. Ford Thunderbird U.S. Postage Stamp Celebrates
National Issuance
The Ford Thunderbird
is honored on a postage stamp by the United States Postal Service
Photo: Ford
DETROIT, Mich. - As
the celebration for the 50th anniversary of the Ford Thunderbird
concludes, the party isn't over yet for the legendary car. Today,
the Ford Thunderbird celebrates the 'first day of issuance' as an
official United States Postal Stamp, honored as one of the five
sporty cars of the 1950's.
The wraps came off
the Thunderbird commemorative stamp at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours
d'Elegance, but today the entire stamp collection will celebrate
in the National Ceremony at the Michigan State Fairgrounds. " America
on the Move: 50's Sporty Cars" stamp collection gives tribute to
Ford Thunderbird as one of the most impressive car designs of the
1950's.
The Thunderbird legendary
design started a half a century ago at Detroit's first post-war
auto show. Since then, the flight of the Thunderbird has included
sporty two-seaters, convertibles and four-door models, as well as
hardtops and sedans - more than 1.2 million in total.
Over the years, the Thunderbird
has sported the "square" look, the "projectile" look, the jet aircraft look
and the luxury look. Yet, through the years and through many changes, Thunderbird's
original uniqueness and individuality managed to etch itself permanently
into the hearts and memories of the American motoring public. The current
version continues to be successful in its mission: it has drawn more new
customers to Ford and has higher customer satisfaction than any other Ford
vehicle.
The other sporty cars of the
1950s being honored with a commemorative stamp are a 1954 Kaiser Darrin,
a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, a 1952 Nash Healey and a 1953 Studebaker Starlight.
The Thunderbird stamp was illustrated
by Art Fitzpatrick. Art Fitzpatrick has had a long and colorful history
working in automotive advertising over the course of almost three decades.
The sporty cars of the 1950s stamps go on sale next week at post offices
nationwide or online at www.usps.com.
