Vehicle Description
Thunderbirds have always been well-equipped cars. From the very
beginning, Ford added new features to the cars, and updated
standard equipment based on customer orders. For instance, in 1961,
Ford added automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes,
and backup lights to the standard features on all Thunderbirds.
This was based on customer orders from previous years. It just
didn't make since to provide manual transmissions when 98 percent
of the customer orders for Thunderbirds in 1960 were for cars with
automatics. Same for power steering (97 percent), and power brakes
(89 percent). The Swing-Away Steering Wheel, optional in 1961, was
made standard early in the 1962 production year because 77 percent
of the 1961 models sold had it. In 1963, an AM radio and the
heater-defroster were made standard, again because most Thunderbird
customers wanted these items.
Over the years, the standard equipment list grew, although a few
items were added, then deleted. In 1965, rear fender shields appear
to have been standard for a period of time, but they became
optional again during the year and continued to be an option in
1966. The Safety-Convenience Control Panel was standard in the Town
models for 1966, but optional in 1967. Front cornering lamps made a
brief appearance as a standard equipment item in 1970-1971, but
became optional in 1972.
By 1973, the Thunderbird was recognized as one of the top prestige
cars available, and although well equipped in standard form
compared to other cars, most T-birds were ordered with a long list
of luxury options and creature comforts to satisfy the desires of
their owners. It is rare to find a "standard" or "base model" 1973
Thunderbird, due to the heavy options most of these cars were
ordered with. You just don't commonly see 1973 Thunderbirds without
vinyl roofs, Opera windows, power windows, power seat, stereo,
etc.
View of 1973 Thunderbird interior not equipped with optional opera
windows and power windowsHere's an interior picture of an early
production '73 T-Bird without opera windows or power windows, two
items that became standard features during the production run.
Notice that no provision was made for the rear seat reading
lights/courtesy lights, either. Outside, a Thunderbird emblem was
placed on the roof quarter, down low and somewhat offset forward on
the panel instead of centered.
1973 would place third in production numbers to date, making this
model year one of the most popular in Thunderbird's history.
Unknown to most at the time, cars of this size and weight were
about to become outdated, as fuel shortages and the soaring cost of
fuel due to the shortages, would make them quite expensive to
operate. This body style would continue on through 1976, with
changes between the years becoming a bit difficult to spot, but
we'll show you how to spot those differences.
In the 1973 Thunderbird sales catalog, Ford stated "...we believe
the 1973 Thunderbird to be the finest ever built." At the time, it
was certainly one of the most distinctive, and one of the most
popular cars on the road. Ford was right when it said: Thunderbird
'73. Still unique in all the world
Here at Hollywood Motors, we pride ourselves on selling quality
classic cars at affordable prices. Please keep in mind that all of
our classics are pre-owned vehicles, not new vehicles. We describe
these automobiles to the best of our knowledge, and place many
photos on our website. We are not responsible for misprints or
typos. With any pre-owned vehicle, there may be minor
imperfections, and we encourage you to come and inspect our
inventory in person before you buy any vehicle.