This Day in History: The Ford Motor Company produced its 50 millionth automobile, the Thunderbird on this day in 1958. The Ford Thunderbird was introduced in February 1953 as a response to Chevrolet's new sports car, the Corvette, so it initially was only a 2-seater. The last Thunderbird was manufactured on July 1, 2005.
Today also marks the day when General Motors produces its 100 millionth automobile, the Oldsmobile Toronado on this day in 1968. The last Toronado rolled off the assembly line on May 28, 1992. The last Oldsmobile was made on April 29, 2004. The Toronado was actually made into a limousine in the late 60's.
Like the T-Bird, the Toronado also made its way into the movies and TV, in shows like Mannix, Charlie's Angels, Adam-12 and Mad Men.
The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado was the first U.S. front-wheel-drive car since the Cord 810 from the 1930's. There is also a Canadian version of the Toronado called the 67 X (also Toronado 67X, Esso 67X). Only four of these vehicles were ever made, but they included swiveling seats, a sofa, and even a refrigeration unit.
Like many other cars (Pontiac, Seneca, Firebird, Dakota) the Thunderbird derives its name from the Native American legend of a mythic bird that created thunder and lightning. The Toronado however had no prior meaning.
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