The current Thunderbird measures 186.3 inches long overall and has a 107.2-inch wheelbase, versus a 175.3-inch overall length and a 102.0-inch wheelbase in the original.

FORD MOTOR CO. A 1957 Ford Thunderbird. The last of Ford Motor Co.'s two-seat Thunderbirds is built Dec. 13, 1957, as production shifts to the larger, second-generation, four-seat "Square Bird." ...

Ford representatives said the problem was detected after a 35-mph frontal crash test conducted by federal safety regulators. The driver-side seat belt was found to have been partially cut.