Jetbird,
Sounds like you have encountered some pretty mean people in your travels. I would guess you're feeling the effects of Ford's inconsistent marketing strategy for the brand name. They changed their target market numerous times within the last 47 years without ever changing the name.
To illustrate my point:
I buy a new Thunderbrd every 20 years whether I need one or not. Currenty have '57s, a '77, and a '97. The only similarity among those cars is the spelling and sound of the name Thunderbird. Each of them have their good points and their drawbacks. Compare that to the Mustang over the last 38 years. Mustangs have always been small, fun cars that appeal to a broad group. Thunderbird started as "personal luxury" then "sporty luxury" then "luxury" then "who knows what" and finally a low buck V8 with rear wheel drive.
The '67 thru '76 models were the product of one of those image changes that Ford engineered. That doesn't make them any better or worse products than the other Thunderbirds; simply a change in market focus. The Thunderbird had grown into another "luxury" car through the '76 model year. After that point is where I feel the name should have been changed for sure. It was no longer "personal", "sporty", or "luxury".
You don't have to feel a responsibility to defend your '67. It is a fine car that was the first year for a shift in market focus. You can do a heck of a lot worse! Ford proved that during the Thunderbird's last 20 model years.
Enjoy the Ride, Tom
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