December 2003 - Ford Motor Company and Universal Studios are working together on the big screen adaptation of the TV series, "Thunderbirds," a family-oriented action adventure from director Jonathan Frakes ('William Riker' in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" TV series and director of "Star Trek: First Contact").
The "Thunderbirds" cast includes Sir Ben Kingsley (The Hood, number one villain), Anthony Edwards (Brains), Bill Paxton (Jeff Tracy, head of International Rescue), Sophia Myles (Lady Penelope) and Ron Cook (Parker).
The cast will be sharing screentime with the fleet of International Rescue vehicles, including FAB 1, used by London Agent, Penelope Creighton-Ward. The FAB 1 can travel at super speeds on all sorts of surfaces and during all different types of conditions. According to a press release issued by Ford Motor Company, the film's production designer, John Beard, and his team worked with Ford of Europe's Design Group to help create the special six-wheeled transportation device for use in the film.
The press release quotes "Thunderbirds" director Jonathan Frakes as saying, "We were anxious to pay appropriate homage to the original TV show but at the same time deliver a film that would appeal to the latest generation of movie goers and provide the best representation of the 2010 time frame. Ford's vision of the future has been crucial in achieving the look we needed for the movie."
Beard added, "We had a concept that updated the original, 1960's-designed pink, six wheeled, glass topped limousine for the 21st century. Ford's designers, who coincidently were also re-inventing design classics for the future, came on board and successfully perfected the concept and gave it the 'Thunderbird' identity."
Director of Design for Ford of Europe, Chris Bird, said, "Ford's involvement in 'Thunderbirds' was a wonderful opportunity for our designers to work with similarly minded people working in a completely different field. We had the opportunity to put some serious thought, and fun, into designing a futuristic 27 foot six-wheeled vehicle that met the needs of the film makers while staying true to the 'Thunderbirds' spirit."
The design team sought inspiration from Ford's legendary Thunderbird line of cars and incorporated the Thunderbird emblem into the design of the metallic pink FAB-1. The team from Ford also included Ford blue ovals on the vehicle and a rounded grille similar to the Ford Thunderbird's.
Other Details of the FAB-1:
-Six 22-inch wheels
-27 feet long
-High-tech cabin with one-plus-one tandem seating
-Room for two extra passengers under the bubble canopy
Universal Pictures will release "Thunderbirds" in the summer of 2004.
Source: Ford Motor Company
