Tell me how you really feel...

[BotNew56]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

I have a '56, which I bought new. I really enjoy driving it; it has special memories for me and I get a lot of thumbs up when I drive it. The 2002 fits a need for a modern car I can trust to get me there in comfort; it is a joy to drive; I get a lot of thumbs up with it also.

[bob andersen]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

I love all Thunderbirds no matter the year and size, but, I much prefer the comfortable ride of my red 02. All the Thunderbird owners I have met have been great. They have been helpful and informative. They have been more helpful than the salesmen I have met at my dealer. The more T-Bird owners we have at an event, the more fun we will have. I wonder how much fun people have who think theirs is the only Thunderbird in the world.

[HeelBird]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

I totally enjoy driving my '02 as well as my '56. Each of them represents something unique about the era from which they hail.

I'd love to have a SquareBird, as well as a BulletBird. I had a '66 Town Landau that I really wanted, and liked, until the mechanical replacements drove me to sell it. It's still one of the most stylish of the bodies ever produced.

The Birds of the 70's were nice for what they were, but (as many of us feel) they were rapidly drifting from the definition of a "true" Thunderbird. The 1980-1982 creatures are cars that I totally refuse to consider in the family. The aero movement (I had a 1983) restored some of the luster to the nameplate, as did the late 80's models until the first of the production breaks in the mid-late '90's.

A Thunderbird should reflect what the old advertising slogan said. It should be "unique in all the world". Having a "twin" in the Mercury Cougar was a downer, in my eyes.

The current model more closely follows the old ad.

[5bird7]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

As an owner of a 57 for 29 years, thought I'd better get my 2cents worth in.

Ford did the labeling, we didn't, but what a label and design for the first ones. When the new ones get mistaken for an old one (well restored! ) you know that something was done right.

[MichaelM]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

What I was searching for, was everybody's take on the attitude of those that you meet at an event or on the street. That the 2002-4 Birds are stylish is not in question. That they were designed with a retro style, and as an homage to the 50's originals, also, not in question.

I was also looking for the take of 2002-4 owners as to how they were treated when going to events, or searching for clubs, or joining websites.
Did the originals give off an elitist's air or were they genuinely helpful and friendly.

As I tried to state in my original post, my experience with my motorcycle, where the brand had been dormant for so many years, was treated with some amount of distain by owners of the previous incarnation. I'm sure that owners of the new Indian motorcycles have the same encounters.

While it's true that today's vehicles are definetly more technologically advanced, there is still some mystique, and prestige held by those who saw in the originals a timeless and nostalgic beauty.

I'm not paticularly eloquent nor necesssarily direct in my thinking, but I was looking for feelings and experiences. And, sometimes those are the hardest things to put into words.

I'm not hurt or upset by any comments or votes, I just trust that all will be honest, forthright and thoughtful in their answers. Sometime my answers may be a little tongue in cheek, but no harm or malice is ever intended.

I can tell by looking at the pictures in the members galleries, that the people here have a true love for the concept as well as the vehicle. And, that all owners of Thunderbirds whatever the year are welcome and accepted as equal.

Sorry for the long post, but thanks for reading it.

Mike

[Bruce]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

Michael,
I can't rate to old vs new style birds because I don't know anyone who owns one nor do I run accross them often enough to venture an opinion.
However, I did just recently attend an All Ford Car Show. The were 14 new birds and a couple hundred other Fords, mostly Mustangs. We had a great time not only together but with others at the show. We got as many looks, compliments and questions as any other Ford on display and in the end two of our Birds won awards. So all in all I think the new birds are being recognized more and more and have their niche in the car world.
Just my experience, and I hope it somewhat provides an answer to your question.

[DLJames]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

In October of 2002 before we bought our bird, we were at the fall Carlisle and encountered a guy that specialized in "finding" the baby birds. He had one for sale at Carlisle, was a 57 and nicely restored. BUT, he had a terrible attitude about the new birds. He had driven one and didn't have anything good to say about them. He couldn't imagine why anyone would want one when they could have a "real" T-Bird for less money. (I think he was asking 38K for the restored 57). He was very loud mouthed and really went into a tirade and it caught other people's attention. I was embarassed to say the least. He fit the "elitist" description perfectly, IMHO.

