Jo'burg, die blues en 'n swart Ford Thunderbird is a title that reflects the non-conformity of the sixties. This novel does not yield to any convention. It paves its own unpretentious way, but with an authentic compassion for its characters, who, despite all the blows dealt to them by their working class existence, desperately strive towards a better life. The dreams and passions that unfold in this story are, as life prescribes, ignited by love. It is not only quiet Willie's love for the voluptuous, witty, streetwise Martie-Santjie, that causes a rush in his veins. It is especially his passion for another bird u a black Vee Eight Ford Thunderbird with a silver eagle on the bonnet u that drives him. Willie harbours an all-encompassing passion for his Thunderbird. It is a passion similar to that of a lover, but larger and more lasting than the love between people, because as Willie knows too well, people are treacherous. Willie and the road vulture, Piet Wieletjies, become rivals for the attention of Martie-Santjie, the girl who has the angelic ability to let the male species eat out of her hand and who also has the fatal ability to make them love-sick and drive them insane.