The convertible that symbolized women's liberation
Impossible to forget for those who saw the film (and for those who didn't, watch out! Spoilers are coming...) that leap into the void with which Ridley Scott signed his acclaimed Thelma and Louise (1991), automatically turning these characters played respectively by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon in two contemporary heroines.
The story of unconditional friendship between two women willing to leave behind all obstacles in order to get your full freedom entered through the big door in the category of film myth with road movie format.
In addition to its flesh and blood actors, Davis, Sarandon, Harvey Keitel as a ruthless police officer and a very young Brad Pitt who was just beginning his career at the time, the film had another indisputable protagonist who had already enjoyed moments of glory three decades ago.
The 1966 Ford Thunderbird convertible
We refer, of course!, to the dazzling 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible leading the leading female duo throughout the entire footage towards its irremediable and liberating end.
Let us place, first of all, that geographical environment surrounded by large canyons and almost lunar in appearance through which the iconic vehicle persecuted by the police passes during the minutes prior to the outcome.
This is the ** Dead Horse Point State Park ,** in the south of the state of Utah (central-west of the United States), an imposing extension with 2,170 hectares of land , crossed by the Colorado River.
In the XIX century the park was used as a natural stable by the cowboys of the time and some of the horses concentrated there died from exposure to the elements. Hence the origin of its name.
Today it is an area frequented by campers, hikers and lovers of cycling who sustainably enjoy an environment where hunting is not allowed.
Along the routes of this valuable natural setting the Ford Thunderbird circulated uncontrollably Thelma and Louise's convertible.
The Ford Thunderbird was driving through Dead Horse Point State Park
Its turquoise blue color and its seats upholstered in white they contrast in the spectacular pursuit shots with the coppery tones of the rocky environment bordered by canyons.
We are talking about a specimen belonging to the fourth generation of the Thunderbird, a luxurious sports model initially with two seats (although a second row of seats was added in 1958) that the American company Ford Motor Company began manufacturing in 1955.
must the name of thunder bird (Thunder Bird) to the Indian mythology of Arizona and New Mexico, according to which this bird with large flapping wings dominated the sky and was responsible for the winds and thunder that triggered the desert storms that provided the necessary water to the indigenous people who inhabited the desert areas.
In order to baptize the model, the Ford company called a contest between your employees to propose different options and the winner was a Southwestern native which suggested the definitive name of Thunderbird.
Years later it would also be known by its abbreviation t-bird and, since its release on the market, it quickly began to overshadow the Corvettes and to Cadillac . Together, the three models make up the triumvirate of American classics from the 1950s and early 1960s.
It owes its name to the Indian mythology of Arizona and New Mexico
Specifically in its fourth generation, which is what concerns us, the model experienced a redesign on its front and also on the back, with more stylized lines than the original ones.
Their V8 engine offered a power 345 hp , marking acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h.
The T-Bird continued to be manufactured for six more generations, until 1997, and in 2002 an attempt to reinterpret the original two-seater model was launched that would only last three years on the market.
A total of five cars were used for the filming of the unforgettable final sequence of Thelma and Louise: one for exterior shots, a camera car, two units for stunts and one more as a reserve.
The original driven by Susan Sarandon was sold in 2008 at auction in Scottsdale, Arizona for €58,100 . To increase its value among mythomaniac collectors, the armrest was signed by Brad Pitt and the mirror by Geena Davis.
A legendary car that still resonates that disturbing and at the same time liberating dialogue that this week, coinciding with Women's Day and with feminist mobilizations around the world, has more meaning than ever:
- Okay, listen. Let's not get caught.
- What are you talking about?
- Let's move on.
- What do you mean?
- Follow!
- Safe?
The rest is history. From the cinema and the automotive industry.
"Okay, listen. Let's not get caught"