GM was seriously considering shelving the project, leaving the Corvette to be little more than a footnote in automotive history, and would have done so if not for two important events. The first was the introduction in 1955 of Chevrolet's first V8 engine (a 265 in³ {4.3 L}) since 1919, and the second was the influence of a Soviet emigré in GM's engineering department, Zora Arkus-Duntov. Arkus-Duntov simply took the new V8 and backed it with a three-speed manual transmission. That modification, probably the single most important in the car's history, helped turn the Corvette from a two-seat curiosity into a genuine performer. It also earned Arkus-Duntov the rather inaccurate nickname "Father of the Corvette."
Another key factor in the Corvette's survival was Ford's introduction, in 1955, of the two-seat Thunderbird, which was billed as a "personal luxury car", not a sports car. Even so, the Ford-Chevrolet rivalry in those days demanded that GM not appear to back down from the challenge. The "T-Bird" was changed to a four-seater in 1958.
what a tank!!! I have a rule of thumb I dont want to drive anything larger or heavier than a late model crown vic. But thats pretty pimp though, just not for me. And quite clean too, someone really took some care of it.
Happy Birthday indeed. What a shame Ford had to kill the Bird. I've owned a whole flock. A 65, 71, 78, 93 and 95. Does that make me dedicated Of all of them, that 71 was a real sleeper. Had a 429 that did impressive things that I can't talk about due to forum rules
Other than being a 'vert, it looks just like my 63.
The last time I saw my 63, it was fully restored, rechromed, and beautiful, like this one you posted. My car was baby blue, with a blue on white interior.
Sold to a movie company last I heard, 20 years ago. :dunno:
390 V8 4bbl.
Weirdest thing about these cars: The windshield wipers are hydraulic, and run off the power steering pump.
It's interesting that the LAST (MN12) Thunderbird rolled off the line just 4 days shy of 43 years after very FIRST Thunderbird.
Anyway, Happy 59th Birthday to The Thunderbird!
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