One of the all time great American dream machines - the original Thunderbird of 1955 was Ford’s two seater response to the Chevrolet Corvette. More boulevard cruiser than sports car, the T-bird became an instant legend. For 1958 the all-new Thunderbird offered back seats for the first time and as a result, sales skyrocketed. Successive models added bigger engines, increased length and weight, but managed to maintain something of the mystique of the early Birds thanks to sensational styling both inside and out. Even today few cars can match the stunning interiors of the 1964-66 ‘Flairbirds’ with integrated center-console, thermometer-style speedo, aircraft style toggle switches and space-age inspired design.

1966 was the last year for the Thunderbird convertible, from ‘67 Ford offered a four-door Tbird sedan with rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors for back seat entry - just like the bigger Lincoln Continental. From the early 1970s the Thunderbird grew steadily longer and heavier and gradually lost the distinctive character that makes earlier examples so collectible today.

Take a look through our specially curated gallery of quality original and vintage Thunderbird advertising images and promotional photos. We cover every year of Tbird production from 1955 to 1978.

Read more about the Thunderbird in our article on America’s glamorous personal luxury cars.