Bring Back The Thunderbird (Mustang derived)

[Ford Jellymoulds]

I love that you keep trying and have a passion for the greatness of legendary Fords and believe that they should still be an evolutionary part of the model lineups. It's a nice break from the constant pissing contests about the mediocre unimaginative and mostly boring new Ford products that they are making now.

 

Got to say l like all the renderings you have done, they must be very time consuming and l share the your love legendary Fords both in the US and Europe. Just posted a website here for you with a lot of European classics.

http://www.dmmultimedia.com/escort_01.htm

 

Next Capri maybe?

 

[Watchdevil]

I love the design elements of the thunderbird logo over the headlights. The 427 chops with the hidden headlamps with the logo over them is just perfect.

 

But I think it would even work if molded into the inside of a current headlamp design, such as those on the Iosis concept above.

 

Not sure how many cars have done this, but from my childhood memories it is unmistakably Thunderbird.

 

With the lighting technology they have now days it can be done. We are already seeing chrome louvers inside the Taurus and Focus headlamps that do not disrupt the efficiency of lighting.

 

I am a big fan of the bird emblems on each headlight cover and taillamp. Depending on the design proposal it may be appropriate to do them that way or just used one centered bird front and rear. The dual birds in flight work really well on the 427 Concept Tbird. However a proposal like the Iosis, only one on the front works right.

 

The dual birds on the front of Tbirds were only featured on the classic models that had headlamp covers on each side. They were used on one or two of the years of the 67-69 body and 1978-82. Starting with the 1983 Areobird I remember people used to put aftermarket clear headlamp covers over the dual beam headlights and put a bird in the center of each one.

[Watchdevil]

Got to say l like all the renderings you have done, they must be very time consuming and l share the your love legendary Fords both in the US and Europe. Just posted a website here for you with a lot of European classics.

http://www.dmmultimedia.com/escort_01.htm

 

Next Capri maybe?

 

That Capri chop is sharp but it looks like someone just customized the old production body Chip Foose style...

[Ford Jellymoulds]

Yes thats funny, l thought the same thing when l first had a look at it. Its very clever l have gotta to say l would not know where to start with photoshop & renderings.

[timmm55]

The chop of the Mustang just doesn't work for me. However it does remind me of many of the disarded clay proposals Ford done in the 1960's while they were fumblng around to find the right design for a Mustang. I love the Messenger front end but it would have looked best brought over into production intact with the rest of the original concept and best presented as a Cougar for Mercury.

 

It doesn't work for me either, LOL but since 1) I already did it (not completed, note background) and 2) others have tried a Mustang derived T-Bird I thought I'd give it a shot. The problem is, it's a bit bulky around the middle and any attempt to shorten the wheelbase makes it look more so.

 

I agree the Messenger shoulda/coulda been the Cougar!

 

So far, to me the best future Bird would be MKR based.

Edited November 30, 2007 by timmm55

[Watchdevil]

It doesn't work for me either, LOL but since 1) I already did it (not completed, note background) and 2) others have tried a Mustang derived T-Bird I thought I'd give it a shot. The problem is, it's a bit bulky around the middle and any attempt to shorten the wheelbase makes it look more so.

 

I agree the Messenger shoulda/coulda been the Cougar!

 

So far, to me the best future Bird would be MKR based.

 

I agree. If you look at the Iosis and MKR they are very similar in a lot of ways, so it would be easy to base two cars on the same platform but have them look different enough with specific personalities with the Iosis style being adapted for the Thunderbird.

 

I like the MKR interior better as it has some of the same character that Thunderbirds also had in the 60's.

 

 

 

 

 

I also think that it was no coincidence that the taillamps of the MKR look just like a Tbird emblem. It could be a subtle hint of what is to come without giving it away too soon.... It would be a bold move if the MKR showed up as the Thunderbird instead.

Edited December 1, 2007 by Watchdevil

[94stangcobra]

 

 

 

 

I also think that it was no coincidence that the taillamps of the MKR look just like a Tbird emblem. It could be a subtle hint of what is to come without giving it away too soon.... It would be a bold move if the MKR showed up as the Thunderbird instead.

