1956 Ford Thunderbird

• The Ford Thunderbird is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, and owners from across the country are coming together to celebrate the classic car
• More than 300 Thunderbirds will be on display, with owners coming from 30 states and Canada, at Ford World Headquarters from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 26
• The Ford Thunderbird, an American classic, became available to customers on Oct. 22, 1954, and went on to sell more than 4.2 million

DEARBORN, Mich., June 25, 2010 – The Ford Thunderbird is known for its classic design cues and the character of a true American sports car. But it also has 55 years of history to go along with that, and owners across the country are coming together to celebrate.

Nearly 300 Ford Thunderbirds and their owners will be heading to Dearborn, Mich., to honor the 55th anniversary of the classic car with a car show at Ford World Headquarters on Saturday, June 26. Drivers will be coming from more than 30 states, with several coming from Canada.

“The Ford Thunderbird is one of the most iconic products in the history of the automobile,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president of Global Marketing. “Each generation of the Thunderbird had a unique personality that ushered in a new generation of breakthroughs in design or technology.”

The car show will kick off at noon and run until 4 p.m., with Thunderbirds from every year of production on display. The event is hosted by The Water Wonderland Thunderbird Club, The American Road Thunderbird Club and The Thunderbird Nest. “We appreciate the passion so many have for the iconic Thunderbird and the Ford brand. The emotional connection that our owners have with Ford has always differentiated us,” Farley added.

Making of a classic
The Ford Thunderbird went on sale Oct. 22, 1954 – starting a legend that would grow with each generation of Thunderbird cars. Since then, the Thunderbird has included classic two-seaters, roadsters, convertibles and four-door models, as well as hardtops and sedans – more than
4.2 million of them.

For restoration information
Visit the Ford restoration parts website at www.fordrestorationparts.com to find parts for classic Thunderbirds. Select the model in which you’re interested to load a list of suppliers with contact information.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.