Techno Classica, Europe's largest specialist and historic collectors' car motorshow, will feature a sale organised by Coys tomorrow (April 10) in Essen, Germany.
All significant marques will be represented including Ferrari, Jaguar, AC, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Bentley, with highlights including a magnificent Horch 853 Cabriolet.
And alongside the Horch will be another gleaming red rolling work of art: an iconic 1950s Ford Thunderbird.
On September 9, 1954, the first production Thunderbird rolled off the assembly line in Dearborn. By 1955, it had proved an instant success, then priced at around $3,500 for a nicely equipped example.
 The iconic 1950s Ford Thunderbird |
Unlike the Corvette, it was powered by a V8 engine with either manual or automatic transmission.
Other features included an adjustable steering wheel, roll-down windows, tachometer, clock, 150mph speedometer and ball-joint front suspension.
Marketed as a "personal luxury" car, the Firebird was never meant to be a sports car. Yet, in 1964, the fourth generation Firebird's news 390 cubic inch V8 unit made it capable of 300bhp, propelling the "T-Bird" to speeds of 120mph/200kph.
The 1964-1966 model Thunderbirds were called "Flair Birds", and the car's legacy is held among the most iconic examples of Americana.
 This 'Flair Bird' will auction with an estimate of €40,000-€45,000 |
A green 1966 Thunderbird convertible was prominently featured in the 1991 film Thelma & Louise, starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis and directed by Ridley Scott.
This 1964 example, described by the vendor as being excellent in every respect, boasts a rare original 427 CI engine and will sell with an estimate of €40,000-€45,000.
For one lucky collector or investor, this will be an excellent opportunity to recapture the bygone spirit of 1960s American motoring just in time for the summer.
