IN THIS FEATURE Early days Popular personal luxury The Squarebird Projectile styling Growing again Ugly duckling Aerodynamic phase Temporary retirement New Thunderbird

Heavier than originally targeted at 3,180lbs, the Thunderbird was nonetheless just 175 inches long, 70 inches wide and just 52 inches tall - the smallest Ford to have been built in decades. It was priced from $2,695, including a removable glassfibre hard top but not canvas roof (a $75 alternative, or $290 in combination with the hard top). However, automatic or overdrive transmission were options bringing the price tag nearer to $4,000. For production, the engine was enlarged to 292 cubic inches (4785cc), giving a power output of around 193bhp with the three-speed manual gearbox or 198bhp with the two-speed auto. Marketed more as a "personal luxury" car than an out-and-out performance model, it still impressed with its handling and speed. It wasn't as accomplished as its European inspirations, given that its suspension was largely derived from existing Ford saloons, though its 'cruciform' structure was unique; it was not as innovative as the glassfibre-bodied Corvette, but it was better-equipped and more comfortable. The American public took to it straight away: 3,500 orders were taken in the first 10 days on sale, and 16,000 went on to find homes.

1957 model gained wider grille

Ford realised, however, that there was a limited market for two-seaters, and work started on a four-seat version. In the meantime, a few problems were addressed in the continuing two-seaters: poor ventilation, limited boot space and restricted rearward vision were ameliorated by flip-out side vents, an outside carrier for the spare wheel - which had a detrimental effect on rear-end handling - and porthole-style extra rear windows. Safety was improved for 1956 with a padded instrument panel, a concave steering wheel, improved door latches and shatter-resistant mirrors. Seatbelts were optional, and a larger 312 cubic-inch (5.1-litre) V8 was offered. Further tweaks for 1957 included optional powered seats and the addition of more accentuated rear tail fins and a wider chromed grille, though the last first-generation two-seater was made in December that year.