Classic Car Platforms

In 1953 Chevrolet decided to compete with European automotive sport car manufacturers and introduce the Corvette. Rival Ford was not going to take the challenge lightly, so in 1955, they introduced a uniquely American answer, the Ford Thunderbird. While the first-generation Vette in ever-increasing performance and style was offered through the 1962 model year, the first-generation Ford T-Bird was only made for three years.  The press and the public loved the V8 power, sleek styling, and creature comforts of the Thunderbird and it became an instant classic, outselling the Corvette by 23 to 1. Like the Corvette, the 2nd year production of the Thunderbird featured upgrades such as 12V electrical, side vents to help cool the cabin, optional portals to reduce blind spots, and the Continental Kit that freed up space for golf clubs in the trunk.  Ford imagined their offering more as a Personal Luxury Car than a true sports car. Options such as power steering, power breaks, power-adjustable se