If car brands were to re-release some of their most famous retired models, there would be endless debates over which are worthy of resurrection. Many traditionalists shrug at new car designs and, instead, pine for a return to the timeless performance models of years gone by, like how the Nissan Z, which rose again. We don’t like when fan favorites get retired. It, along with the likes of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, will be an in-demand classic in the future.Ĭar enthusiasts often see things differently than manufacturers. Most recently, the Dodge Challenger appeared in its final guise. This curtain is already drawn on some timeless names in the automotive world. This is a natural process that we will see a lot of in the coming years as carmakers transition their products from combustion engine vehicles to the greener electric variety. Brands often replace these icons with newer, and more suitable options. Cars like the Aston Martin DB5, the Chevrolet Bel Air, and the Ford Thunderbird were simply a product of their era and were not designed to move with the times. Manufacturers often have logical reasons for retiring a model, even if it is a smash hit with drivers. Nowadays, these sports and muscle cars are nothing more than footnotes in the automobile history books or novelties at classic car conventions. Other iconic models have been less fortunate and are now retired. Cars like the Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, the Corvette, and Porsche 911 retain their appeal and have been at the forefront of innovative engineering and design. Many classic models have been so successful that they have continually evolved as the years rolled by and are still with us today. Performance cars from the latter half of the 20th century stir the emotions in us and draw out admiration from everyone who enjoys the experience of driving. Nickel-plated: Kluson tuners with metal buttons fully adjustable four-saddle bridge stop tailpiece bridge and pickup covers.Most car enthusiasts have a soft spot for classic cars. Gold Gibson logo on black truss rod cover three-ply (w/b/w) pickguard with bevelled edge and Firebird emblem two metal cap/reflector knobs labelled Volume and Tone 1964 Gibson Thunderbird IIĪsymmetrical reverse design tuners on bass side raised middle section black/ natural finish Exotic-sounding enough, but the regular, less expensive sunburst finish proved to be the most popular choice by far.Īlas, the Thunderbirds were not deemed popular enough to remain in production beyond the 60s, and with sales dropping off towards the end of the decade manufacturing ceased in 1969. Taking inspiration from Fender, the finishes included Ember Red, Frost Blue, Polaris White, Cardinal Red, Heather, Pelham Blue, Golden Mist, Kerry Green, Silver Mist and Inverness Green. Pictured at Guitars: The Museum in Umeå, Sweden, this custom colour 1967 Gibson Thunderbird II is of the later non-reverse variety. As before, the II and IV were structurally identical – the main difference being pickups and electronics (the IV sported an extra volume knob as per its second pickup).įrom its inception back in ’63, one of the range’s main selling-points was Gibson’s all-new custom color chart, and these options extended into the latter half of the 60s. Regardless, the revamped Thunderbirds arrived that year featuring glued-in necks. It seems reasonable to presume that the Fullerton firm was distracted enough by its CBS takeover during 1965 not to interfere. ![]() Interestingly, however, the ‘non-reverse’ design that followed – a virtual mirror image of the reverse counterpart – appears much closer to the Fender offset with respect to body and headstock profile. What better way to return to the drawing board than with a bona fide automotive designer? Well, that was the thinking when Gibson hired Raymond Dietrich And with Fender claiming a patent infringement of its Jazzmaster body styling, Gibson was further prompted to overhaul the entire range. The reverse Thunderbirds, it seems, were doomed from the start. And while a laminated neck-through-body construction provides great stability and tone, reverse Thunderbirds are especially prone to headstock breaks (aka Firebird disease) – a problem exacerbated by the instruments’ heavy Kluson tuners. Indeed, Gibson still maintains the reverse ’Bird is one of the trickiest to produce.
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