The First Generation Ford Thunderbird was an Instant Classic - History, Review, and Test Drive

[@rickravon6845]

This guy Bill is like a gift from God. ICan just watch video after video after video after video after video. Hell, I leave it on in the background while I’m working and it’s like I’m hanging out with a buddy. Thank you Bill for these videos and please don’t ever stop making them. You also make me laugh out loud because I know cars, and that’s not easy to do.

[@JZ_Cars]

I couldn’t agree more!!!

[@peterdevreter]

Bill made my tinnitus more bearable. When the ringing in my head becomes to extreme I just put on my headphones and learn about cars and have a laugh.

[@johnhedges235]

THANKS BILL YOU BROUGHT HUMOUR TO MY LIFE TONIGHT. I HAD A 55 I BOUGHT WHILE IN THE USAF. GOT OUT WENT TO COLLEGE PUT IT INTO STORAGE. RAN OUT OF MONEY MY 2ND YEAR. TALKED INTO SELLING IT TO STAY IN COLLEGE. ACUTALLY WEPT (IN PRIVATE) AS IT WENT DOWN THE ROAD. BEST CAR I EVER HAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@markcollins457]

Im glad your day is starting out so well. I really think Dalton didn't take into account how important his poor auto detailing skills are part of your quality programming.

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

The sheer amount of car you got back then, and it's looks, were amazing. Design had so much flair.

[@LynxStarAuto]

This and the Continental MK II were absolute works of art. An instant home run.

[@jdwarferc3754]

This car is a masterpiece. I love its design so much.

[@HipsterDoofus100]

If you love it so much you should marry it

[@johnfrei9057]

Dalton had a classic Florida-Man moment.

[@johneldorado]

One of the most beautiful cars ever made. I really wish I could have lived in the 1950s.

[@egold2071]

Even though it is a 'short take', a fresh piece is greatly appreciated! Thanks Bill for making your fans nice and chipper to kick off the weekend. Stay safe! 🤟🥃🥴

[@JZ_Cars]

I’m as chipper as a Canadian!!! One in the back seat of a 1971 Riviera that is!

[@jimarnoldiii8939]

Bill. Great narrative! I bought my yellow '56 a year ago and love it. A Feb 14 Valentine's Day Edition with my wife born same year and wedding day 25 years to the day later. Will be driving this treasure forever. Jim Arnold

[@TheTussman]

Since I started watching Bill's excellent videos, my propensity to sigh has risen greatly.

[@louischin6476]

What a beautiful, gorgeous car! The 56 with the Lincoln wheel, the wired spoke wheels with the white walls, the port hole windows and white color is to die for ... spectacular!!!!!!!!

[@terryparrish8477]

Even as an old guy (I'm 60) I'm still too young to have driven, much less owned these cars from back in the day. But, the aesthetic styling of these types of cars appeals to me. Someone had a restored Studebaker Golden Hawk that he was showing off on KZbin. My dad liked Studebakers (so do I) even though he never had one. I remember him talking about those cars back when I was a kid. Dad's been gone for 30 years now (love you, Dad. I miss you.) But, this will just reinforce the fact of just how much time has gone by and how much the world of car design has changed over the years. This era of automobile design will never be back (not even close) but it's good to have some examples still around and it's nice to know there are still people out there who appreciate them. Glad that Bill decided to make a video on this. I appreciate his knowledge, his enthusiasm for this style of car, and his personal (often funny) commentary asides. I feel like I really don't have the right to criticize anything on this pristine, beautiful '56 T-Bird, but replacing the original radio with a cassette player? But, that's my only niggle. (Hey, it was the previous owner's car, and he could do what he wanted to with it. But, I would've left the AM radio in there, even if I never listened to it, just to keep it looking original.) But, that's just me. A couple of takeaways from Bill's commentary: At 17:56: "What are options then, are not options now." Yeah. Unfortunately, you can say that about a lot of things, these days. And at 24:26: "We have come a long way in car design, but it cost us our soul." I guess it's more important for the young generation to be able to take a phone call through the speakers of their car, or play their music from their phone inside their car, and the gadgetry seems to matter a lot more to them than appreciating the artfulness of a car's design. Oh, well. On some cars, just getting fresh air into the car is a lot more complicated than just moving a "vent" lever, like it once was. These days, you use the touch screen, go into "settings", then choose "climate control", then etc., etc. A lot of things just seem needlessly complicated these days.

[@JacksonTownsend-nh8gg]

Great video & great car Bill. I'd ALMOST forgotten about Dalton until you had to bring him up again toward the end of the video. What a dolt!

