The first photos of the Thunderbird

Its first public appearance was Feb. 20, 1954, at Detroit's first post-war auto show.

The first 1955 Thunderbird came off the line at Ford Motor Company's Dearborn (Mich.) 

Assembly Plant on Sept. 9, 1954.                                                            

The press announcement of the new Ford sports car was on Sept. 23, 1954.

Thunderbird went on sale Oct. 22, 1954 - starting a legend that would grow with each new generation of Thunderbird cars.

Actor Cab Callaway at Chicago Auto Show March 1954