BTW, I didn't vote in the poll siince I don't own one of the older ones. Just my $.02

[Chuck]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

In my opinion all Birds are "classics" in their own way. From the original 2 seaters right through the new 2 seaters. Ask yourself this question -- when you see a bird on the street do you look at it and say to yourself "oh there's a 19xx" Wow that's in X condition .... -- are there many other cars you say these things to yourself? I think that's what defines a classic -- to me it makes no difference what year the bird I am gawking at is -- it's a bird and I'm checking it out.

[Brad]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

I didn't answer the poll because I honestly don't agree with any of the answers. In my mind it takes time for a car to be a "classic". Since you can still go into a showroom and buy a T-bird, by default, it can't be a classic (a future classic). I also don't think it's fair to compare this T-bird to others, in that it was specifically designed to contain elements of earlier T-bird.

Last summer I thought it was odd when I stopped by a local car show and they wanted me to enter my car amongst the numerous "classics". I drive my car daily so my views are somewhat skewed.

For me my (relatively) new T-bird fills a void that no other vehicle can. The grill and the fenders especially while driving remind me of my first car, a 1955 chevy. The tail lights remind me of my fathers 60's era Ford. This is the first new car I've ever purchased, so to justify the cost of depreciation I traded in both my daily driver (purely coincidently a 90's T-bird) and my weekend creme-puff a mercedes convertible.

People that collect and enjoy vintage automobiles have an appreciation for cars, so I think generally that is why they give you a thumbs up or a smile when they see the car, because they like the concept of why the car was built. Don't feel bad if someone with an older vehicle "snubs" you and doesn't make you feel like you have a similiar car...the reality is, it is amazing that anyone gives your "new" car similiar attention as classic antique.

For me though, friday afternoons on a nice day leaving work, I put the top down, drive off, and I'm reminded that I'm alive!

[Grey Thunder]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

I recently attended a T-Bird event at the Strawberry Bank Museum grounds in Portsmouth NH. It was hosted by The Vintage Thunderbird Club. All Thunderbirds were welcomed as were all non Thunderbird vehicles. They even had a judging class for the 2002 to present T-Birds. They are a great group of people that enjoy all T-Birds and for that matter all old cars in general. My friends Paul & Celia Raia won third place in their class with their 1965 Corvair Convertible. I was so impressed by this club that I joined as a member immediately. I can't wait to attend the show next year.

[Steve Legel]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

I have both classics (55 & 57) and 2002. I often get asked about which I like better. Truth is, I like them both and just as much, but for different reasons. NOTHING turns heads like the Dusk Rose 57. But the 2002 provides comfort and reliablility far surpassing the "Little Bird", and it is stylish, and turns heads, perhaps more subdued than the classic.

As to "Early Bird" owners and the CTCI (Classic Thunderbird Club International) and in those respects, Little Bird owners.
1. The CTCI issue was forumed to death early on. CTCI board members complained about dwidling membership due to death, retirement and the graying of the hobby on the one hand, and denounced outreach to new 'Bird owners to become members of the CTCI (as opposed to VTCI and ITC) because the new 'Birds were not pure and classic.
2. Here's a story from Steve for you. I was at Carlyle swap meet several years ago, and was browsing a table of used classic Thunderbird parts. A used 1957 gas tank door hinge was on the table with no price. I picked it up and offered $15.00. The vendor, told me, "No, $85.00" I replied, "Eighty five bucks??? I can buy a repro out of a catalog for $65.00." He retorted, "this one (his) is an original." "Original," I exclaimed, "It's used, not only that, it's been painted two different colors...it's been used twice!"

