Ford rolled 16,155 units of the model off its production lines.
The performance was below that of the typical muscle car, but ample for the casual driver moving from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds with a top speed of 104 mph. The visual appearance was pleasing but it also offered decent performance, equipped with a 4.8-liter V8 engine that generated 193 horsepower. It became a popular model that those who preferred comfort over speed bought in large numbers. The 1955 model year was released late in 1954, competing against the likes of the Chev Corvette. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird kicked off the first generation of a model that became a historic episode in the history of the automaker. Mike Schmidt believes Loretta would approve of the restored Thunderbird that is now back in the garage at the family home to be enjoyed for special drives once more.Īlyn Edwards is a classic car enthusiast and partner in Peak Communicators, a Vancouver-based public relations company.10 1. And we have all gained from it collectively.” Our T-Bird project is a manifestation of that struggle. But, like a lot of good things in life, they happen out of hardship and struggle. “People say 2020 has been a tough year and I’ll be the first to agree. “The colour is captivating as was Loretta. “The car is a hit in the neighborhood and with the family and, of course, with me,” Mike wrote in a note to a friend. His family was on hand as the glistening Thunderbird was parked in the driveway and the top was lowered for photos. A lot had happened in the nine months it took to restore the car. Mike Schmidt picked the car up and drove it home on Christmas Eve day. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The family enjoyed it for more than two decades before the couple decided to go all the way on the restoration. On the positive side, their Thunderbird was well equipped with power windows including the vent windows, AM/FM radio and air conditioning. Little did they know that the restorer would cover up rust holes in the trunk with tin pop riveted in place and covered with roofing tar. After $20,000 changed hands 25 years ago, they decided to have some upgrades made including rust repair. Mike and Loretta Schmidt had wanted a special car when they tracked the ’66 convertible down in Penticton.
Once the trunk closed automatically, the car was a full convertible.
It was a remarkable car for its times, as the convertible top retracted into the rear compartment after the trunk automatically opened backwards to swallow the top. The 1966 Ford Thunderbird would mark the last convertible model produced until the two-passenger retro Thunderbirds came out in 2002.
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