 

Very well said, Watchdevil. From the moment I first laid eyes on the MKR concept, I kept seeing a lot of "Thunderbird" in it, especially obvious in the taillamps. Then, I started to think that maybe it's a good idea for the 'Bird to return as a "4 door coupe" so as not to overlap so much with the Mustang.

 

I am in full agreement with you that the MKR is perhaps a next gen T-Bird in disguise. If that's true, sign me up. The TT V-6 sounds exciting and I think I am the perfect customer for a stylish 4 door coupe. Besides, with the exception of the upcoming VW Passat 4 door coupe variant, there are no 4 door coupes in the $35k-$50k price range. All of the others are or will be catering to the higher price range of the market (ie: MB CLS, upcoming Porsche Panamera, upcoming BMW CS/8-Series).

 

I heard a little rumor from a friend that Ford is planning several show vehicles for NAIAS and I am hoping that one of them is an MKR-derived T-Bird concept. My fingers are crossed.............

[96 Pony]

 

 

I just blew all over my keyboard. :shades:

 

THAT is what I was talking about. The next generation Thunderbird the way it should be - as a direct competitor to the Charger.

 

I love my Thunderbird and at least once a week, somebody leans out their window and screams at me, "Nice car!"

 

But the next time around, in order for it to be successful it needs to have some unique styling that made the '77 - '79's, '61 - '63's so desirable as well as the power options of the Speed Birds that will directly compete with Charger. And priced somewhere between the Mustang GT and Shelby.

Edited December 1, 2007 by 96 Pony

[timmm55]

I'd still prefer a coupe/convertible for the Bird, leave the 4 doors for Lincoln.

[94stangcobra]

If nothing else, it appears that many of think that the styling should be based on the MKR. Don't get me wrong, because I do think the Iosis is a beautiful car with FWD proportions and is a little too similar in appearance to cars like the Euro Focus and Mondeo. The T-Bird needs to have distinctly RWD proportions and some real American flair, which the MKR provides IMO. I guess it's pretty obivous that I'M an MKR lover. :D

[96 Pony]

I'd still prefer a coupe/convertible for the Bird, leave the 4 doors for Lincoln.

 

Personally I would prefer a two door concept as well. Unfortunately that market appears dead except for the Pony Cars and Roadsters. The latter which, as Ford proved with the '02-'05's, they don't know how to market.

 

How about a four door 'vert with the twin turbo that the MKS is supposed to get based on the MKR?

Edited December 2, 2007 by 96 Pony

[BlackManta]

Timm beat me to the punch. I've had this one in the works for a few weeks. Cheers, Timm.

 

By rrsportsc1 at 2007-12-01

[94stangcobra]

Timm beat me to the punch. I've had this one in the works for a few weeks. Cheers, Timm.

 

By rrsportsc1 at 2007-12-01

 

Looks good, Black Manta. Do we have anyone on the boards that is "in the know" about the MKR? It just seems too obvious that the taillamps resemble the T-Bird emblem.

[joihan777]

I'd still prefer a coupe/convertible for the Bird, leave the 4 doors for Lincoln.

I completey agree!

 

Last week some guy at my school had a 55' T-Bird hardtop and it was georgeous! Love the smaller roadster design.

 

Iosis would look fantastic as a T-Bird. Utterly modern but still adaptable to the Thunderbird family.

 

What about a 4 seater coupe and 2+2 (Porsche 911 style) convertible folding hardtop?

[Watchdevil]

Timm beat me to the punch. I've had this one in the works for a few weeks. Cheers, Timm.

 

By rrsportsc1 at 2007-12-01

 

The more I look at this chop as a Tbird the more I love it... Now lets see one in black and it have that mix of 1972, 1977 and 1983 plus an evolved more detailed look from the 427 Concept styled Tbird that I created.

 

Both you and Timm have hit the nail on the head with the coupe style which fits perfectly on the MKR. Enhancing the taillamps to look fuller like a big bird in flight while still having it look like a an interpetation of the classic full width dropped center taillamps is very good too. All it needs is the right front end.

 

If Ford can take the Lincoln Mark VII concept and adapt it for the 1983 Aerobird then they can do again this way too.

