Ford Motor Company will put the legendary Thunderbird nameplate back into the company's future-product vault after this model year.

Production of the current generation vehicle will end in July at the company's Wixom Assembly Plant in Wixom, Michigan. Since the launch of the roadster as a 2002 model, more than 55,000 Thunderbirds have been sold.

"We promised all along that this Thunderbird would have a limited production run, and we're being true to our word," explains Steve Lyons, Ford Division president. "Thunderbird was a terrific image builder for the Ford brand showroom at a time when we needed it. Now, we're in the midst of a major product onslaught, including more news on the Mustang at this month's New York Auto Show."

A Storied History
Ford Thunderbird first went on sale 22nd October, 1954, marking the birth of a new legend that would grow with each generation. During five decades, Thunderbird went through several design changes with coupes, sedans, convertibles, hardtops, mid-size and large-size configurations. It went on hiatus after the 1997 model year. Thunderbird returned in 2001 as a retro-styled roadster to serve a similar role to its 1955 forebear - create excitement for the Ford brand.

This year, Ford Thunderbird celebrates its golden anniversary with a 50th anniversary limited-edition 2005 model. As the anniversary coincides with the end of the current generation, the special-edition models are expected to become collector's items.

"There's a place for a dream car in any car company," says Lyons. "At Ford, we're fortunate to have several dream cars, including the new Ford GT and Ford Mustang. For now, the Thunderbird nameplate will be placed on our shelf. But we'll keep it polished for future use."

The Wixom Assembly Plant will continue to produce the Lincoln LS and Town Car and remain the final assembly point for the Ford GT supercar.

2005 Ford Thunderbird

Product Highlights

• Introduced in September 1954 as a 1955 model
  • two seat convertible
  • total two seat production 53,166
• Redesigned in 1958
  • Motor Trend Car of the Year 1958
  • four seat model
  • dubbed "the square 'bird"
  • sales increased from 21,380 in 1957 to 91,058
• Redesigned in 1961
  • the "projectile" look
• Redesigned in 1964
  • discontinued convertible after 1966
• Redesigned in 1967
  • four-door model added to lineup
• Redesigned in 1970
• Redesigned in 1972
  • two-door model only
• Redesigned in 1975
  • personal luxury car
• Redesigned in 1977
  • peak sales year was 1977 with 322,517 units
• Redesigned in 1980
• Redesigned in 1983 with Aero look
  • Motor Trend Car of the Year 1987
• Redesigned in 1989 Motor Trend Car of the Year
• Discontinued in 1997
• Redesigned in 2002
  • two-passenger roadster
• Discontinued in 2005

2005 Ford Thunderbird