The seventh generation of Ford Thunderbird is a private luxury car built by Ford from 1977 to 1979 model year. In a major marketing shift for Ford, Thunderbird changed the market segment for 1977, shifting from full-size cars to the larger end of the intermediate segment. Based on Ford LTD II, this generation is the first generation of four Thunderbird generations that share its basic design with Mercury Cougar.
The sharper and sharper styles became popular, as this generation became the best selling in Ford Thunderbird history. Aided by the decline in the price of $ 2,700 from 1976, more than 318,000 were sold in 1977 and 352,000 in 1978 (the best single sale year in Thunderbird history), followed by 295,000 in 1979. The style of the unique wrapper roof line will carry over which was smaller as the Fairmont Futura Ford 2018-1983 and Mercury Zephyr Z-7 which was originally designed as a Fairmont-compliant Thunderbird proposal.
Video Ford Thunderbird (seventh generation)
Design
Since Lincoln reintroduced the Continental Mark series in 1969, Lincoln has shared general engineering and the basics with Thunderbird. During the 1970s, this caused the latter to be heavy and expensive compared to competition from Chrysler and General Motors. For 1977, as both cars were redesigned, Thunderbird was separated from Continental Mark V. Since Ford LTD II replaced Torino, Thunderbird replaced the Elite. Along with Mercury Cougar XR7, Thunderbird now competes in the best luxury private car market at an affordable price, beating Chrysler Cordoba, Dodge Charger, and General Motors quartet from Buick Regal, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Pontiac Grand Prix.
Although not as simple as downsizing as what will come to Ford's future cars, the 1977 Thunderbird is smaller than its predecessor, spilling nearly 10 inches (254 mm) in length and £ 900 (408 kg) weight; the height and width of the base remain unchanged. The 1977 Thunderbird was created on an existing midsize platform by recycling mixed body, interior, and trim selected from the previous year's Ford Elite, Mercury Montego, and Mercury Cougar combined with all the new styling from the back door to create a dramatic new Thunderbird viewing. Thunderbird is distinguished from 2-door Cougar and 2-door models by a unique "door handle" roof door with operatic windows and a large rear-side window that is separated from the rear window by a thin C-pillar. Hidden headlamps with retractable cover and wide taillamps drop center make a comeback from the late 1960s. Because it's based on a medium-sized Ford platform, a wider range of powertrains are now available. The base engine is 302 cu in (4.9 L) Windsor V8, while 351 cu larger at (5.8 L) 351M and 400 cu at (6,6Ã, L) and T-tops available as an option along with 351W. In California, 351 is the only machine available. Although the smaller engine has a lower output than the 460 V8, the lighter weight provides compensation for the overall performance; 400 was dropped in 1979 with the introduction of CAFE requirements.
1978 Diamond Jubilee Edition
In 1978, Ford offered "Thunderbird Diamond Jubilee Edition" to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the company as a car manufacturer. This option package raises the price of the car to nearly US $ 12,000, almost double the base price; it includes every option except moonroof and engine block heater. It was originally only available in two colors - the exclusive Jubilee diamond "metal blue diamond", or "standard issue" of metal coals; both with velor chairs that fit the "biscuit" design. Later in production, Ford offers leather as an option, and offers white as an exterior color with trim and blue or white interior. This option is available at Continental Mark V also for a much larger fee of US $ 23,000.
In 1979, a similar option package was available under the name "Legacy". It basically includes the same optional equipment, still with only two color options available: Heritage Maroon or Heritage Baby Blue. The "Inheritance" option remains available for the next generation of cars. All Thunderbirds accept new grille patterns and revised taillamps for last year's model of this generation.
Maps Ford Thunderbird (seventh generation)
Total production
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
0 Comments