2005 Ford Thunderbird 50th Anniversary Edition

(from Ford Press Release)  Ford Thunderbird, a true American icon, celebrates its golden Anniversary with a special 50th Anniversary Thunderbird, limited-edition colors, and commemorative badge for all 2005 models. The 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Thunderbird will be unveiled to media attending the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami, FL.

Production of this special edition model with exclusive Cashmere color, which begins in January 2005, will be limited to 1,500 units.

"The 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Thunderbird builds upon the car's rich heritage - which began with the classic, two-seater 1955 model," said Steve Lyons, president of Ford Division. "This special edition adds to the emotional attachment that America has with Thunderbird, an attachment that has been 50 years in the making."

In addition to the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition, Ford is unveiling two surprise colors available on upcoming 2005 Thunderbirds: Inca Gold and Bronze. For 2005, all Thunderbirds feature a 50th Anniversary commemorative fender chevron.

Based on the top-of-the-line Thunderbird premium, the commemorative 50th Anniversary Thunderbird features a gorgeous Cashmere tri-coat metallic paint with matching removable top and Medium Light Stone cloth convertible top and soft boot. 16-spoke, 17-inch wheels with Cashmere accented hub ring match the Cashmere paint.

New coordinated Cashmere, Stone and Soft Gold interior packages include full leather Cashmere seats, and Cashmere trimmed lower instrument panel, floor console and door armrests. An understated Soft Gold tinted 50th Anniversary badge will be placed on the instrument panel, and 50th Anniversary insignias are embossed on the seatbacks. The scuff plates also are tinted Soft Gold. Each vehicle will feature a numbered commemorative plaque mounted on the inside of the glove box. The steering wheel and shift knob will be trimmed with high gloss Cashmere accents. Stone colored carpets with matching floor mats complete the interior.

"The 50th Anniversary special edition is very elegant and emphasizes the calm, cool and collectible nature that is Thunderbird," said Lyons.

Thunderbird Enthusiasts 'Drive-in' to Celebrate

Thunderbird enthusiasts will kick-off the Thunderbird's 50th birthday celebration at Homestead Miami Speedway on Nov. 17 in conjunction with a Ford Racing Innovation Drive. The Ford Racing Innovation Drive has been reaching consumers nationwide during a tour that features Ford's spectacular new 2005 model year vehicle line-up. Consumers as well as Thunderbird enthusiasts have been invited to attend the drive as it comes to Miami this November. After Thunderbird enthusiasts enjoy the hands-on experience of Ford's new product they will then be directed to the raceway's infield for a private Thunderbird Anniversary party.

Reflecting on 50 years of heritage for the Thunderbird, club members from across the country will enjoy a trip back to the boppin' fifties with the spirit of the classic hamburger stand and drive-in movie theater. Ford, will construct a unique drive-in theater at the race track and show one of the most famous movies to star the Ford Thunderbird - American Graffiti.

The 2005 Ford Thunderbird will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $37,605 and the special edition 50th Anniversary Thunderbird of $43,535, both without destination and delivery charges.

Ford Thunderbird went on sale Oct. 22, 1954 marking the birth of a new legend that would grow with each generation of Thunderbird cars. Previous special-edition Thunderbirds have proven highly desirable. In 2002, Ford offered 200 special-edition Thunderbird vehicles for sale through the exclusive Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. Those 200 cars sold out in two hours and 15 minutes and are considered highly prized collector's items.

In the spring of 2003, Ford sold 700 limited edition "007" Ford Thunderbirds to commemorate the first appearance of a Thunderbird in the 40-year history of the James Bond film franchise. A "007" Edition was driven in the Bond film Die Another Day by Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry. One thousand Pacific Coast Roadster Thunderbirds were sold in 2004.