2012 Bird

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: 2012 Bird

If the Thunderbird was a nice 4 seater 2 door coupe like it's been for most of it's history at a competitive price, Ford would probably do quite well.

The best year ever from a sales perspective was 1977. There used to be plenty of Thunderbirds on the road from the mid 1970's until they discontinued the 2 door coupe in 1997.

Two door coupes seem to be making a bit of a revival too (Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro).

[jerrym3]

Re: 2012 Bird

Ford already has a 4 seat coupe.

Maybe thay could take the Fusion/MarkZ platform, shrink it, and come up with a reasonably priced two seater, but that's a lot of wishful thinking. Youth market might go for it, if they're not already hooked on the Mustang.

I don't think a higher cost TBird will sell.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: 2012 Bird

Ford already has a 4 seat coupe.

True, but the Mustang and Thunderbird coexisted for decades. The Thunderbird was a 2 door personal luxury coupe and the Mustang went after a more youthful and sporty area of the market. Years ago I remember looking at both Mustangs and Thunderbirds when considering a new car. The Thunderbird wasn't really that much more and was the much nicer car in my opinion.

For whatever reason, the Mustang has never really interested me at all.

[Ediron]

Re: 2012 Bird

The article I read stated the vehicle would be a Lincoln 2 seater to go after the Jag,MB, etc. market.The Ford badge has enough I.D. ,the next Ford will be a Focus built by Shelby and he's looking foward to do it.He say's it the only way car co. can keep up with the gov't reg.

[jerrym3]

Re: 2012 Bird

Greg, unfortunately, that was then and this is now.

Too many foreign choices out there now for Ford to offer two versions of a 2 dr coupe, 4 passenger.

I, too, have always looked at Mustangs, but never bought one. My 85 TurboCoupe and 94 LX just added a bit more class to my daily commute back then.

But, if I could talk my old legs into clutch work again, a new Mustang with (I hope someday) a Bullitt option would be a great way to drive into the sunset.

Instead, I'll just continue putting the Galaxie into "D".

I'm a long time Ford owner, and will most likely never own anything but a Ford. I have never even considered a foreign car.

[V8 Cat]

Re: 2012 Bird

I'm a long time Ford owner, and will most likely never own anything but a Ford. I have never even considered a foreign car.

I used to feel that way about Fords, but the ownership of a 1980 Datsun 280ZX changed my whole perspective. I bought it new, drove it for four years, never required anything but routine maintenance, never got tired of it, and sold it for only $1000 less than I paid for it. It opened me up to a whole new world. I don't have any barriers/restrictions other than monetary limits to what I buy. I get the car that I feel is the best for me or my wife and don't exclude any make from any country. I've been a lot happier with my automobile purchases operating this way for the last three decades.

[ThunderBubba]

Re: 2012 Bird

Since we're doing "Pie In The Sky" here's what I would do if I ran Ford.
I would instruct my designers and engineers to create a car that is nothing like what is on the road today. Be it alternative fuel, luxury never before seen, versatility, or whatever. Then I would put the Thunderbird name plate on it and market it as a world changing vehicle.
Ford could really strengthen it's position in the market with a home run car and what better name plate to use than Thunderbird.

[jerrym3]

Re: 2012 Bird

I should also add that I am eligible for the Ford Z plan. Takes all the hassle out of buying a new car, as long as it's a Ford.

My father-in-law (deceased) retired from Ford as did my brother-in-law.

Thanks to Ford, I met my wife of 44 years.

And, I worked for Ford back in the mid 60's, where, thanks to Ford, I was able to work full time and still get my four year BS from Rutgers during the evening in four and a half calendar years.

Guess it's a matter of loyalty.

[billm]

Re: 2012 Bird

If Lincoln ever built anything like the pictures at the head of this thread, I would be in line for one IF I could afford it. That is one nice looking car!!

____________________________________// Bill

[V8 Cat]

Re: 2012 Bird

If Lincoln ever built anything like the pictures at the head of this thread, I would be in line for one IF I could afford it. That is one nice looking car!!
____________________________________// Bill

I agree. I especially like the grille. That is the way a Lincoln grille should look and not like the ones they are using on the current MKS, MKZ, etc. which are not attractive in my opinion.

[jerrym3]

Re: 2012 Bird

I don't know which model it was (the crossover, I think), but Lincoln did use a very similar grille just a few years ago.

[billm]

Re: 2012 Bird

I agree with you about the grille. I think the current Lincoln grills have a cheap and tacky appearance. Until Lincoln produces something improved over the current models, I will keep the '02 Town Car that sits in the garage with 35,000 miles on it. It rides and drives better than the small MKS and MKZ models. I would sure like to see the model produces that we see in this thread. I would get on the list for one.

_______________________________// Bill

[bgl]

Re: 2012 Bird

I wish that they would make a retro '67 Cougar. But, with no Mercury... I like retro cars, except I don't really see the new Dodge Charger as retro. A four-door Charger? That's a stretch to call it a retro. It would be about the same as putting Cougar name plates on a Taurus.

[jerrym3]

Re: 2012 Bird

Look at the 2007 Lincoln MKX.

Looks like the same grille from the Lincoln showcar, except for the lights.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: 2012 Bird

That Lincoln's platform has been discontinued when the Jag S, Lincoln LS, and TBird were killed off.

Look at the TBN owner age poll. Average TBird owner age is too high. The Ford youth market wants Mustangs, not TBirds.

A Lincoln 2 seater personal touring car makes more sense, but Lincoln's got too may problems with brand identification. (Lincoln's domestic competition is now Buick, not Caddy.)

Unless they turn the TBird name into a typical people mover car, which I hope they never do, I think the name is gone for good.

Cadillac has moved the bar DOWN on age. The old man's car no more.

Ford could do the same with a future version of a 2 seat T-Bird.

More horsepower and ability to REALLY carve corners is what would be required.

Our cars are nice but they were built and designed to appeal to an older buyer. Quiet, civilized and comfortable were prioritized......... and I personally think it killed demand once people realized T-Bird's sporty looks didn't have the muscle it's appearance suggested.

Nothing says this more clearly to me than early demand in 2002 (before anyone knew) vs a total lack of demand once the secret was out. The T-Bird was a sheep in wolf's clothing.

Sadly this should have been predictable.

Not enough of us were gonna appreciate the car for what it is vs what it could have been.

Still baffles me as to why Ford didn't see fit to offer this car in two different versions much as they did in the 50s with the original....... on soft and comfortable and one with a little more of the ........well........."Thunder"!

It didn't even have to be a Super-charged car.

A 6 cylinder Mustang Motor and transmission in one version and an 8 cylinder Mustang GT motor and transmission in the other must have at least been considered.

Probably seen as too pedestrian for the price point Ford wanted to target but still............. I can't help but at least wonder if the car wouldn't have sold better.