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Ford firebird 197012/12/2023 Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 HO, but peaked at 5,200 rpm. A "Ram Air" option was also available, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a hotter camshaft. All 1967–1968 400 CI engines had throttle restrictors that blocked the carburetors' secondaries from fully opening. Most buyers opted for one of three V8s: the 326 cu in (5.3 L) with a two-barrel carburetor producing 250 hp (186 kW) the four-barrel "HO" (high output) 326, producing 285 hp (213 kW) or the 325 hp (242 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) from the GTO. The "Sprint" model six came with a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 hp (160 kW). Based on the architecture of the standardĬhevrolet 230 cu in (3.8 L) inline-six, it was fitted with a one-barrel Rochester carburetor and rated at 165 hp (123 kW). The 1967 base model Firebird came equipped with the Pontiac 230 cu in (3.8 L) SOHC inline-six. The listed retail price before options for the coupe was $2,666 ($23,398 in 2022 dollars ) and the convertible was $2,903 ($27,392 in 2022 dollars ). However, GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the " pony car" market by sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet. Originally, the car was a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. The Firebird's rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO and Pontiac Grand Prix. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird's bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The first generation Firebird had characteristic Coke bottle styling shared with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Van Nuys, California, United States (1968–1969) Despite brisk early sales and good reviews, sales of the new Thunderbird couldn’t justify continued production, and Ford discontinued it again in mid-2005.Lordstown, Ohio, United States (1967–1969) The luxury retailer Neiman Marcus offered an early special edition version in their 2000 Christmas catalog, priced at just under $42,000 their stock of 200 sold out in two hours and 15 minutes. In 2002, however, in an attempt to capitalize on car buyers’ nostalgia, the company launched production of a retro T-Bird, a two-seater convertible that took some of its styling from the original classic. Thunderbird sales slowed during the 1990s, and Ford discontinued the Thunderbird in 1997. Kennedy had already included 50 Thunderbirds in his inaugural procession in 1961, and a T-Bird would also feature prominently in the 1973 film “American Graffiti.” The Beach Boys elevated the Thunderbird to pop- culture-icon status in 1964 by including it in the lyrics of their hit single “Fun Fun Fun” (“she’ll have fun, fun, fun ’til her daddy takes the T-Bird away”). In 1958, to satisfy critics who thought the T-Bird was too small, Ford released a four-seater version with a roomier trunk and bucket seats. In addition to the powerful V-8 engine that Ford was known for, the Thunderbird boasted all the conveniences consumers had become accustomed to, including a removable hard convertible top, soundproofing and the accessories standard to most Ford cars. The success of the Thunderbird led Chevrolet to continue production of (and improve upon) the Corvette, which soon became a tough competitor in the sports car market. The 1955 Thunderbird was an immediate hit, selling more than 14,000 that year (compared to just 700 Corvettes). The undeniably sleek Corvette’s initial engine performance was relatively underwhelming, but it was gaining lots of attention from the press and public, and Ford was motivated to respond, rushing the Thunderbird to the market in 1955. General Motors built the first American sports car: the Chevrolet Corvette, released in 1953. The last Thunderbird, Ford Motor Company’s iconic sports car, emerges from a Ford factory in Wixom, Michigan on July 1, 2005.įord began its development of the Thunderbird in the years following World War II, during which American servicemen had the opportunity to observe sleek European sports cars.
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