[@daviswall3319]

My dad got one of these in the late 70’s and had it through the 80’s. I got to drive it quite a bit as a teenager and really loved it. 56 just like that one but in Fiesta Red.

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

Ford knocked it out of two parks with the Thunderbird. Absolutely everything, pure perfection.

[@kcindc5539]

Every time I look at this car, I half-expect to see Suzanne Somers behind the wheel, smiling and mouthing the words “I love you”

[@elpatudo3670]

Rita Hayworth 😘

[@kcindc5539]

@@elpatudo3670 no argument there!

[@farragutspikes1]

Free Dalton.

[@JZ_Cars]

What the Hell happened to Dalton?!?

[@josephvaldora49]

Dalton should make friends with the biggest guy in prison. Otherwise, he’ll be everybody’s friend!

[@christopherconard2831]

Maybe he'll learn a trade in jail. Like, how to properly detail cars. Including the windows.

[@Jeff_the_Frug_Smith]

Dalton isn't as retarded as you might think. He saw an opportunity for a weekend of raw cornholing and took it. Honk honk!

[@egold2071]

Definitely the funniest story I've heard all year. He better remove that sticker now, if his crotch rocket isn't already crushed or parked in some officer's driveway.

[@chrisd.8694]

My older sister of almost 20 years, had a 56 T-Bird. It was the 1st car I got to drive. Hardtop with convertible. OMG, so beautiful. I was heartbroken when she sold it to buy a Ford Wagon when I was 15.5. I had the money saved so I could have bought it, but they did it before I even knew what was going on. Tourquoise and White. Stunning and was in amazing condition. Never will forget her driving that car, platinum hair with a scarf. I was mesmurized.

[@GB-je5tc]

Gorgeous unit Bill... I think those bullet things on the front bumper were called Dagmars... at least they were on Cadillacs of that same period. What a time capsule eh? THX & GOD BLESS YOUNG BUCK 😊👍

[@robertchristie9434]

Bill, you picked a dandy to review, good job. The fifties was quite the decade for cars & our culture. Tons of memories about these 'Birds. Vividly remember going to the Ford Rotunda in Dearborn Michigan in late'54 for the holiday season & seeing an all-white '55 T-Bird rotating on a huge turntable as soon as we walked in. Today, two doors down, my neighbor has a gorgeous all-red '56 tucked away in his garage. Would be great if you would review others from the post-war era.

[@fboness368]

Elegant segue from Dalton to the review and first use of gonnorhea in a car review.👏🏼👏🏼

[@LulaRoberts]

This is and always will be a beautiful car!

[@philspear73]

Oh Dalton, more balls than brains. Another great video Bill!

[@barrettwbenton]

Well, never a dull moment around here: Dalton gets in over his head with The Law, and then you cut loose with this fabulous Thunderbird. (Yep, I just did that.) You hit a homer with this one, Bill.

[@tedsmart5539]

Those bullet projections on the bumperettes are called dagmars. Named after so endowed actress from the 50's

[@BillofRights1951]

Our neighbor across the street in 1955 (I was four) had just bought a new Chevy coupe when the T-Bird was introduced. He immediately sold the Chevy, took a loss, and bought one of the first of the '55 Birds, fire engine red with automatic, power seats but no power windows (go figure), with the removeable hard top (no portholes, of course). I remember being driven to kindergarten sitting on the transmission hump. Years later his daughters drove the car to school . When he was finally ready to sell it in the '80's, I was into the family way and couldn't afford to buy it and didn't have a place at the time to shelter it. He ended up trading it to an Oldsmobile dealer in exchange for a completely loaded brand new 4-Door Cutlass Supreme Brogham and $5,000 cash. I kicked myself years later for not buying it. The car was bomb-proof and fun to drive. Only problem with the '55 was for just that one year it had a 6-volt electrical system and a wheezy generator set-up.

[@danstar455]

What a beautiful car! America was strong and honest and dollar on gold peg.

[@JJPMustang]

Great to see these rolling art pieces still on the road!

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Maybe it was the coronavirus whiskey talking...but Bill mentions that guys returning from World War ONE, were responsible for interest in sports cars from Europe!...Not too likely, Bill!...lol

[@LuckieChuckie1966]

Whenever I feel depressed or lost, watching a "Bill Review" makes me happy by your humor and unique personality.

[@COJones43]

“I have to give it to Dalton, he’s got balls, but they’re stupid!” I almost choked when you said this Bill. Maybe for a punishment Dalton can clean and detail all the police cars (then next time he tries to run from them they won’t be able to see him through the streaked windshields). 😂

[@bobjohnson205]

The road pirates got him. That was a funny line, too! 😂

[@LynxStarAuto]

This comment is gold. I hollered!

