The 1957 Thunderbird was the first to have a fully padded dash surface. Last-minute improvements, including the addition of the optional 312 CID V-8 engine, gave the second edition of the Thunderbird better handling and increased performance. Standard equipment included energy-absorbing instrument panel padding, a concave safety steering wheel, safety door latches and a shatter-resistant mirror. In addition, the 1956 Thunderbird featured Ford's new safety concept of "packaging the passengers." Flip-out side vents provided better ventilation, porthole windows enhanced rear vision andĪn outside tire carrier added trunk space. More trunk space was a necessity.ĭesign changes on 1956 models corrected these deficiencies. The original design presented some problems. There were changes almost immediately after the car was With all of its popularity, the flight of the two-seater Thunderbird would be a short one. Ford had explored an uncharted market for unique transportation and came up with a winner. The public went for the Thunderbird in a big way, placing more than 3,500 orders in the first 10-day selling period.
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