Lucas Bell 
The Ford Motor Company takes their history very seriously. Seeing as how they are indeed responsible for helping transform the way we live our everyday lives, this is an understandable disposition. The Dearborn automaker never shies away from reminding everyone about just how important they have been to this industry, this country, and to the world as a whole. Ford is also no stranger to looking back at their storied history for inspiration, as the mid-engined GT and the Bronco SUV can attest to. As it turns out however, it doesn’t appear that the Bronco is the only retired nameplate that could be making a comeback. MC&T has just discovered a newly filed trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the Ford Thunderbird nameplate.
The principal trademark for the Ford Thunderbird nameplate was just filed on January 13, and is currently listed as live by the USPTO. The filing specifically notes that this trademark is intended for motor vehicle use, be that a production car or a concept vehicle. The Blue Oval has had a tendency to renew their trademark for this beloved nameplate in recent years, doing so for the last time in 2016. That said, the new filing could always hint at something yet to come.
Among other shelved nameplates that Ford has recently started to pursue is the Excursion. Speculation is that this massive SUV could perhaps be reborn as an electric vehicle.
When the original Ford Thunderbird debuted for the 1955 model year, it single handedly invented the personal luxury car segment. Not meant to combat the Chevrolet Corvette or the sports cars of Europe, Ford referred to the T-Bird as “ a personal car of distinction”. It was a strikingly beautiful car, and remains one of the high-points in the automaker’s history. Eleven generations of the Thunderbird were built over the years, culminating with the retro-inspired 2005 model. In the decade and a half since however, Ford has yet to replace the stately coupe in their lineup.
The industry is changing however, and it could be time for the T-Bird to fly once again. Of course it is most likely that this car would arrive as an EV, which may upset some die-hard fans. That said, if Ford can call an electric crossover a Mustang, who knows what is in store for the Thunderbird.
