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| 1956 Ford Thunderbird at the 2009 Canadian International AutoShow (Photo taken by Chris Nagy) |
Recognized as being one of the most prolific auto brands, Ford Motor Company has produced well over 400 million automobiles entering 2025. Among one of their much-revered models celebrating 70 years since its debut, Ford’s Thunderbird launched as a near-perfect counter to the Chevrolet Corvette. With standard V8 power and added luxuries inside its two-seat 1950s interior, the Thunderbird enjoyed greater sales than its Chevrolet rival with 16,155 cars sold in 1955 making it an instant classic.
Produced between 1955 and 1957, the first generation Ford Thunderbird remains admired for how simply it combines elegance and performance. An attentive fan of the early T-birds will be further captivated by the year-to-year differences of the car. The glorious debut in 1955 was followed by improvements in 1956 and a significant exterior and interior update for 1957. By observing a few key details of first generation Ford Thunderbirds, you can recognize what makes a specific year of the car so special to blue oval fans.
Front End Treatment
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| A front end uniquely front on the 1957 Thunderbird (Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company) |
Ford created a near-perfect image of 1950s sports cars with the Thunderbird front end appearance in 1955. A simple dual headlamp, round turn signals and an oval-shaped chrome grille made for a classic look for the initial two years of the Ford Thunderbird.
For 1957, the Thunderbird’s front received a makeover to resemble other vehicles in Ford’s model line for the year. The dual headlamps remained but the new, larger front grille worn by the car was evermore prevalent thanks to the exclusion of bumper guards. The redesigned 1957 Thunderbird front also includes revised turn signal lights appearing in a rectangular shape within the chrome bumper.
Tail Fins
When the Ford Thunderbird was introduced for the 1955 model year, the car launched with a fairly clean side profile. Prior to release, Ford explored the application of chrome accent stripping with pre-production Thunderbirds. Called Fairlane stripes, Ford opted against it when their car reached dealer showrooms.
For 1955 and 1956, the Ford maintained light-detailed tail fins. However, as was the case with many American production vehicles approaching the late 1950s, tail fins on the 1957 Thunderbird were longer and more deeply defined at the side. Tail fins for 1957 also incorporate a more diagonal shape apparent from the rear view of the vehicle.
Cowl Vents
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| 1956 Thunderbird featuring a continental kit for the spare tire. (Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company) |
After the first year of sales for the Ford Thunderbird, one piece of constructive criticism the automaker received was a warmer than comfortable interior due to heat from the transmission. To combat the excessive heat, the 1956 model year Thunderbird introduced cowl vents. Installed into the front fenders behind the wheels on both driver and passenger side, the cowl vents could be opened manually to allow airflow. These cowl vents are found on both the 1956 and 1957 Thunderbird models.
Wind Wings
Another design add-on meant to improve occupant comfort with 1956 Ford Thunderbirds was the addition of wind wings. Absent on 1955 models, wind wings were positioned behind the windshield and served to deflect drafts from entering the cabin. These wind wings are found on 1956 and 1957 model year Thunderbirds.
Convertible Hardtop
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| The 1955 Ford Thunderbird distinguished by the absence of the side cowl vents, fuel filler placement and a removable hardtop without portholes. (Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company) |
While the 1955 Ford Thunderbird immediately earned acclaim as an elegant, American cruiser, the car wasn’t entirely a flawless design. Early on, one of the concerns was visibility through its convertible hardtop roof. An attempt to remedy that issue in 1956 led to the porthole windows at the side. For 1956, Ford Thunderbird buyers were offered the choice of the 1955 style hardtop as well as the new porthole hardtop.
Steering Wheel
Grabbing the steering wheel of a first generation Ford Thunderbird is an awesome sensation for classic car enthusiasts. With the 1955 Thunderbird, the charming two-spoke steering wheel featured a flat side profile with the steering column hub. However, for 1956, as part of the ‘Lifeguard’ safety initiative being adopted by Ford Motor Company, a number of interior enhancements were made to the Thunderbird. The 1956 model year introduced a new three-spoke steering wheel incorporating a deep center.
Other Lifeguard Accessories
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| Ford Motor Company's 1956 Lifeguard Design brochure cover |
In addition to the new steering wheel, the 1956 model year Ford Thunderbird’s Lifeguard safety enhancements also included improved double-grip door latches and additional option equipment for the classic 1950s car interior. Along with available seat belts, buyers could order a padded dashboard that would be applied over the existing vinyl interior panel. For 1957, the padded dashboard became standard on all Thunderbirds.
Spare Tire Location
On cars from the 1920s and 1930s, it was common to have a spare tire integrated with the exterior styling. Eventually, a design theme developed to have a spare tire covered by a body-color matching casing positioned behind a car’s trunk. This is often described as a continental kit and would be incorporated on several vehicles into the 1950s.
With some customer feedback for the 1955 Ford Thunderbird criticizing rear trunk capacity, the decision was made to increase space by repositioning the spare tire into a continental kit for 1956. Only 1956 Thunderbirds left the factory with the spare tire being stored using a continental kit with the design feature dropped for 1957. However, owners of 1955 and 1957 cars admiring the look and practicality of the continental kit, would have one added either as a dealer and aftermarket accessory.
Fuel Filler Placement
For the opening two years of the Ford Thunderbird production, the fuel filler location was located at the rear positioned near the end of the trunk lid. Placed above the license plate on the 1955 Thunderbird, the fuel filler in 1956 would be partly obstructed by the continental kit. On 1957 Ford Thunderbirds, in addition to a larger fuel tank, the fuel filler access was moved to the passenger side rear fender.
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