2005 Ford Thunderbird 50th Anniversary Edition

Thunderbird Offers Good Value for Money Compared to Similar V8-Powered Roadsters

When the classic 1950s inspired Thunderbird came on the scene in 2001 as a 2002 model, it didn't appeal to everyone. Of course,

The 50th anniversary of Ford Thunderbird was celebrated on November 5, 2004, in Dearborn, Michigan, as the limited edition 2005 model was surrounded by classic T-Birds at the Wixom Assembly Plant. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

Ford never expected it to, but rather hoped it would cause some excitement in its showrooms and drive the sales of its more mainstream products, which is exactly what a "halo" car is supposed to do.

While it's impossible to quantify exactly how many Focus, Taurus or F-150 sales it may have influenced over the past three years, it's easy to tally up the Thunderbird's less than stellar sales numbers and formulate that the retro-styled roadster doesn't exactly make a strong business case all on its own.

Nevertheless, Ford will press on with the iconic two-seater through 2005, if

The Ford Thunderbird, what has become an American automotive icon, celebrates its golden anniversary with the unveiling of the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Thunderbird at the South Florida International Auto Show. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada

only to introduce a model that celebrates its 50th anniversary, a date that just passed on October 22, 2004. To mark the occasion, a special 50th Anniversary Limited Edition model will be built, shown to the press at the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami and then after at the automaker's Wixom assembly plant on November 5, 2004.

"A golden anniversary is something special - just like this car," said Patricia Reid, plant manager, Wixom Assembly Plant. "We're pleased to show 50th anniversary model surrounded by Thunderbirds from throughout the years."