(Pics) 1978 Ford Thunderbird

Great wheels! 

Thanks, John ! They are cool and stylish, aren't they ? I don't know if this was considered the "malaise" era or not, but the big Thunderbird's wheels are certainly exciting.

This is definitely in the "Malaise Era." But I'm not convinced it was all that bad. Yes, HP was down, but as most manufacturers took a break from muscle cars, they began to refine handling and started concentrating on comfort and features.  Interiors grew lavish and were packed with power-everything, better sound systems, and better climate control. I see those moves back then as the precursors to the better ergonomics, better handling, and far better seats we have today. The market was wildly supportive of all this. By the mid-seventies, the 5 MPH bumpers were incorporated into the designs and were looking pretty good. By the end of the seventies, everyone was ready for more power and that trend would continue through the eighties and thereafter. 

Those are good points, John. The manufacturers had to stress some things other than just sheer horsepower (notwithstanding the "gross" to "net" game) and other factors. In my personal view, there were many real screw-ups (seat belt interlocks ?) but a number of things and features were also a step in the right direction.

And also ..... umm, I am not really sure the vinyl top on this nice MotorMax 1978 Ford Thunderbird is strictly a "halo vinyl roof", as I think they were perhaps a bit different. But I guess it is a somewhat alternate type of the (then popular) vinyl roof.  

That's a nice model. I believe I have one of these in this scale in a different color. Having owned two of these 1:1 a few years back, a 1977 & 1978. This was an important model to have as well as the NEO version in 1:43.

Nice ! This Thunderbird would be great in any scale and quite impressive, too. In 1/24, 1/18 and 1/43 I have T-Birds before and after this 1978 one, but nothing other than the MotorMax in 1/64.

@mikedetorrice Hi Mike An impressive miniature of this T-Bird and the first background it looks like it is cruising through the canyon.

Hi Chris and thanks. The canyon image is from  picture I took near Moab, Utah, a very scenic area ! I am trying to get back more into photographing my cars, as I think it can be good therapy. My stroke in 2022 took me out of action for a while and I am now trying to recall all the techniques and procedures I used. I think a number of things I will have to recall and re-learn. It can be frustrating but having such cool subject matter as model automobiles is a big help !

Cool little Thunderbird that I don't think I've seen before. I know Maisto got into the 1/64 market years ago; some of their cars are really good.

Posted by: @chris

Cool little Thunderbird that I don't think I've seen before. I know Maisto got into the 1/64 market years ago; some of their cars are really good.

They have a number of terrific diecast models in several scales and they display very well. Certainly, Maisto's are well-priced and can display beautifully,

Mike, I just had a chance to look for this model in my collection and came across it in Tutone green. I didn't see a manufacturers name on the plastic base plate but know I have had the model for several years.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

Mike, I just had a chance to look for this model in my collection and came across it in Tutone green. I didn't see a manufacturers name on the plastic base plate but know I have had the model for several years.

The Tutone green would look great, Bob ! I was a bit surprised this one was done in 1/64 by MotorMax, as they seem much more known for their 1/18 and 1/24 scale automobiles. It is very nicely done and from an era that generally isn't so well covered in various scale models.