Those signature windows are functional, Mays says, since they allow additional light to enter the vehicle and providing better rearward visibility when the top is on. Chrome slash marks on the front quarter panels are cut into the sheet metal, says Mays, explaining that they are a modern interpretation of the chevrons that were prominent on the original car.
Though it's considerably less famous than its predecessor, the 61-62 T-Bird shows its influence in the concept car as well, mostly because Mays feels the 4-seat models "were more equally proportioned than their predecessors. Thus, doors are set to the center, rather than to the rear, and a crisp line runs from the headlamp straight back to the taillamp, hinting at one of the car's legendary fins."
Mays says the concept T-bird's interior continues the design theme by combining modern materials and finishes with the flair of two-tone interiors of the past. A pair of black leather-wrapped buckets is specially stitched with a washboard-like pattern. The interior door panels are covered in black leather with yellow leather inserts and brushed aluminum accents.
The instrument panel sports white gauges with turquoise pointers. The upper instrument panel, steering wheel and floor- mounted shifter are covered in black leather. The lower instrument panel and glovebox are accented in yellow leather, matching the car's sun-mist yellow exterior. A black leather wrapped tonneau cover is visible when the hardtop is removed. The aluminum-finished Thunderbird badge features a turquoise insert across the wings and is prominently placed on the vehicle's nose, rear and across the front seatbacks. The aluminum finished Thunderbird script stretches across both rear quarter panels.