'Find a hobby that you like and expand on it.' She owns two T-Birds ? a sage green, all-original 1956 two-seater that she stumbled across at an estate sale and a 2004 merlot red model. 'When you get older, you can still have a lot of fun,' said Brock. The most recent T-Bird is a retro version of the original and has both hard and soft tops. The convertible has a removable hard top, some with eye-catching portholes, or a soft top. The original two-seater Ford Thunderbird, manufactured from 1955 to 1957, captivated the public with its European-inspired sporty looks. 'We're too young for the rocking chair,' Brock said cheerily. Honks and waves from other drivers are routine. They drive single-file in a caravan, causing heads to turn wherever they go. The latest two-seater T-Bird, built from 2002-05, is the car of choice for a group of California ladies, some of whom found a new companion ? one with four tires and an engine ? after they were widowed.Īt least once a month, Maxine Brock of Visalia, Calif., and 10 like-minded friends ? they're all single, and most are 60 or older ? rev up their T-Birds and hit the road. Ladies seem to have a thing for the Ford Thunderbird, whether it's the stylish '50s original or the recent revival. ? It was the car of choice for Thelma and Louise, and also for the mysterious blonde in 'American Graffiti.'

While it wouldn't boast a mid-engined layout, it would indirectly rival the Corvette as a halo grand tourer.FRESNO, Calif. According to new reports, a return is in the cards, with Ford considering a new Thunderbird as a Corvette rival of sorts. Last seen in 2005 when the brand tried (halfheartedly) to revive the iconic nameplate, many thought we'd seen the last of it. Over at Ford, the Thunderbird is all but forgotten. The new Corvette Stingray is in high demand (even the drop-top is posting remarkable sales figures) and it's only set to skyrocket with the arrival of the high-performance Z06. Introduced as the Thunderbird, the gorgeous styling and V8 powertrains brought many into Dearborn's fold and, interestingly, the Blue Oval's offering outsold the Corvette of the day by thousands.Ĭut to 2022 and things couldn't be more different. At the 1954 Detroit Auto Show, Ford lifted the lid on a two-seater convertible that, to this day, is much loved by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

New ford thunderbird