The Ford Thunderbird is an iconic vehicle with a long-standing history. It’s so iconic, in fact, that it has made several appearances in blockbuster films.
Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that Ford has produced some striking rides over the years. In the mid 1950s, the manufacturer produced one of its most visually striking vehicles with the Ford Thunderbird. Created by George Walker and Louis D. Crusoe, the Thunderbird was introduced as a two-seater convertible and would continue to evolve with greater seating options, various accessories, and more powerful engines for eleven generations, ending its run in 2005. It would go on to introduce the personal luxury segment to the market, which placed an emphasis on comfort and style over the performance common in most sports vehicles.
With such a unique place in car history, it’s no surprise that the Ford Thunderbird has etched out its own special place in the pop culture. Part of what has contributed to the iconography of the Thunderbird are its many moments on the big screen. Whether given as prominent a role as the main characters or only seen on the side in a scene or two, the Thunderbird leaves a lasting impression when on the screen. Its slick style and range of abilities opens the door to endless cinematic possibilities, which has led to some movie-Thunderbirds becoming especially notable. Let’s take a ride down memory lane as we recount some of the most iconic Thunderbirds to ever grace the silver screen.1966 Ford Thunderbird in Thelma and Lousie
It’s hard to think of many movie cars that go beyond simply functioning as lavish eye candy and achieve some level of emotional resonance. The 1966 Ford Thunderbird featured in the 1991 «Thelma and Louise» may not do this in a traditional sense, but as the film goes on, it becomes apparent that this mean machine manages to carry some of the story’s thematic relevance.
The Oscar-winning crime drama sees the titular best friends on the run from the authorities following Louise’s (Susan Sarandon) murder of a man who was attempting to assault Thelma (Geena Davis). The two make a plan to make a daring escape to Mexico in Louise’s 1966 Thunderbird. As they come across an array of shifty characters and evade the hands of the law, their hunger for freedom grows more intense, leading to ever more desperate feats of defiance to avoid a miserable life behind bars. This culminates in the movie’s iconic final moments where (spoiler alert), among being cornered by the police, they launch their car over the edge of the Grand Canyon.
The final freeze-frame showing the Thunderbird shooting over the cliffside is an image that’s hard to forget, giving the car itself greater meaning as the literal vessel that harbors the spirit of our heroes’ liberation. In reality, the production stands as a testament to the power and durability of the Thunderbird. Only five Thunderbirds were used, a far lesser number than most films of this type, with none of them receiving any modifications. The famous final scene only required two takes, with the final take being completed in under an hour. 1956 Ford Thunderbird in American Graffiti
Before forever changing the pop culture landscape as we know it with the galaxy far, far away, George Lucas took audiences on a nostalgic trip back to a far less distant time and place with the 1973 coming of age classic «American Graffiti.» With the film taking inspiration from Lucas’ experiences as a teen amidst 1960s era California cruiser culture, the cars of «American Graffiti» play a dynamic role in imbuing «American Graffiti» with much of its character.