3. Arrogance runs rampant among classic birders, non existent among other year models. At a MOPAR swap meet, a fellow had a huge Igloo cooler full of 440 cast iron, intakes, exhast, water pumps etc. Mopar guys take off the heavy stuff and put on aluminum, less weight, more power AAUURRHHH, AAUURRHHH, AAARRRUUUHHH. And I asked about the cast iron exhaust manifolds, and he says, "awe, if you're restoring to orignal just take the whole thing." So I picked through to get out the pair of manifolds and he says, "No, just take the whole thing." And I told him, it'll take a few trips to the car to carry all the stuff, and he says, "no, just pick it up by the handle at one end and roll it on the wheels and, JUST TAKE THE WHOLE THING!"

I have always felt welcome taking the new Thunderbird to general car outings. I think it is well received even at our local American Road Thunderbird Club events, for example the upcoming T bird diner in Troy MI this week...but... then again, it's ME and not you guys. Did I say arrogance runs rampant among Little Bird owners????

Steve

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

I have owned a small bird (56), square bird (59 convert), bullet bird (61 convert), and retro bird (04 convert). Of course I have always felt these were "true" birds. As the birds grew through the 1960's I felt they lost their soul in the 1970's until their return in 2002. As a new member of the New Orleans Arcadian Thunderbird Club that will host the September t-bird road trip, our 2004 bird was immediately welcomed. Many members have expressed a great admiration for the new retro bird and we have been accepted as an equal. The club is truly looking forward to lavishing a New Orleans welcome on every bird that makes its way to New Orleans in September. I hope 'you all' will join us for a great week-end. Van Gail (our dedicated president)and the Arcadian Thunderbird Club have a great week-end planned for you. I have personally donated two cases of "Dixie Beer" to the cause.

[lynda]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

Michael,

My view on your question, I have a friend who has a 55 bird and I must say my friend clearly feels the 55 is the Classic and we are just some new kids on the block. They don't consider us in the same category. BUT what is the difference we are newer, sharper, bigger and more beautiful so no matter just enjoy your bird. :tbn:

[fums6]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

This is a tough thread to respond to. We all want to classify things so they fall neatly in box. So, in essence, it becomes a philosophical dialogue. The fact of the matter is that it really doesn't matter where you come down on classic or non-classic, its just a question of "do you love your car?". More than 25 years ago I organized a car show at Carlisle Barracks, the US Army post in Carlisle, PA. There was one criteria for entrance, "If you love your car, bring it!". The show was held in the evening from 5:30 to 7:30PM. Cars were parked by year with the oldest in the front row, etc. There was only one award. I asked the Post Commander to pick the car he would like to have parked in his driveway. Nobody checked to see if you had the right screw holding the jingle valve in place and the young soldiers brought their vans finished in purple shag. It was a huge success and was held yearly until 9/11 forced more stringent controls on entering military posts, and it had to be cancelled. My philosophical point is that if you love your car, it doesn't matter what others say or think. Drive it, enjoy it and let the next generation decide if its a classic or not. Incidently, the first year of the event, a gorgeous 1933 cream colored Packard Roadster was awarded the plaque. The second year it was awarded to a beautiful 1957 black Thunderbird!

[428QBird]

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

MichaelM,

I own a 66 and don't feel that your car is any less a Thunderbird. Nor do I feel that my Thunderbird is any less a Thunderbird. I have experienced what you are talking about in both directions. If Ford made it and named it a Thunderbird then it is a Thunderbird will all the rights of any Thunderbird from any year. Yes there are some years and models that are worth more than others, but no one should be made to feel they have less than others because some one prefers one year over another. I prefer the look and amenities of the 66. I also like the new bird, the 1990, 1986, 1976, 1971, 1963 (convertible or sports roadster), 1960, and 1957. To claim a preferred year for me would be hard. The Thunderbird has always been the BEST that Ford had to offer.

Each generation of Thunderbird has been different. The each build on the successes of the previous years. Each year excels at making a statement and drawing a crowd. So to answer your question are all Thunderibrds EQUAL - YES. The are equal and different at the same time. That is what makes them a personal luxury car.

Rick