“We created this car for the few. The few discerning Americans who always loved Thunderbird’s looks, luxury and performance—but longed for 4 doors for easy entering and exiting,” wrote Ford’s marketing department about the company’s all-new 1967 Thunderbird. “So if you’re young enough to appreciate Thunderbird’s performance, and adult enough to enjoy the luxury, there’s just one decision left. Two doors? Or four? At last you can choose. And either way, your car is Thunderbird. Unique in all the world.”
Indeed it was unique. In fact, few automobiles wowed the public upon its release as did the fifth-generation Thunderbird. Here was an automobile with individual styling all its own, the likes of which had never been seen before—it was both luxurious and sleek; distinctive, yet practical. No wonder this Thunderbird caused a sensation.
When Ford introduced the four-seat “Squarebird” for the 1958 model year, everyone was shocked, yet it was exactly what the public wanted. Without question, Ford had its finger firmly on the pulse of American buying habits
