On May 4, 1970 four students died and nine were wounded in a confrontation
between Vietnam War demonstrators and the Ohio National Guard at Kent State
University. At the Grammy Awards, Simon and Garfunkel received awards for
Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Engineered Recording, Song
of the Year, and Best Contemporary Song for "Bridge Over Troubled
Water."
First time in Thunderbird history a major restyle was not
introduced after 3 years (all sheet metal from
windshield forward was new, and the two door
models featured a new roofline)
Two Door Landau models didn't have S-Bars (first time ever since model was introduced in 1962)
Hidden (windshield) radio antenna introduced as
standard equipment (1970 only)
Locking Steering Wheel and Transmission Selector
Map Light Delay Feature introduced as standard (early production only)
Radial-Ply Tires introduced as standard
Parking lights remain on with headlights
Concealed windshield wipers introduced as standard
6-Way Power Passenger Seat option returns
High Back and split bench seat options
Special Brougham option
Three Spoke Rim-Blow Steering Wheel option
Relays added to transistorized sequential turn signal
black box to increase the brightness of brake and
turn signal lamps (Production change 12-29-69)
1971
Whatever Happened to Individuality?
Apollo 15 was launched on Monday, July 26, 1971 as 1 million spectators
watched in Cape Kennedy, Florida; Col. David R. Scott, Lt. Col. James B.
Irwin, and Maj. Alfred M. Worden were aboard for this mission to the Moon.
Top television shows included "Marcus Welby, M.D.," and "The
Flip Wilson Show."
Last year for Thunderbird Four Door Landau model
Vinyl Roof option made available for Two Door
Hardtop model
Last year for Sequential Turn Signals on Thunderbird
Last time "Landau" was used as model name
until 1977
Final year for coved rear seats (two door models)
Ignition key reminder buzzer made standard
1972
The Thunderbird Feeling
A break-in occurred at 2:30 AM on June 17, 1972 at the Democratic National
Committee Headquarters office in the Watergate Office Building in Washington,
D.C. Five men were caught and arrested. This was the beginning of the end
for the Nixon Administration, as this story would remain in the national
headlines for the next few years. Top movies of the year included: "The
Godfather," "The Poseidon Adventure," "What's Up Doc?,"
and "Deliverance."
Individually-Adjustable Split Bench Front Seats
standardized
Front Cornering Lamps became optional again
One Millionth Thunderbird built on June 22, 1972
400 2V V-8 Engine standard in early production (just
2,006 units built before 429 4V V-8 made standard)
460 4V V-8 Engine option
Optional Power Door Lock switch integral with
door lock plunger knob (1972 only)
Only year vinyl interior trim was not offered in
1958-1976 period
Left hand outside remote control mirror became optional (on some units - this had been a standard feature
on Thunderbirds since 1963)
1973
A Unique Luxury Automobile
The beginning of a new music craze started with a group from Philadelphia
named The O'Jays. Their recording "Back Stabbers" hit number
two on the charts for the week ending September 25, 1972. The term "Disco"
was applied to the music in a story that appeared in the Rolling Stone
Magazine on September 13, 1973. The O'Jays' next release was "Love
Train," which had an equally infectious dance beat and reached number
one on February 5, 1973. Donna Summer wasn't too far off...
Opera Window option (standardized mid-year)
AM-FM Stereo Radio with Integral Tape
System option
Last year for optional Bucket Seats and Console
availability
SelectAire Conditioner, vinyl roof, power windows,
automatic seatback release, tinted glass and
Opera Windows standardized (on
June 11, 1973)
Impact-Absorbing 5 mph Front Bumper System
introduced as mandatory
Spring loaded stand-up hood ornament introduced
as standard
1974
Make a Little Thunder of Your Own
On April 3rd and 4th, 1974, a tragic storm system produced 148 tornadoes
that devastated 13 states in the South and Midwest. 350 people were killed
by the storm system, and it caused $600 million in damage. Due to the Watergate
scandal, on August 8, 1974 President Nixon became the first U.S. President
to resign. The resignation was effective at noon on August 9, 1974. Vice
President Gerald R. Ford assumed the country's highest office, becoming
the first President to serve who was not elected by a vote of the people.
One month later, on September 8, 1974 President Ford pardoned Nixon.
Seat Belt Ignition Interlock System introduced as
mandatory feature (1974 only; Government
mandated)
Burgundy Luxury Group option
White and Gold Luxury Group option
Quick Defrost Windshield and Rear Window option
Simulated Wire Wheel Cover option
Solid State Ignition System introduced as standard
Power Moonroof option
460 V-8 Engine standardized
Impact-Absorbing 5 mph Rear Bumper System
introduced as mandatory
1975
Could It Be the Best Luxury Car Buy in America?
"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" dominated the 1975 Academy
Awards, and at the Grammy Awards, Natalie Cole won Best New Artist. The
Record of the Year was "Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain
and Tennille; "Still Crazy After All These Years" by Paul Simon
won Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Copper Luxury Group option
Silver Luxury Group option
Jade Luxury Group option
Four Wheel Disc Brake/Hydro Boost option
Deep Dish Aluminum Wheel option
AM-FM Multiplex Radio standardized
1976
Could It Be the Best Luxury Car Buy in the World?
On July 4, 1976 the United States celebrated its 200th Birthday, and the
Bicentennial Party lasted all year; Barbara Walters became the first television
news person to earn a $1 million annual salary for co-hosting the nightly
news; Military spending worldwide increased to $300 billion per year in
1976; The final full-size, full-luxury Thunderbird was built this year.
Creme and Gold Luxury Group option
Bordeaux Luxury Group option
Lipstick Luxury Group option
Last year for full-size Thunderbird
AM-FM Multiplex Radio becomes optional again
Rear seat side windows are no longer operable
Automatic Seat Back Release becomes
optional again
QuadraSonic Sound System option
AM/FM Stereo Search radio option
1977
Shared platform with new mid-sized Ford LTD II
Town Landau model reintroduced mid-year
Brushed aluminum wrap-over roof applique on
Town Landau models
Die cast hood ornament with color-keyed acrylic insert
on Town Landau models
Styled Road Wheels introduced
Turbine Cast Aluminum Wheels introduced
Chrome wrap-over roof mouldings
Beveled glass Opera Windows in B-pillars
Illuminated Entry System introduced
Quartz Day-Date Clock introduced
Leather Wrapped Sports Steering Wheel introduced
First year Bucket Seats/Console offered since 1973
1978
Best sales year in Thunderbird's history
Diamond Jubilee Edition
T-Roof Convertible introduced
Sports Decor Group introduced
1979
Heritage Edition
Final year for T-Roof Convertible
Last year for mid-size Thunderbird
The 1980 Thunderbird would be a much changed car, once again becoming smaller
to compete in a market that was rapidly changing. Another major change
would take place for 1983, which would see improved sales but not good
enough to prevent Ford from dropping the line after 1997. A two passenger
Thunderbird would debut for 2002, amid great excitement, but this would
not last as the model was again dropped in 2005.
What happens next is anyone's guess, but we predict the Thunderbird will
return...
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