Thunderbird was originally designed to be small and racy with a unique look and personality that would set it apart from its contemporaries. Although never intending to be a sports car, it outsold the Chevrolet Corvette 20-to-1 in 1955. The Thunderbirds became larger in 1958 with the first of the four-seaters, and larger still in 1962 as the third generation began. From 1972 through 1976 the sixth generation of the Thunderbird was produced. This generation grew in every conceivable way, thus gaining it the 'Big Bird' name. It grew in size, weight, horsepower, and luxury. The 429 cubic-inch was standard and the 460 cubic-inch V-8 was offered as optional. The weight of the vehicle topped the scale at nearly 5000 pounds. The large engines and heavy bodies would result in poor fuel mileage. This would turn into a concern for Ford when the country entered into an oil crisis.

The 1976 Thunderbird was the last of the big Thunderbirds. They were massive luxury cars and laden with creature comforts, as the example here shows. It is equipped with an AM/FM/8-track stereo sound system, power antenna, power steering and power disc brakes, six-way power seating with power lumbar supports, tinted glass, tilt steering wheel, rear window defroster, and several packages including lighting group, power lock security group, and convenience group. It is powered by a 460-cid V-8 with an automatic transmission. Before all the options, this Thunderbird had an MSRP of $7,790, compared to $3700 for a Mustang II of the same year. Tons of luxury for little money, this Ford may be on the threshold of being tomorrow’s hot collector’s item.