Panhandle Council of Car Clubs-- High Plains Thunderbird History, Cont'd.

Ford Thunderbird – 1955 to 2005

Product of Ford Motor Co.

High Plains Thunderbirds

The High Plains Thunderbirds came into being in the spring of 2002 as a result of a dream of one man, Lon O’Connell, who wanted to share his love of the Ford Thunderbird with others. Seeing the promotions for the new ‘02 Thunderbirds in the spring of 2001, Lon ordered an Inspiration Yellow Thunderbird. His car was one of the first to arrive by rail in Amarillo in August 16, 2001 but with a factory hold. After a factory cooling fan repair his car was re-delivered October 9, 2001.

In March of 2002, Lon and Shirley met Randy and Lynnette Clark by chance, while driving their T’Bird down Paramount Blvd. They saw a red ’02 Thunderbird cruising topless. They successfully flagged the T’Bird over and introduced themselves. They talked T’Birds and about Lon’s desire to try and form a Thunderbird group in Amarillo. Little did Lon know that he was talking to the owner of Ron Clark Ford, a person who had the resources to help start a club.

Lon and Randy spent the next two months discussing the logistics of a club and looking at names. The High Plains Thunderbirds was the pick from lists of ideas. Our logo developed from playing with numerous sketches on napkins at the Western Bowl.

Day of Thunder - New ‘Birds

August 2002

Day of Thunder

August 2004

Saturday, June 1, 2002, was the first meeting of the High Plains Thunderbirds. About 20 invitations were sent out to people they knew had Thunderbirds of all ages, 1955 to 2002. It was a tense time for Lon and Randy as they stood outside the north door of Ron Clark Ford, I-27 and McCormick Road, wondering if any Thunderbirds would appear over the McCormick Road Bridge. They waited and waited and finally there was one ‘Bird, then another and another until finally about 15 ‘Birds were gathered around the building - new ones, old ones, not so new and not so old ‘Birds. Two ‘Birds even drove up from Lubbock. After introductions all around, kicking a few tires, throwing out some ideas about a club and listening to what the possibilities for continuing interest might be, we cruised over to Dippin’ Dots at Hillside and Bell and the monthly PCCC Cruise Night.

At the next meeting everyone decided that we needed some officers – Lon was elected President and Randy was elected Vice-President. Of the initial 20 invitations, eventually 19 became members. Eight of these charter members are still members of the club. Lon & Shirley have moved to Nevada and have started a new club there.

Our club had a monumental task in its infancy. At the age of two months we were asked to host a Thunderbird show for a group of T’Birds cruising Route 66. A Tour called “Thunder on 66”. By the seat of our pants we put together a show, “Day of Thunder”, on the parking lot of Ron Clark Ford. KPUR came by and broadcast live for the day. We provided a portable carwash for the traveling cars, a silent auction, free food and door prizes. We went to Palo Duro Canyon and took in the play “TEXAS”. Thirty plus T’Birds at the main entrance to the amphitheatre was quite a sight.

Day of Thunder – New ‘Birds

August 2003

Day of Thunder

August 2005

Ron Clark Ford continued to sponsor High Plains Thunderbirds through a second car show in 2003, again the last weekend in August, until the dealership was sold later in the fall of 2003.

Gene Messer Ford/Lincoln-Mercury, with Carl Wilson as General Manager, Amarillo, agreed to sponsor High Plains Thunderbirds beginning in the spring of 2004. Three successful “Day of Thunder” shows followed, 2004, 2005 and 2006 on the car lot of Gene Messer Ford, 34^th and Soncy.

In the spring of 2007 with changing management at Gene Messer Ford/L-M, High Plains Thunderbirds moved their meetings to a new location and sponsor, John Chandler Ford, I-40 & Ross.

High Plains Thunderbirds hosts an annual, ”Day of Thunder” show. Cars participate from all of the automobile clubs in the Amarillo/Texas Panhandle area (PCCC – Panhandle Council of Car Clubs) as well as individuals not associated with a car club. Trophies for the many classes are awarded by popular vote and door prize drawings for the participants are available during the shows. “Easy Street” Band provides live entertainment during the show.

High Plains Thunderbirds has donated 100% of proceeds from our “Day of Thunder” shows to benefit local charities - $1,975 in 2004 to Special Olympics and Martha’s Home, our selection to support on a regular basis, $5,135 to date. Martha’s Home is a place for women or women and their children caught in difficult life situations to find temporary refuge and receive training to be able to move back into a more stable life situation.

High Plains Thunderbirds meet the second Saturday of each month at 5:30 at John Chandler Ford, afterwards we generally enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. We currently have 28 member families (49 members, 39 Thunderbirds and 14 other classics/antiques/street rods) participating. Eight families are charter members of the High Plains Thunderbirds.

Day of Thunder – Early ‘Birds

August 2002

Day of Thunder

August 2004

Day of Thunder

August 2005

High Plains Thunderbirds produce a monthly newsletter ‘Thunderbird Spotlight’ (editor – Barcine Smith) that highlights our club activities, up-coming events of our club and PCCC, Tech Tips and various bits of Thunderbird information/history, other miscellaneous articles and information of interest about our members.

High Plains Thunderbirds is open to all Ford Thunderbirds with the purpose to preserve, maintain and enjoy the “American Icon”, Ford Thunderbird. You don’t have to own a T’Bird to participate.

The Ford Thunderbird came out in 1955 as a two-seater, personal luxury vehicle. It remained a two-seater for three years, 1955, 1956 and 1957. In 1958 the car expanded to a four-seat vehicle, but was still considered to be a personal luxury vehicle.

Over the years the car grew to a four door and back to a two door until 1997 when it saw its untimely death when Ford ended the 43 year model run of the Thunderbird.

In late 2001 Ford brought the Thunderbird back as a 2002 model taking design cues from its early roots. The car was once again a two-seat design with a removable hardtop and the nostalgic “Porthole” windows in the top. After a short three and a half year run, Ford once again retired the Ford Thunderbird, June 30, 2005.

The Thunderbird will always be remembered with Suzanne Somers smiling out the driver’s window at Richard Dreyfess in “American Graffiti”. The Thunderbird will also be remembered for all time in the classic song ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ by the Beach Boys.

We do have fun, fun, fun with our T’Birds as we participate in many events sponsored by our club, PCCC and the area communities.