Thunderbird 1955-66, book by author Alan Tast
Used book, only one copy available.
About Thunderbird 1955-66
Author: Alan Tast
Publisher: Osceola, WI : Motorbooks International, 1996.
160 pages : illustrations ; 27 cm.
Series: American classics
ISBN: 0760300984, 9780760300985
Alan Tast Interviews with Fords key engineers and designers provide interesting insight into Thunderbirds history from 1955 through 1966. This thorough history is filled with insider corporate history and significant model data. Illustrations include factory and promotional photos, period ads and brochures, and technical drawings.
Used book, only one copy available.
About Thunderbird 1955-66
Author: Alan Tast
Publisher: Osceola, WI : Motorbooks International, 1996.
160 pages : illustrations ; 27 cm.
Series: American classics
ISBN: 0760300984, 9780760300985
Alan Tast Interviews with Fords key engineers and designers provide interesting insight into Thunderbirds history from 1955 through 1966. This thorough history is filled with insider corporate history and significant model data. Illustrations include factory and promotional photos, period ads and brochures, and technical drawings.
Used book, only one copy available.
About Thunderbird 1955-66
Author: Alan Tast
Publisher: Osceola, WI : Motorbooks International, 1996.
160 pages : illustrations ; 27 cm.
Series: American classics
ISBN: 0760300984, 9780760300985
Alan Tast Interviews with Fords key engineers and designers provide interesting insight into Thunderbirds history from 1955 through 1966. This thorough history is filled with insider corporate history and significant model data. Illustrations include factory and promotional photos, period ads and brochures, and technical drawings.
The Ford Thunderbird was the brainchild of two men—George Walker and Louis D. Crusoe. The car was born from the idea that Ford Motor Company should have a sportier vehicle as part of their automobile line. This idea was pursued by the company who decided to pursue a “true Ford sports car” for their 1955 model year. The initial guidelines called for a two-passenger, canvas-topped open car that would make maximum use of standard production components. The design objectives included a weight of 2,525 pounds, an Interceptor V-8 engine, a balanced weight distribution, acceleration better than the competition, and a top speed of more than 100 miles per hour. The new Ford sports car also was to retain Ford product characteristics and identification to the extent necessary for a ready association with the standard production car.
While the production of the car was nearing completion, Ford had a problem—they lacked a name for their new sports car. 5,000 names for the vehicle were suggested including Beaver, Detroiter, Runabout, and Savile. These names were unimpressive to the team working on the sports car. Crusoe offered a $250 suit to anyone who could do better. Ford stylist Alden Giberson stepped up to the challenge and recommended the name that the team would go with—Thunderbird. CREDIT: Ford.