[@markremy4946]

WOW! Billy you really outdid yourself today! I bought a brand-new T-bird back in the day, special ordered a 455 hemi Wildcat, Doug Nash Powerglide and Dana rear.I even specially ordered the 3 four barrel Harley carbs! NOBODY in the Fort Worth area could come close!!!!

[@andyk6796]

I'm with you... Never been a huge Thunderbird fan but this is a beautiful car!

[@christopherkraft1327]

Happy Friday Bill, sorry for the shitty humid weather!! The weekend is always off to a great start when we get a video from Curious Cars!! It sounds like Dalton was probably dropped on his head when he was a baby!!! This Thunderbird is spectacular!!! It reminds me of the T-Bird that Suzanne Summers drove in American Graffiti!!! Have a great weekend!!! 👍🥃🥃

[@MisterMikeTexas]

She was out of Curtis's price range! 😂😂

[@bobjohnson205]

I think Suzanne probably fitted quite well behind that steering wheel!

[@christopherkraft1327]

@@bobjohnson205 I'm sure that she did!!

[@joelyons3713]

My respect for Dalton has never been greater!

[@jpete3027666]

These first generation Thunderbirds are beautiful. They’re the only generation of Thunderbird that I really like.

[@jeffsomething1264]

Thank you for the video Bill. Your sense of humor is top notch!

[@rongendron8705]

I can still remember at age 9 in 1955, going into my local Ford dealer with an adult & getting a color brochure, that showed only one model, the Ford Thunderbird! I considered it & still do, one of the most beautiful cars, ever made! All my life, I have desired to own one & came close in 1966, when the owner of Nemet Motors, Queens, NY, let me 'test drive' his 1956 model & offered it to me for $1,400! I declined & have regretted it ever since! A true classic!

[@WayApp]

Thanks for taking us on this nostalgic journey!

[@MrJayrock620]

3:57 Well we definitely know Dalton didn’t stop to clean his windshield 😂

[@kcindc5539]

Bill: “Dalton, what are you rebelling against??” Dalton: “Whaddya got…”

[@door2416]

Bill, I love your videos and your smart ass comments. Just an F.Y.I. , the steering wheel is a telescoping wheel. The ribbed portion of the steering column needs to be turned to unlock and adjust the in and out. Might make it easier to get in and out of the car.

[@christopherconard2831]

Those bullet shaped extensions on the bumper are called Dagmars. Named after an actress/model of the 1950's. She had a distinct shape.

[@pawsnpistons]

Indeed, her real name was Virginia Ruth Egnor and i can't believe that Bill doesn't know that.

[@ericheine2414]

I Learned to drive in a 1955 T-Bird. It's a great freeway car especially with the top down. In terms of styling it's very art deco. It's an automobile that's right there somewhere between the locomotive and the Camaro. The location of the windshield and the dashboard relative to the seated position gives the car a feel like no other. I remember necking in one with my girlfriend parked under a peachtree. Then it wouldn't start and I had to borrow my friend's 1940 Ford to give her a ride home. Hahaha😂.

[@erinfreize]

In 55 the Corvette finally got a V8, mostly to augment the anemic Blue Flame six, and I believe it was 265ci with 195 gross HP. It wasn't until '57 that it became sporty and handled better than the T bird. Since then one became performance focused, while the other went upmarket with luxury intentions. With 283ci and an equal allotment of HP, the '57 fuelie was very cherry and forever left the Ford eating its dust.

[@markhooper1352]

Another rich history lesson in Ford nailing it on the first iteration - as they repeated with the Mustang. Ford really did have the vision in those days and still today, these are global icons from the high-water period of car design. Kudos Bill, I thoroughly enjoyed this video - its become a Friday ritual while I am working from home to enjoy your posts with a smooth coffee. Thankyou!! God love ya man!

[@peterdevreter]

"Deputies in a CCSO helicopter followed Phillabaum from the air and notified law enforcers on the ground when his motorcycle came to a stop at a red light at Davis and Collier boulevards." Holy hell, he was playing GTA in real life!

[@ericheine2414]

The trick to getting in the T-Bird is to put your rear end in first and pull your legs in after and when you get out do the opposite. You have to roll your right knee underneath the steering wheel. The two 55's I'm familiar with were black with the tuxedo interior. One was an automatic with electric windows the other a 3 speed manual with overdrive. One was a 100-point frame-off restoration-$100,000. I preferred the automatic with some suspension work.