Edited December 2, 2007 by Watchdevil

[Watchdevil]

If nothing else, it appears that many of think that the styling should be based on the MKR. Don't get me wrong, because I do think the Iosis is a beautiful car with FWD proportions and is a little too similar in appearance to cars like the Euro Focus and Mondeo. The T-Bird needs to have distinctly RWD proportions and some real American flair, which the MKR provides IMO. I guess it's pretty obivous that I'M an MKR lover. :D

 

Well you have to think in terms that the Iosis style can be changed and adapted for RWD proportions. That is in fact what they did to create the MKR. The Iosis came first then we got the MKR which when I saw it I knew was clearly influenced by the Iosis. It's all a matter of tweaking and tuning the design until it's just right.

 

Now, the coupe style would be ideal for me personally and it looks great proven by the MKR chops. However, if the Tbird was only going to be offered as a four door coupe then I would take it no questions asked.

 

I saw the new Honda Accord Coupe today and it is quite attractive in many ways and I thought it should be outdone with a new Thunderbird. What I found attractive about the Accord Coupe was not so much the front and rear syling details which are Honda dowdy, but the proportions of the sleeker roofline and more powerful shouldered look. I really think if a new Thunderbird was offered it would sell. For one, not everyone wants a Mustang. For two there are a LOT of owners of the last four seat Tbird that love them and wish for a new one. Third, the Thunderbird respresents something a little more sophisticated, luxurious and mature in a way the Mustang can never be regardless of what some Mustang elitests may have to say.

 

We just have to keep our voice out there. We will get our new Tbird sooner or later....

 

Suppose Ford decides the Thunderbird name has more clout than the MKR will ever have... Who says Ford can't just release the Thunderbird as it's own stand alone marque and sell it in Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealers that deserve to sell and service it...

 

However, if Ford can justify Edge and Lincoln Edge, or Flex and Lincoln Flex then they can certainly do the same with Thunderbird and MKR tapping into the growing luxury 4door coupe market that places the car as a flagship over the mudane run of the mill conservatist FWD sedans.

[timmm55]

Here's kind of a subtle 70 beak....

[BlackManta]

Here's kind of a subtle 70 beak....

 

Nice, Timm....I should have my spin by the end of the week. Good idea!

[timmm55]

We just have to keep our voice out there. We will get our new Tbird sooner or later....

 

 

LOL yeah, like the Cougar

[94stangcobra]

Well you have to think in terms that the Iosis style can be changed and adapted for RWD proportions. That is in fact what they did to create the MKR. The Iosis came first then we got the MKR which when I saw it I knew was clearly influenced by the Iosis. It's all a matter of tweaking and tuning the design until it's just right.

 

Now, the coupe style would be ideal for me personally and it looks great proven by the MKR chops. However, if the Tbird was only going to be offered as a four door coupe then I would take it no questions asked.

 

I saw the new Honda Accord Coupe today and it is quite attractive in many ways and I thought it should be outdone with a new Thunderbird. What I found attractive about the Accord Coupe was not so much the front and rear syling details which are Honda dowdy, but the proportions of the sleeker roofline and more powerful shouldered look. I really think if a new Thunderbird was offered it would sell. For one, not everyone wants a Mustang. For two there are a LOT of owners of the last four seat Tbird that love them and wish for a new one. Third, the Thunderbird respresents something a little more sophisticated, luxurious and mature in a way the Mustang can never be regardless of what some Mustang elitests may have to say.

 

We just have to keep our voice out there. We will get our new Tbird sooner or later....

 

Suppose Ford decides the Thunderbird name has more clout than the MKR will ever have... Who says Ford can't just release the Thunderbird as it's own stand alone marque and sell it in Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealers that deserve to sell and service it...

 

However, if Ford can justify Edge and Lincoln Edge, or Flex and Lincoln Flex then they can certainly do the same with Thunderbird and MKR tapping into the growing luxury 4door coupe market that places the car as a flagship over the mudane run of the mill conservatist FWD sedans.

