Ford hadn’t found itself with a Winston Cup title since 1988, but the company’s losing streak was broken in 1992 when Alan Kulwicki drove his Thunderbird to victory. Gone was the T-bird driven to success in 1988, having been replaced in 1989 by a bigger ‘Bird with a longer wheelbase. Between the years of 1989 and 1993 the Thunderbird was offered in trims ranging from the Base to the Super Coupe, a sport model that featured a 215-horsepower, supercharged V6 and styling cues including a body kit and dual exhaust tips. A 302 cubic-inch V8 was offered for the 1991 model year, while a full-length taillight was added for 1993.

The 1992 season marked not only the first time Alan Kulwicki would take home the Cup, but also the last time a Ford Thunderbird would be driven by a champion. Time will tell if NASCAR and the historic T-bird will cross paths once again, but for now, Ford is represented on paved ovals around the country by a Taurus.