Ford introduced its two-seater February 20, 1954 at the Detroit Auto Show. Named Thunderbird, rather than a sports car, it was a “personal luxury car.” The first production car rolled off the line on September 9, 1954 and when enough cars were produced, Ford introduced the car to the public on October 22. Reportedly, dealers received 4,000 deposits prompting the company to revise its sales estimates upward. It established the personal luxury car segment in America which years later, would spawn many competitors.

Among the standards was a V-8 engine, Astra-Dial Control Panel with illumination and locking trunk. 16,155 were produced including this Thunderbird Blue example with contrasting white convertible top and matching blue and white interior. It is equipped with the optional radio and automatic transmission.