The Ford Thunderbird Turn 60 Published on September 9, 2014 in Galleries by Frédérick Boucher-Gaulin Photo: Ford On September 9 1954, the first Ford Thunderbird rolled out of the assembly line.This sport coupe was intended to offer some competition to the Corvette, and while it is not with us anymore, it still remains a classic today. Here is a short version of Ford's personal coupe history!