Last weekend, the Saanenland hosted a dazzling display of chrome, roaring engines, and vintage aviation dreams. The Classic Thunderbird Club of Switzerland celebrated its 50th anniversary – and did so in unmistakable style, with elegance, passion, and a whole lot of American automotive soul.

Saturday afternoon saw 27 pristine Ford Thunderbirds lined up on the cinema parking lot in Gstaad. Affectionately known as “Thunderbirds” or “Donnervögel,” the cars gleamed in the spring sunshine, turning heads far beyond the usual circle of car lovers. But this was just the beginning. Later, the impressive convoy cruised to the Saanen airfield, where classic cars met classic aircraft in a memorable crossover of motor and aviation history.

A Car Full of Stories
First introduced in 1955 as Ford’s answer to the Chevrolet Corvette, the Thunderbird was never just a sports car. It embodied the dream of the "personal luxury car" – a uniquely American concept. Initially a sleek two-seater, the model evolved over the decades into a luxurious four-seater, never losing its flair or individuality. Though production stopped in 2005, the T-Bird remains a symbol of distinctive style and character.

Some models even made it to the silver screen – most famously in the 1985 James Bond film A View to a Kill, alongside Sir Roger Moore. It’s no wonder, then, that the club chose the stylish backdrop of Gstaad and Saanen to mark its golden jubilee.

Wings of Steel and Fabric
The celebration continued at Gstaad Airport, where another vintage spectacle awaited. In collaboration with classic aircraft owners, the club presented flying legends like the Antonov An-2, a Boeing Stearman, a De Havilland Beaver, and two Piper Cubs. The atmospheric setting transported visitors to an era when flying was still an adventure and every car had a story. Not even a brief rain shower could dampen the charm.

A Club with Heart
Fredy Bilger, President of the Classic Thunderbird Club of Switzerland, was visibly moved. “It’s been a long time since we had this many members gathered in one place,” he said proudly. The vehicles on display spanned the entire Thunderbird production run – from the very first 1955 model to the final 2005 edition – creating a rolling time capsule of automotive history.

On Sunday, the Thunderbirds headed home – fuel tanks full, paintwork shining, and hearts still thumping to the rhythm of V8 engines.

Text and photos by Marco Kellenberger | AvS