imported European sports cars. In the 1950s, George Walker was styling director along with Franklin Q Hershey, Joe Oros and Elwood Engle. The new Ford Thunderbird design was called Ford’s new personal car.
1955 Ford Thunderbird proposal clay model design
The Ford Thunderbird for 1955 was designed by Bill Boyer. Some automotive historians have said that Frank Hershey was the person who had the idea of developing the new vehicle. It is also noted that more than 5,000 names were considered before the name plate Thunderbird was selected.The 1955 Ford Thunderbird models offered adjustable steering along with power windows and power brakes that most consumers liked and appreciated. The Ford Thunderbird also provided the driver with a Ford Y-Black V-8 engine of 292 cubic inches displacement. With design in place, the 1955 Ford Thunderbird was introduced at the Michigan State Fair in February1954.
Detroit Auto Show 1954
1955 Thunderbird at Ford Dearborn Assembly
The 1955 Ford Thunderbirds were manufactured at the Dearborn Assembly, which was the only plant that manufactured this vehicle at the time. The first Ford Thunderbirds came off the assembly line on September 9th, 1954.
When the 1955 Ford Thunderbird was announced to the public, the Ford Motor Company received over 3,500 orders within the first ten days. The model officially went on sale on October 22, 1954. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird hardtop sold for $ 2,950 dollars with the hardtop removed, the Thunderbird model became a sporty open 2-seater for the consumer market. The styling for the 1955 Ford Thunderbird model was clean, long and low, which offered a great looking design that most consumers thoroughly enjoyed. The 2-seater models were only offered for three years from 1955-1957.
1955 Ford Thunderbird in black
In 1955, the Ford display featuring the 1955 Ford Thunderbird at the Chicago Auto Show drew large crowds. It also drew comparisons to the popular 1953 Corvette. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird models actually outsold the 1955 Corvette. The public really enjoyed the styling along with the eggcrate grille and its scoop that was designed for its hood design. The early 1955 Ford Thunderbird advertising featured a chrome side trim which was later removed from the early prototype models as well as the early advertising information.
1955 Ford Sales Catalog
The 1955 Ford Thunderbirds had a unique design, and it was different. It was the perfect vehicle at the right time in America. During the 1950’s, many Americans were prospering and you would start to see two vehicles parked in many driveways across America. The 1955 Ford Thunderbirds also appealed to the young generation. In 1955, Ford manufactured 16,155 Thunderbirds. Today, the 1955 Ford Thunderbird remains a valued piece in many automotive enthusiast’s collections and on display at many automotive museums.
Bibliography
Press Release- News Bureau, Ford Division of Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, November 29, 1954.
Sorensen Lorin. “Ford’s Golden Fifties” Silverado Publishing Company. St Helena California 1997.
Dammann H. George. “Illustrated History of Ford” Crestline Publishing 1971.