[@franzvanjulio5523]

Oh Dalton...so disappointed. I hope he gets good representation, however, best case scenario is that they temporarily employ Dalton to clean and detail the areas around him and they'll quickly decide to release him once they see his work.

[@philip4193]

Yeah, good luck if they set him to work washing dishes in the kitchen at the local county jail...

[@tripyramidpictures9224]

Love the weather report!

[@edsahara]

Love the history and background info. This is really a unique car review.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Back in the late 1960s, I worked with a self-centered jerk, who nontheless drove a 56 T-Bird...He was just a few years older than me..I was 21, and I owned a 1959 Austin-Healey. The two cars next to each other in the parking lot were an awesome pair. The guy offered to "let" me drive his Bird to the local gas station, if I would put a couple bucks of gas in his Bird!...So I did, and was underwhelmed by the heavy, unresponsive quality of the handling that the beautiful car offered. I preferred my Healey, of course, and told him so. He rarely spoke to me after that!

[@frankjablonski9403]

"Work harder ladies"- priceless. Gotta love Bill's humor.

[@azrael7923]

Those years of Thunderbirds are Stunning!!!

[@fjcrod]

You're absolutely right, Bill. Apparently, all the smart people have left. They've gone back to L.A. Crazy as it seems, many well heeled L.A. residents have winter homes in Florida. I guess 60 degrees is much too cold for them. So when the temperatures in Florida get horrid, they head back to L.A., for their amazing summers. Oh...nice car too. And, your nephew should still get a smack upside his head.

[@pathfinderdiscovery9395]

Stunning car for sure , ❤ absolutely beautiful Bill .

[@markdc1145]

The bumper overriders were called 'Dagmars' after an actress in the 1950s.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

Absolutely spectacular car!

[@ftby59mikeD]

Gorgeous, all that's missing is Suzanne Somers!...thanks Bill.

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thanks Bill, I definitely have never ridden in an early bird but the dash looks like our 57 Ranchero. Central California watching

[@karlp8484]

I have a friend who is a car nut (like me), I just introduced him to this channel and he's addicted to it now. He loves the humour and highly respects the detailed knowledge: we are both learning things all the time. That's not exactly common on YT.

[@Gr8thxAlot]

Dalton is one lucky guy. "Phillabaum continued to flee, reaching speeds of over 110 mph while running multiple red lights and cutting off other motorists, CCSO said in their news release."

[@stoneylonesome4062]

When bill first started talking about that part, I assumed he was joking.

[@Gr8thxAlot]

@@stoneylonesome4062 That's what I thought too. It was Bill just being Bill! But, it was real, haha!

[@kennethbode2017]

we were blessed with a much cooler April and May here in Central Texas. That goes away starting now. Keep your cool

[@jakejohnson6120]

Gorgeous car and wonderful review Bill!

[@cashkenterprises5584]

Lmao Dalton got popped for evading 😂😂😂😂 God bless him that little shit

[@tonymaglio9376]

Awesome video. I love the big sigh. I find myself doing it. Keep up that awesome work!! Same age one year your junior. I relate to all you say.

[@sorenandersen2159]

Bill thankyou. I was having a shitty day and had a bad attitude. Your video really turned things around for me. Keep doing shit your way. It's about the only channel that I can't fault.

[@NickWeissMusic]

That dashboard is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

[@bobjohnson205]

Just don't hit anything! Ouch!

[@NickWeissMusic]

@@bobjohnson205 I imagine it’s the last thing several folks saw.

[@johnplovanich9564]

Beautiful car,awesome channel.

[@HypocriticYT]

The 53 Caddy I had, had a painted steel dashboard. A real man’s car 😅Takes a real man to realize what that dashboard can do 😮

[@tikibeach]

Brilliant. Enjoy your vids so much. Always educational.

[@WeeCarBoot]

The gumdrop taillights with that colour scheme look like two ripened raspberries in a bowl of heavy cream - the car is scrumptious!

[@misterk8951]

Love the video as per usual. And don't too feel bad. I'm in one of the most northern states and have to deal with hot and humid along with the shitty air coming down from Canada due to the fires. I'm certain any Canadians are more Chipper there than at home right now. I think a great t-shirt to sell would have the caption..."What would Dalton do?" or just "WWDD". I know I'd buy one. Have a great weekend buddy!

[@baileyride]

Classic! Thanks Bill

[@MarkRVillano]

Along with the Shelby Cobra, the 1965 Jaguar XKE, and the Cords of the late 30's, the original Ford Thunderbird is one of the greatest looking cars ever designed, and the only small coupe that ever looked good with a Continental Kit.

[@roxiebeagle]

I love these Baby Birds!