 

As far as the # of doors go, I have to admit that I am torn. I personally have always loved the larger coupes. One of my favorite cars still is the 89 T-Bird SC. However, lately, it seems that the market for large coupes is not very lucrative for a large volume manufacturer. I also have 2 little ones and would truly appreciate a stylish 4 door coupe that has the fast roofline with the accessibility of the rear doors. Plus, I kinda like the idea of being innovative and introducing a bodystyle that nobody else offers in the price range. I realize there are other sporty 4 doors, but I am referring to the low, fast roof and frameless doors. In any case, I'd be happy with either scenario.......2 door coupe or 4 door coupe. I just don't want to see another totally retro floater roadster like the 02-05 'Birds. No more tugging at the heartstrings of boomers......let's be progressive and show the world why a T-Bird is cool. The car always evolved with the times. This is another opportunity for that IMO.

 

BTW, I am loving all these MKR-Bird chops. Keep 'em coming and let's try a black one.

Edited December 2, 2007 by 94stangcobra

[timmm55]

Nice, Timm....I should have my spin by the end of the week. Good idea!

 

Looks like we agree on most of it! It'll be interesting to see your take on it. Maybe I'll think of an alternate idea as well.

[Watchdevil]

Here's kind of a subtle 70 beak....

 

 

Oh man that's a good one!.. The mere suggestion of the old Bunkie Beak is cool to me. I think what I like is the fine horizontal bars bent to form the peak. I suggested the same kind of beak on the 427 Concept Tbird I did. Anyway, I would go bolder with the beak and make it somewhat larger. This is an area where if you go too plain or too flat like the new Taurus, then it's boring and uninteresting. Getting the right lines on the hood makes a statement.

 

 

With the 427 Concept Tbird I worked in the 1969-70 Bunkie Beak grille along with the 1967-68 style grilled headlamp covers with birds. The Bunkie Beak presented here is more suggestive but not as promounced or literal as the original version. I tried to be realistic with the need to conform to bumper standards relavent to modern vehicles. The grille is also suggestive of the 1972 Tbird as well. On the 427 Concept Tbird I had originally used only the 3-bars Bunkie Beak style to give the proposed Bird a link to other production Ford grilles. However I like the multiple thin bars best.

 

With the thin horizontal bars on the Iosis Concept there is potential there as well to create a 1972 Tbird grille look. I think it is interesting that the Iosis looks like an evolution of the 1983 Areobird nose. I see a lot of 1983-86 Tbird around here and I never grow tired of them. I miss the one I had. If I had kept it until now I am sure I would be on a restoration project along with my friend who used to have one almost like mine too.

Edited December 3, 2007 by Watchdevil

[Watchdevil]

As far as the # of doors go, I have to admit that I am torn. I personally have always loved the larger coupes. One of my favorite cars still is the 89 T-Bird SC. However, lately, it seems that the market for large coupes is not very lucrative for a large volume manufacturer. I also have 2 little ones and would truly appreciate a stylish 4 door coupe that has the fast roofline with the accessibility of the rear doors. Plus, I kinda like the idea of being innovative and introducing a bodystyle that nobody else offers in the price range. I realize there are other sporty 4 doors, but I am referring to the low, fast roof and frameless doors. In any case, I'd be happy with either scenario.......2 door coupe or 4 door coupe. I just don't want to see another totally retro floater roadster like the 02-05 'Birds. No more tugging at the heartstrings of boomers......let's be progressive and show the world why a T-Bird is cool. The car always evolved with the times. This is another opportunity for that IMO.

 

BTW, I am loving all these MKR-Bird chops. Keep 'em coming and let's try a black one.

 

I am torn about the number of doors too. There is at least some legitimacy of the Thunderbird using four doors like the late 60's models did. Those four door birds are quite interesting and collectable. They are very distinctive and beautiful to me and it doesn't seem to matter that it has four doors.

[Watchdevil]

I'll rerun a bit of a mystical powerful beauty. The 1972 Thunderbird is just gorgeous with the smooth metal roof in all black.

 

The 1972 Thunderbird was of course the alternate styling twin to the Mark IV. I believe a new Thunderbird shared the same way with the MKR would be great! I would take this over any Mustang any day, no qestion about it!

 

Edited December 3, 2007 by Watchdevil

[Watchdevil]

Dear God that is beautiful.

I need a kleenex.....

 

Watch it end up as the next Taurus instead... It could happen... Remember the one they are desiging now made Mulally cry...

 

The thing that will make me cry is never seeing a new Thunderbird again...