1973 Ford Thunderbird 460 V8 Coupe (RHD)

Description

In the history of the automobile, models come and go with monotonous regularity but every once in a while a name catches the attention of the public and enthusiast alike. The Thunderbird is one such car, beloved by generations of car enthusiasts and hugely successful right from day one. Although built in response to Chevrolet's new Corvette, Ford's designers conceived the new Thunderbird not so much as a sports car, rather as a personal luxury car and created a whole new market segment overnight. Unveiled to the public at the 1954 Detroit Auto Show, the first generation Thunderbird was only available as a two-seat convertible, with unique styling cues such as the 'porthole' circular windows in the hardtop roof. With each succeeding generation, the Thunderbird grew - both in stature and equipment - in keeping with contemporary trends. In 1972 Ford unveiled the largest Thunderbird of all, the sixth-generation based on the Lincoln Continental Mark IV platform and shared much of its sheet metal with the more upmarket Lincoln. With a gargantuan 120-inch wheelbase chassis and weighing some 2,268 kgs, the Thunderbird's massive appearance was enhanced by the long, low and wide styling. Exterior changes for 1973 were limited to small opera windows on the 'C' pillar and a new egg crate grille, square headlamp bezels and revised front bumper, while an internal bonnet release and spare tyre lock were new features. The suspension was improved and steel-belted radial tyres were now standard equipment. The standard Thunderbird motor was Ford's 429-cid V8, with an optional A-Code 460-cid unit optional, the latter developing a lazy 219 horsepower at 4,400 rpm. Once again only available in hardtop configuration, the Thunderbird continued to sell strongly with 87,269 finding buyers in 1973, making it the third most popular year for the model to date. Few Thunderbirds of this era survive and even fewer remain in original condition and those that do are now eagerly sought by collectors.