Ford to Kill Thunderbird After 2005 Model Year

Ford had initially expected sales of about 25,000 Thunderbirds per year, but the car was doomed due to a general disinterest in

Since 1954, approximately 4.2 million Thunderbirds have been sold and many of the early examples are still on the road. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

sports cars, a problem also felt by the likes of Porsche which only increased in profits because of its new Cayenne SUV. In its second year the Thunderbird didn't even meet the forecast minimum and U.S. sales dropped 33 percent in 2004 to only 11,998 units.

Over almost four years Ford has sold about 50 percent of what it initially targeted, totaling 54,360 current-generation Thunderbirds. The total since 1954, however, looks a great deal better, with approximately 4.2 million Thunderbirds sold and many of the early examples still on the road.