Good question.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Has anyone seen this?

https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/...spx?yptr=yahoo

[AZTB]

Re: Good question.

Had not seen this Ron...but it does show the article was published just this morning. Not sure what to think of an "electric" version of the Bird, designed to go head-to-head with the likes of Tesla.
("What if Ford took a big step into the future, going head-to-head with the likes of Tesla with one of the greatest names from its past?")

[11TH GEN]

Re: Good question.

The J.L. Hudson Company ( Hudson Bay ) is purchasing Neiman Marcus. Maybe they could do a catalog special on a retro. Yes, in this case the e is before i

[007Cruiser]

Re: Good question.

Making it electric would definitely be the way to attract a new generation of buyers. Heck, even I might get one (or eleven).

[merlot4]

Re: Good question.

Even the Chevy Bolt, which is widely regarded as the best in class, has the same Achille's Heel the other pure electrics have -range. Over 230 miles is fine for in city, in fact it's outstanding, but not if you want to take a trip, that's where Tesla has the only infrastructure to permit wide ranging travel with relatively quick refresh times, the rest take a while and you still have to find a place you can charge at. Even with areas where there are those willing to share home chargers, it just isn't there yet for trips longer than the battery range. New innovations in batteries are coming and that will the needed change and impetus for a new range of cars that are purely electric. Until then, I think ICE and hybrid rule the roost. Just my 3 cents worth (inflation). A timely thread, Ron, I'm glad you brought it up.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: Good question.

Making it electric would definitely be the way to attract a new generation of buyers. Heck, even I might get one (or eleven).

Gene.

[JohnA]

Re: Good question.

I think an electric, 2-seat Thunderbird is a great idea... it gives the 'bird a niche that does not compete with the Mustang. But think of it backwards ... not how to bring the T-Bird back, but rather if Ford wants to bring a two-seat electric car to market, the T-Bird gives them a great ready made nameplate and heritage. And even range might not be so much an issue for a sunny day runabout cruiser. Of course the real problem is market size ... the big manufacturers have always had a problem with niche market cars.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Re: Good question.

Electric Thunderbird Roadster with a retractable hardtop. 0-60 in under 4 seconds! Boy I'm glad I couldn't afford one...it really doesn't matter...this is the only tbird I'll ever own..

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Good question.

At the end, the Thunderbird returned to it's original roots as a 2 seat boulevard cruiser and the final year of production in 2005 was it's 50th anniversary. It went out on a high point; let's leave it at that.

[jerrym3]

Re: Good question.

At the end, the Thunderbird returned to it's original roots as a 2 seat boulevard cruiser and the final year of production in 2005 was it's 50th anniversary. It went out on a high point; let's leave it at that.

I completely agree.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Good question.

I completely agree.

When I first saw the 1999 Thunderbird concept in Motor Trend, I knew that someday I would have one in my garage should Ford build it. My wife liked the car so much she bought me one of the yellow Maisto 1/24 concept cars to go with my similar sized red 1955 model.

In 2003 after the hysteria died down a bit and you could get one at a little discount, I bought my gray 2003. I figured we would never see another car that captured all that was good about the 1950's which was a happy and prosperous time in America. Even though I didn't live during that time as I was born in 1963, I had a very positive impression of the 1950's based on things I had seen and read. Things such as American Graffiti and Happy Days. I was very fond of the music of the late 50's and early 60's. The car was commemorated in song by one of my favorite groups; the Beach Boys. I had positive memories of family and friends who owned Thunderbirds of various years from the 1960's through the 1990's.

I felt at the time there was something really special about this car. 14 years later I still own that car which is the longest I've kept any vehicle. Additionally, I loved the vehicle so much that I purchased a 2005 Inca Gold from the 50th anniversary year in 2008.

[Rondor]

Re: Good question.

I don't consider an "electric " car a car. More like a fast wheel chair.Functional and practical
Like a door knob. It probably would sell but who cares.

[RBIRD]

Re: Good question.

Ford would have to rename the Thunderbird to Lightning Rod.

RBIRD

[tri5ford]

Re: Good question.

The J.L. Hudson Company ( Hudson Bay ) is purchasing Neiman Marcus. Maybe they could do a catalog special on a retro. Yes, in this case the e is before i

Except after "c".

[birdfan]

Re: Good question.

I think an electric Thunderbird, or preferably a hybrid, is an intriguing idea.

Electric cars are definitely a hot growing segment. There are more than a dozen manufacturers with electric/hybrids (google it). BMW and Mercedes both have 4 models, Porsche and Tesla both have 3. These are not only commuter cars, look at the McLaren P1, BMW i8 and Porsche 918.

Ford already has electric and hybrids so the ability is there. It would put Thunderbird back on the cutting edge. Done right it could return to the high profile, highly desirable, halo car. Most importantly - desirable to a young audience. Keeping the name relevant benefits us all in the long run.

The key to the potential is making sure it is Done Right, easier said than done in a corporate world.