|
VTCI History Vintage Thunderbird Club began in the fall of 1968 with the chance meeting of two fellows in Tulsa, Oklahoma who met at a local Ford dealer looking for parts for their Squarebirds (1960s). They were Don Brix Jr and Don Harris. As the conversation ensued they decided to attempt to find out if there was a club available for them that incorporated their 1960 Thunderbirds. They checked with the Classic Thunderbird Club but found that the Classic club was just for 1955 , 1956 and 1957 Thunderbirds and were not interested in expanding to newer years of cars. They also found other folks in the Tulsa area that had a similar interest so they decided to advertise in local papers to see if enough people were interested in starting a club dedicated to 1958, 1959 and 1960 Thunderbirds. The first official meeting was held at the home of Don Brix Jr. on September 17, 1968. Seven "Squarebird " owners attended that first meeting and formed the club we now call the "Vintage Thunderbird Club International". The name chosen for the initial club was "The Vintage Thunderbird Club of America, the Squarebird Society" because you see the club was devoted to just 1958, 1959 and 1960 Thunderbirds, thus "squarebirds". This is basically how our club got started, from our beginnings we now embrace ALL years of Thunderbirds and anyone can join our club even if he/she doesn't own a Thunderbird, just an interest is all that is needed.
|
In 1971 the leadership of the club was passed to Larry Seyfarth of Dearborn, Michigan and all club responsibilities were also given to Larry. He led the club to its present "democratic" form with elected regional directors and other officers. Larry stepped down in 1984 but not after changing the format of the club. Under his direction we began accepting 1961 up to 1966 Thunderbirds into the club, this took place in 1977.
The board of directors decided because of the world wide reach of the club and the indication in our name about our dedication to the "Squarebird" only we needed to have a change in our name. Thus in 1988 the Board voted to change the name of the club from " Vintage Thunderbird Club of America the Square bird Society" to Vintage Thunderbird Club International". We continue to use this name.
ALL years of Thunderbirds were accepted into the club beginning January 1996. We have an "International" convention each year with changing locations so that most of the members will have the opportunity to attend one of these shows reasonably close to their home. We also have Regional shows yearly, sponsored by local chapters. Judging to factory standards is done at all shows, this is done so that members who want to restore their car will know the proper way to make it original. We also have modified classes and just plain drivers classes to try to reach as many members as possible. Not all members want a perfectly restored to factory specs car.
2018 is our 50th anniversary. This is a short history of our club.
Dan Likar, VTCI Historian
This web page last updated 12 February 2018