Classic Cars From America

THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY

One of the oldest surviving auto manufacturers in the world, Ford was formed as we all know, by Henry Ford in June 1903.
Ford's major brands are Ford, Lincoln and Mercury; it owns Volvo Cars of Sweden and has small stakes in Mazda and Aston Martin.
The story began of course, with the Model T, T-Model or Tin Lizzie. Some might say that it bears a striking resemblance to the first car by Daimler and Benz but it couldn't have been much different. 'Mass production brings down costs of production' so the first Ford was produced by assembly line and sold at a price affordable to all. (*1)

Despite the Models A, B, C, F, K, N, R and S also selling well over 1,000 units each, it was the Model T that brought 'wheels to America'. Those models paved the way from 1903 to 1908 when the Model T began its historic 19 year reign.
We all know that over 15 million Model Ts were sold during this period, a record to be finally beaten by the Volkswagen Beetle in 1972 but it took about 4 extra years to reach the milestone.
If you ever manage to find any of the above models, don't ask questions, just buy it (subject I suppose to your Bank manger's reaction).

Not to be confused with the earlier models of the same number, the Model A and Model B of 1927 to 1934, the latter being best known as an ideal car for hot-rod conversion and took the name "Duece Coupe" made famous by The Beach Boys. This is what they looked like. They still represent great value even if you're not 'rodding.

 The incredible Anglia - 100E & 101E (1953 to '59), the 105E (1959 to '68) and the 123E (1962 to '67). In line with Ford's original philosophy, the Anglia was once claimed to be the cheapest car in the world. This is the 123E Super of 1963 which came with a 1198cc motor and 4 speed manual. (*2)  Only 79,223 of the 123E were produced opposed to well over 1 million of the 100 and 101 models, making them a more sensible investment. Besides of course, after the first 2 models, the cars were significantly improved.
I doubt many would recognise a Wagon as a genuine classic but the Country Squire was iconic in that field of practicality. It was revolutionary with easy access to the rear section, up to 9 passengers, side-facing seats and wood. Lots of it on exterior side panels and tailgate. From 1950 to 1991, they were based on various sedan models but the 7 'generations' of the Squire redefined the needs of the 'country squire', American version. This 4th generation 1967 model Squire is my choice for the enthusiast.
The Thunderbird was introduced in 1954 to compete directly
with the Chevrolet Corvette which it outsold in 1955 by 23 to 1. Production continued through 11 generations until it was finally dropped in 2005. Left is the one they all clambered for but my choice is the 1957 Thunderbird (right), similar but different.
 The Ford Zephyr was only produced in the U.K. but found its way into America and Australia after production began in 1950. The EOTA Mark 1 made way for the 206E Mark II and the up-market Zodiac in 1956 but the Mark III Zodiac of 1962 to '66 had a straight 6 and was luxuriously finished. With total production of only 77,323, this is a good investment representing arguably the best model of the range.
From the base Ford Falcon of 1960 through its 3 generations, to the Fairmont and Fairlane of 1962 and even the huge, top of the range, luxuriously appointed LTD of 1965 onwards, I could not select any model which I could describe as a classic worthy of a concours job and collectibility.
For the sake of our visitors, I hope someone can give us a good reason to list at least one model.

In 1964 Ford introduced probably its most famous sports cars, the Mustang. In its 9 year life span, it came with an astonishing 15 different engine sizes and configurations. All Mustangs were 2 door; hard-top, fastback and convertible; only 3 of the earliest models were 6 cylinder; and both manual and (surprisingly) automatic were offered. Although related to the Cougar, the Mustang was far more popular at the time and remains so today as one of the more desirable Ford collectibles worthy of a good concours job. here's why - top left is a 1965 Mustang Fastback (*3); right is the 1967 Convertible (*3) and bottom left is the 1968  Hardtop (*4).
Mmmmm. I love those cars.


Finally, the Mustang and brand look-alike, the Maverick of 1970 to 1977 which was equally successful particularly with the 1970 model. In 2 and 4 door V6 sedans with a V8 introduced only in 1974. At left is the 1972 Maverick Grabber, possily the best choice in the range.

LINCOLN - MERCURY DIVISION.
The Mercury brand was created by Edsel Ford in 1939. The Lincoln Motor Company was formed in 1917 by Henry Leland and was acquired by Ford in 1922.
Despite their 70 year life span, I had difficulty selecting the real classics which would be worthy collectibles and worth spending fortunes on a concours job. In many cases, the models were based on equivalent Ford models, making the choice more difficult.
 This 1962 Monterey Custom S-55 Convertible came in 2 door V8 luxury finish and only 1,315 produced in 1962. Sales improved in subsequent years making this model significant.

The Marquis range occurred between 1967 and 1986 with 5 'generations' and dozens of variants. Utilising the V8 and automatic transmission during its lifetime, it came in 2 and 4 door variants and the full range of body styles. The Marquis was top-of-the-line for Mercury and except maybe for the Lincoln Continental, had very little competition with the rest of the Ford stable. My choice was easy - the 4th generation, stylish, 2 door coupe of 1979 with the body work as pictured was quite unique. It was smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient than its predecessors but not in large numbers.
As stated earlier, the Lincoln Continental was the top-of-the-range Ford model and incorporated all the luxury (and price tag) that could be incorporated into one vehicle.
 A specially constructed Continental code named the SS-100-X was being driven in Dallas when President  J.F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. At left is the 1966 Mark II Convertible.

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