272 pages - 2008
Turquoise 1955 & Red 1963

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MAC's is proud to present our best Thunderbird catalog yet! Along with combining our 1955-57 & 1958-66 Thunderbird parts catalogs, we have plenty of new illustrations & photographs as well as over 550 new parts. Starting with our selection of great 1955-57 T-Bird parts, followed by MAC's ever-expanding selection of books, accessories & restoration supplies, finishing up with our extensive selection of 1958-66 T-Bird parts you are certain to find everything you're looking for! We think that this will make finding the right parts you need fast & convenient.

Here is some "history" on the Thunderbird . . .
February 20, 1954 was destined to be an important day for the Ford Motor Company. This was the introduction day for the new sporty, two-seater 1955 Thunderbird. With a nod towards luxury, Ford applied the concepts of individuality and innovation to make this entirely new vehicle an immediate hit. Many industry insiders acclaimed this as being a "classic" almost from its introduction.

The word "Thunderbird" came from the American Indians' name for a legendary bird thought to have caused thunder, lightning, and rain. It was considered a good luck omen and a sign of power, swiftness and prosperity.

Not wanting to tamper with the sales success of the '55, the overall shape of the '56 was essentially the same as the '55. Adding cooling vents to the front fenders and a "continental" kit for the spare tire to the back gave the '56 a profile that easily separated it from the '55. 1956 also marked the introduction of the now famous "porthole" top. The '57 models sprouted baby fins on the quarters and up front received a new bumper incorporating the parking lights. Under the hood, two big power options were available for one year only, the dual 4 barrel carb "E" Bird and the "F" Bird with a factory installed McCulloch supercharger, both atop the 312 engine.

The 1955-1957 Thunderbirds were considered a "sports car." After the introduction of their larger "cousins" in 1958, they became affectionately known as "Little Birds."

Ford produced 16,155 1955 models, 15,631 1956 models, and 21,380 1957 models. For 1958 Ford abandoned the small two-seat "sporty" car, feeling it had reached its maximum sales level. They believed that a larger 4 seat Thunderbird would increase sales. Almost 1,000 pounds heavier and a foot and a half longer it was dubbed a "personal" luxury car. Over the years Ford has used the Thunderbird to introduce a steady stream of innovations. The most dramatic of these was a creating a mechanism that allowed the convertible top to fold into the trunk. Via a reverse opening deck lid, the top, when down, disappeared, giving the car a clean, smooth design. The newly designed 352 V-8 with 300 horsepower became the standard engine as did a new 3-speed automatic that Ford called the Cruise-O-Matic. The rear suspension rode on coil springs for this year only. The first console was installed in between the two front buckets seats. Although 1958 was a down year for car sales, the redesigned Birds were one of only two cars to post a sales increase. The "Big Bird" era had arrived.

In 1959 a fully automatic convertible top was introduced and the big 430 cubic inch V-8 was added as an option. In 1960 a sliding metal sunroof was made available for that year only. In 1961 "swing away" steering wheels and transistor radios were introduced, and power brakes, steering, and the Cruise-O-Matic were made standard. In 1962 adding a vinyl roof covering with distinctive "landau" bars created a luxury version of the hardtop. The big news in '62 was the creation of the Sports Roadster model. With a tonneau cover over the back seat, a "passenger assist" grab bar mounted on the dash, chrome wire wheels with spinners and special badges it became an overnight collectible. With the optional 3 deuce setup, horsepower was increased from 300 to 340 on the 390 engines. A new remote controlled outside mirror was offered as a convenience option.

1963 was the first year for an AM/FM radio, the new alternator replaced the generator, the hood latch was moved to the grille and the Sports Roadster was reprised "for one more year". A new limited edition T-Bird was created in 1963. Dubbed the "Principality of Monaco", it included a personalized, numbered plaque mounted on the console to signify ownership. In 1964 transistorized ignition, "highway pilot" speed control, and power door locks became available. The front drum type brakes gave way to discs being made standard in 1965 and a new innovation was added: the distinctive sequential taillights. The option list included a power operated vent window for the first time. From 1961 through 1965 the 390 was the only engine available. For 1966, the 428, the big brother to the 390 was made available. When a customer checked the 428 engine box on the order form they got an unexpected bonus, the superb heavy-duty C6 automatic transmission. 1966 saw the introduction of the Town Hardtop and Town Landau models. These new models featured a bold new roofline that extended the roof side sheet metal forward to the door, eliminating the rear side windows. Also included with these models was a "safety/ convenience" control console that included warning lights for low fuel, door ajar, a seat belt reminder and a switch and light for the four-way flashers. This console was mounted to the roof to further the "flight deck" aircraft theme that Ford had started in 1964.

If you are contemplating the restoration of any of these magnificent Thunderbirds, or are already deep into a restoration, or are proudly driving your completed restoration, MAC's can help you. MAC's has been supplying a complete line of parts, accessories, supplies, manuals, and literature for Ford restorers since 1977. Our current 1955-1966 Thunderbird parts catalog lists over 4,600 parts. It is fully illustrated and contains part numbers, prices, descriptions, number of each part required, and the years of application. The catalog is free if you have a 1955-1966 Thunderbird. Outside the U.S. we do require a payment of $5.00 U.S. to cover the cost of postage.

MAC's Antique Auto Parts is THE place for old, vintage, classic or obsolete Ford parts & accessories. MAC's is a full-service mail-order company selling parts for 1909 through 1972 Ford antique autos – including old Hot Rod and Street Rod parts. We also carry auto upholstery kits and manuals for classic, vintage, antique Fords.

• Browse our online inventory of Ford Thunderbird Parts for Sale
• Request a free copy of our Ford Thunderbird Parts Catalog
• Order a Gift Certificate for yourself or for a friend
• Call MAC's toll free from any U.S. or Canadian location at 800-777-0948
• Use our 24 hour fax number at 716-210-1370