In fact, the Thunderbird outsold the Corvette by more than 23-to-one for 1955 with 16,155 Thunderbirds sold against 700 Corvettes. Designations aside, the Thunderbird sold exceptionally well in its first year. Not wanting to miss out on this ''sports'' car market that younger potential buyers were now beginning to look at so for the 1955 model year, Ford stylists came up with a sleek, beautiful 2 seater called Thunderbird. It was V-8 powered, had a detachable roof panel and had a definite family resemblance to the '55 Fairlane which was newly styled that year and a very striking car in it's own right also. Though inspired by, and positioned directly against, the Corvette, Ford billed the Thunderbird as a personal luxury car, putting a greater emphasis on the car's comfort and convenience features rather than its inherent sportiness.

Ford Motor Company had noticed that it's main rival Chevrolet, had opened up a whole new market segment with it's introduction of the Corvette back in 1953. Rock & Roll was was just beginning as Bill Haley and the Comets had us rocking around the clock. Younger drivers were looking for something sportier to drive.

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