Brand Identity Continuity: Ford Mustang vs. Ford Thunderbird

Two of Ford's long-term models that essentially functioned as separate brands were the Thunderbird and Mustang.

Thunderbirds first appeared as two-passenger sporty cars in 1955, were redesigned as four-passenger cars for 1958 and continued in production through the 1997 model year.  Then for 2002-2005 the make was revived as a two-passenger car, and that marked its end, at least for now.

The Mustang debuted as a four-passenger sporty car in April 1964 and the marque continues to be marketed.  Its visual brand identity remained fairly (but not totally) consistent over the past 55 years.  The same could not be said for Thunderbird over its roughly 45 years in production.

This post presents the initial and most recent front-end designs along with some intervening versions.  Unless otherwise noted, images are via Ford or of cars listed for sale.

Gallery

The original 1964 1/2 Mustang.  Note the high grille opening and the shaping on either side.  The grille position, along with the sculpted pony, became consistent brand identifiers.  The shaping reappears decades later.

The first major redesign was in 1974 in the form of the small Mustang II.

The 1979 Mustang is one of the least- Mustang-like designs.  The grille opening remains high, but the pony is now a small element on the hood.

Another weakly identified Mustang is this 1994 model developed at the time Ford was heavily into aerodynamic styling.  Still, there is a high grille opening with a mustang in it.

The current Mustang, announced for 2015.  The high grille, its side shaping and the pony are all present.

Now for the Thunderbird, this initial 1955 model in a Mecum auctions photo.

For 1958, Thunderbird became a four-passenger car.  The earlier grille shape is retained, as is the blanked greenhouse quarter panel.  And there is an air intake feature on the hood, but otherwise the styling is different.

The next redesign was for 1961, as shown in this Mecum photo.  The only carryover features are the quarter panel and hood embellishment.

1967 saw the introduction of a four-door sedan to the Thunderbird line, a feature dropped for the next redesign.  The quarter panel is now something of a broad C-pillar.

The next new body came for 1972.  Aside from the winged Thunderbird badge, the C-pillar is retained in weakened form.

1977 Thunderbirds finally lost the C-pillar / quarter panel trait.  At this point, nothing is carried over from the 1955 model.

A 1985 Thunderbird showing the aerodynamic body introduced for 1983.  The fat C-pillar returns.

Model year 1989 saw the introduction of the final four-passenger Thunderbird.  No carryover but the bird badge.

Thunderbird's last gasp was this two-passenger car introduced for 2002.  Its design was an intentional harking back to the 1955 car.  Note the grille.  The "porthole" window on the greenhouse quarter panel recalls a similar item on 1956 Thunderbirds.