Ford has regained its model name Thunderbird with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Although that does not necessarily mean that Ford will bring a Thunderbird to the market again after years, it certainly cannot be ruled out.
The American Muscle Cars And Trucks has secured a patent application from Ford to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The now approved application means that Ford retains the exclusive right to the model name Thunderbird, which the brand first used in the 1950s on a then new coupé for the emerging ‘personal luxury’ segment.
The penultimate Thunderbird even played a dubious lead role in the Barrelbrigade (2019)
The extension of the exclusive right to the name Thunderbird does not necessarily mean that Ford will bring a new Thunderbird to the market in the short term, although it is not inconceivable that the brand will at some point lift a concept car with that name on the podium. Should there actually be a new Thunderbird, then this certainly does not have to be a luxurious coupe or convertible with a gurgling eight-cylinder. After all, Ford put ‘Mustang’ on its first electric SUV, the Mustang Mach-E, and so the model name Thunderbird could also be used for an EV. Especially considering it thunderpart of the model name.
Last Ford Thunderbird (2002-2005)
Regardless, it’s interesting that Ford wants to keep the Thunderbird name at least. The last generation, number eleven, was produced between 2002 and 2005 and was also briefly delivered in the Netherlands along with other typical American Fords such as the Windstar and Explorer.