Popular frequently asked questions include: Manual, 3 Automatic Cruise-O-Matic (C-6) V 8 | Hemispherical Combustion Chambers w/ohv & ohcamshafts for each engine bank V 8 | hemispherical combustion chambers w/ohv & ohcamshafts for each engine bank V 8 | Serial number codes 'Y' or Special: 'H' This entry was posted in 1970s, Ford and tagged 1970s, engine, ford, production, thunderbird by admin. (Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online) Excellently restored models with relatively low mileage and matching numbers would likely fall in the $30,000 plus area. The model went through many redesigns including from two seats to four seats and at one time evolved from a luxurious sport vehicle to a full size four door land yacht.Ĭurrent asking prices for a 1970 Ford Thunderbird can be found in a general range of from about $19,000 to $35,000. One of the reasons the Ford Thunderbird has the popularity it has is that the automobile had a sportiness and luxurious appearance, and known for passenger comfort along with plenty of V-8 power. Thunderbird: An Odyssey in Automotive Design by author William P. Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below. New car price averaged about $5,150.ġ970 Thunderbird production total 50,360 units. A Cruise-O-Matic and a SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic.ĭimensions for the Full Size Thunderbird includes a 114.7 inch wheelbase, 215.0 inch overall outside length, 77.3 inch width, 53.4 inch height. Transmissions available were two three speed automatics. Also, a 4 60 cubic inch V-8 and four barrel carburetor with 370 HP. It’s 429 cubic inch V-8 Engine with a four barrel carburetor delivered 360 HP. Plenty of power in the 1970 Ford Thunderbird. Sales success was short lived since both the 19 model years came in lower for each of those tears. The 1967 Ford Thunderbird enjoyed sales of 78,000 units which was above 1966 numbers. Interestingly enough, the 1967 model year saw Thunderbird sales grow. The redesign for 1970 would last for only two model years and change again in 1972. One problem discovered however with the pointed front end (Ford would refer to it as the Thunderbird beak) was that the front bumper didn’t sufficiently protect the protrusion and many were damaged. Knudsen was impressed with what the Pontiac grille styling did for that brand he then desired to try the same with Thunderbird. Ford had hired Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen from General Motors. Some thought it had a bit of a Pontiac look and there was a reason for this. This new front end would be the most significant change you would notice with the 1970 model. These new T-Birds were the largest and most luxurious examples offered to date so the Glamor Bird name was quite appropriate.įor 1970–71, Ford dropped the gaping fish-mouth grille in favor of a narrower grille that jutted forward in the middle. Thunderbird fans gave the name “ Glamor Bird” to these fifth generation models. With all this competition building, the Ford Motor Company decided to move the T-Bird more upscale and with that the changes mentioned above were put in place. In fact, by the 1970 model year, there were as many as six nameplates competing for the personal luxury buyer. Both models prior to 1967 were two door vehicles and both in a way found themselves competing with each other. The Thunderbird was a snazzy comfortable car with a sporty look.ĭuring the 1960’s the Thunderbird and the Mustang began overlapping. While the Corvette was more of a sports car, Thunderbird put an emphasis on creature comfort. The T-Bird originally came out as a luxury sport car in competition to the Chevy Corvette.
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