[@clancyjames14]

Dalton should be sentenced to 3 years of cleaning windshields. That car is an absolute masterpiece.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

I'm digging this beautiful Bird! I don't think I could fit in it, at 240 lb on 5'9" height. Bill did a Scotty Kilmer, in doing that Fat Albert flash while discussing cockpit room. 😄

[@RushSmith65]

Still whinning.. love it.. My dad had a 55 1/2 that he got a showroom floor before he was offerend a job with Rocket researchin, Cally From Michigan.

[@DanT271]

In high school one of my friends had a 1960 Thunderbird light blue automatic 352 engine Sweet ride! Bill you have a beautiful car there! Definitely Portholes

[@fbeaston]

Very nice Bird! We're the same age..

[@bobjohnson205]

I hope you're in as good a shape!

[@sporkfindus4777]

I love hearing about Bill's world. Dalton you nutter!!

[@bennetfox]

On all of the videos that are an hour long, this is the one that I was hoping for would be!

[@JayMaverick]

What a gorgeous car! Thank you for the video as always =)

[@808v1]

missed this one 4 days ago - not sure whether its an unexpected treat or frustrating since I didnt see it on my feed...f it, just going to watch and enjoy.

[@ronschwolsky1626]

The early T-birds have always been cool cars.

[@retthok]

Bill, you're hilarious. Great videos.

[@EndeavorsDnB]

If u need help with the vehicles I’m always here 4 ya Bill! 🥳

[@kilecovell9961]

Love it. Thanks. Dalton seems entertaining.

[@bobjohnson205]

I guess that's one word for him!

[@joshuas8258]

Fav Ford ever made

[@BryanX64]

LOL I just Googled the story and that really was Dalton who got arrested in the chase bro this channel is wild😭😭😭😂😂😂

[@stoneylonesome4062]

Dalton actually speaks up close, in the video on the TRD Tacoma or Tundra or whatever.

[@bobjohnson205]

@@stoneylonesome4062 And gives Bill the finger on the stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire '68 or '69 Cadillac video.

[@crazygamingyt7245]

Back in the 50's, drag racing was a more straightforward affair. You took a beautiful post-war convertible, gave it a serious engine upgrade and a nosebleed stance, and took it onto the streets. Sure, the weight transfer didn't count for much when the front end picked up more air resistance than an open parachute, and the survival rate over 150mph was pretty low. But that's the price you pay for historical accuracy.

[@ronmccullock1407]

Good evening Bill from a hot and sticky Manchester 27C we have thunder storms tomorrow. Hope you are keeping cool

[@ResetDoitAgain]

Hey Bill, Long time listener, first-time caller. I noticed when you were doing the review of the Peugeot that your friend “Penelope” has a Triumph Stag up on the rack. Any chance of a review and test drive in the future? Thanks for all the great videos.

[@andrewbillingsley9377]

I always liked the early blinderturds.

[@johnmills2134]

That is one beautiful car! As far as calling Daulton the " kid ", that is what I call my 30 year old daughter, which makes me one aging Rush fan. The " kid " actually bought me a bio on Ted Williams. ....I don't think I'm ever going to hit .406

[@tripyramidpictures9224]

I like the 70’s Thunderbirds

[@ulflei]

2 interesting videos in a row makes me almost forget Hovie. I always liked the Thunderbird and wouldn't mind to own one rather than a corvette from that year. If you look at the german Borgward Isabella pretty close bodystyle also similar interior

[@bobjohnson205]

Yes, poor Hoovie!

[@CSI_tuning_solutions]

been watching your videos and enjoying the style and rants. it actually insipred me to start my own channel and make videos of my wrenching adventures. just made a car review video of my e36 323ti in your style as a "tribute" spoof more or less. hope u dont mind.

[@CSI_tuning_solutions]

Yeah sure. 😂sounds legit

[@alanmorrison3598]

Headlight air intakes were on the 57 Chevy.. 14:12. I know because I owned one..

[@petertornabeni602]

Thank you Bill.

[@danontherun5685]

Good explanation of the birds. Best fix is front disk brakes, cheap and easy. A 57 birds balance is 51/49. With front disk brakes, rear sway bar and good wider radials mine out turns my track racer pals 2005 mustang GT and stops same rate but when mine loses a corner I need two lanes to recover, his stays between the lines with one hand on the wheel, not gonna change the steer box just for that. Move the seat back 2" and the smaller steer wheel fixes interior. I've been running my high performance Ebird over 25 years, nothing I'd trade it for. They are excellent very durable machines. Dalton better get rid of the race bike. I and all my harley pals never got hurt, near all the race bikers we knew ended up badly hurt and some horribly killed.