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.October 27, 2004
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This Week:

• H3: Authentic HUMMER Style And Capability In A Midsize

• Nissan Marks 35th Anniversary of the Z® In North America

• DaimlerChrysler Puts More Fuel Cell Vehicles on Public Roads

• Ford Thunderbird - An American Icon - Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

• Hino Motors Manufacturing USA Begins Their First Ever North American Truck Production At Toyota's Facility In California

• All-New Jeep® Grand Cherokee Climbs to New Heights

• Greater Performance, Greater Safety, Greater Comfort - The New BMW 3 Series

• H2H: GM Creates Hydrogen-Powered HUMMER

• Chrysler Group and Magna Steyr Enter Agreement for Chrysler 300C Production

• Valeo Announces a Plan to Close Its Facility in Orense, Spain

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Ford Thunderbird - An American Icon - Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

• 50th Anniversary limited edition Ford Thunderbird to be unveiled at the Florida International Auto Show in Miami, FL. on Nov. 5, 2004.

• Ford to celebrate Ford Thunderbird's 50th birthday at Homestead Miami Speedway on Nov. 17th with enthusiasts, in conjunction with a Ford Racing Innovation drive.

• Ford Thunderbird went on sale Oct. 22, 1954 - starting a legend that would grow with each generation of Thunderbird The U.S. Postal Service to produce a commemorative stamp featuring the 1955 Ford Thunderbird - for sale next summer at post offices nationwide or online at www.usps.com.

Over the past five decades, the flight of the Ford Thunderbird has included sporty two-seaters, convertibles and four-door models, as well as hardtops and sedans- more than 1.2 million in total. It has sported the "square" look, the "projectile" look, the jet aircraft look and the luxury look. Yet, through the years and through many changes, Thunderbird's original uniqueness and individuality managed to etch itself permanently into the hearts and memories of the American motoring public.

Photos: Ford

Ford Thunderbird's 50-year history includes the classic two-seaters that started it all and a variety of models ever since then that have become so popular with collectors. Thunderbird has starred at the races, in the movies and now a U.S. postal stamp. And, the latest models, have recaptured some of the magic of the original, are destined for a prominent place in Thunderbird and automotive history.

The Thunderbird stamp was illustrated by Art Fitzpatrick. Art Fitzpatrick has had a long and colorful history working in automotive advertising over the course of almost three decades.

Previous special-edition Thunderbirds have proven highly desirable. In 2002, Ford offered 200 special-edition Thunderbird vehicles for sale through the exclusive Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. Those 200 cars sold out in two hours and 15 minutes and are considered highly prized collector's items. In the spring of 2003, Ford sold 700 limited edition "007" Ford Thunderbirds to commemorate the first appearance of a Thunderbird in the 40-year history of the James Bond film franchise. A "007" edition was driven in the Bond film Die Another Day by Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry. 1,500 Pacific Coast Roadster Thunderbirds were sold in 2004.

(Oct. 22, 2004)