2004 Ford Thunderbird Fab1

Illustration: Alex Pang / Website

1988 Ford Splash

One of the more striking works developed under long-time Ford design chief Jack Telnack, the Splash is a sports car/roadster hybrid. It features a metallic blue exterior and an interior with gray and blue neoprene highlights. Many of the body panels, as well as the headlights, were designed to be removed for serious off-road driving.

Uniting sports car and pick-up truck themes was the purpose of the 1988 Splash. Looking like a space-age beach buggy, tins sinking two-seater had removable windows, root and rear hatch. Its four-wheel drive, adjustable rides eight and retractable mud flaps boosted its chunky off-road flavor and the colorful weatherproof interior looked trendy enough for its intended youth market.

Source: Internet

1988 Ford Bronco DM-1

Ford shapes the next generation of sport/utilities

The small 4-wheel drive concept vehicle was the winning design in a Ford sponsored contest for industrial art students. Mr. Derek Millsap, who created the 5-seat sport-utility vehicle, lent his initials to the Bronco DM-1 name. Bulbous body was made of steel-reinforced fiberglass, and the large hatch extended into the roof.



AS CONTEMPORARY automotive designs go, sport/utility vehicles can be characterized as anachronistic. While every passenger car in the world pays homage to aerodynamics, utes continue to as square-cut and straightforward as building blocks. SUV owners like them that way.

However, if Ford forecasts prove correct, the shape of utes to come may be more streamlined. A case in point is the Ford DM1, a concept proto currently testing response on the show circuit.

DM1 started out as a senior project competition between 10 students at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. With tech guidance from Ford, the students made 3/8-scale clay models of the SUV of the 1990s.

The design that emerged on top, by Derek Milsap, so impressed Ford Chairman Donald E. Petersen and design chief Jack Telnack that they made it into a full-size prototype.

Conversion of the small clay model to show car was handled by Richard Huttine, a California designer who has worked on a number of Ford projects, including the 1989 T-Bird.

DM1 rides on a humble Ford Escort chassis, but could easily be mated to a 4x4 system such as today’s Bronco II.

Other refinements: 17-in. wheels with low-profile all-terrain tires, dot-matrix glass overhead with opacity adjustable at the flip of a switch, and a satellite navigation system.

Ford is vague about production plans for the DM1 idea, but creator Milsap is now producing more ideas for Ford-as a member of the truck design group.

Source: Internet

Ford Allegro

Ford stressed that its dream cars, particularly the Allegro, were essentially existing production unibody platforms upon which new design features could be tested. "This "idea car" incorporates many new design features tailored to existing engine, drive line and frame components," Ford intoned as it described the purpose behind the Allegro. Later, Ford restyled – some would say ruined – the Allegro by turning it into a roadster.

Sometime in the late Sixties, Ford Division design studios restyled the Allegro and didn’t improve on the design. Though more obviously “sporting” in the way that seemed to predominant in an era of smoke and glitter, the heavy rear end styling and too-low windscreen was almost comical. The slotted wheels also mimicked aftermarket wheels available in speed shops.

Source: Internet

1969 Ford Thunderbird Saturn II

Source: Internet

2009 Ford Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Mustang

Lee Iacocca, the 'Father of the Mustang,' returns to build a limited edition pony car

The Mustang is No. 5 of only 45 to be built and is specially equipped wîth a 550 horsepower engine

• A personal message from Iacocca will be delivered to the crowd in Las Vegas

One of the most anticipated limited edition versions of the renowned Ford Mustang will be sold at No Reserve to celebrate the pony car's 45th anniversary during the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Las Vegas Oct. 7-10, 2009. The No. 5 Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang is one of only 45 to be built and is specially equipped wîth a 550 horsepower engine; as one of the featured cars, the Mustang will cross the auction block at approximately 6:30 p.m. PDT on Friday, Oct. 9. The 2009 Las Vegas event will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and feature approximately 400 collector vehicles for sale, posh lifestyle events and live, high-definition TV coverage from SPEED.

Known as the 'Father of the Mustang,' Iacocca presented the Ford Mustang to the world during a dramatic press conference at the 1964 New York World's Fair. During his time as Ford Division president and general manager, Iacocca made the Mustang a household name. He even tapped veteran racer Carroll Shelby to build special high performance versions of the car. A video from Iacocca to the crowd will air before the car is sold on Oct. 9.

'This is a stunning modern-day muscle car from the visionary who started it all,' said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. 'It's hard to imagine where collector car enthusiasts would be if Lee Iacocca hadn't championed the Ford Mustang project 45 years ago. Now, he has teamed up wîth some of the top automotive talent in the world to produce the 45th Anniversary model. It's an instant collectible.'

Nearly two years in the making, the Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is a collaborative effort by Iacocca, designer Michael Leone, and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters. The new business venture is called I Legacy. The Mustangs are being offered exclusively through Galpin Ford in Southern California.

'It has been the most amazing time of my life, working wîth Mr. Iacocca on this car,' said Leone. 'This 45th Anniversary Edition Mustang is a rare, complex, elegant and extraordinary piece of moving artwork. With innovative technology, the visual impact of its fastback design and expert craftsmanship, it is truly exceptional in every way; the only car that can bear the Iacocca name on it. We couldn't be prouder to have the number five car crossing the auction block at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas.'

Each of the 45 limited edition Mustangs is custom built by a team of talented artists using composite construction laminates, a reinforced material from the aerospace industry. The hand-crafted vehicles, all painted in a specially created Iacocca silver hue, are fabricated using the finest tooling, wîth each part separately cured in an autoclave.

The Iacocca-designed hood crest is custom built by a distinguished jeweler and every emblem is hand-finished and polished. Front and rear wheels are cast aluminum and chrome plated for a sheen-like finish and the center caps are machined and also chrome plated.

While the exterior fastback design of the Iacocca Silver Mustang is compelling, the mechanical underpinnings are true American muscle. The No. 5 Iacocca Mustang was specially equipped wîth a 550 horsepower engine featuring a Ford Racing polished Supercharger that includes dyno sheets and other documentation. The driver can harness the extra power through a quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Inside the Iacocca Silver Mustang, the interior is resplendent wîth luxurious touches that highlight the car's special heritage. These include Iacocca Diamond Design leather seats wîth embroidery stitching, an Iacocca signature dash plaque wîth serial number, a leather-wrapped §teering wheel wîth 'I' badge and Iacocca-badged aluminum door sill plates.

'The most appealing aspect of the Iacocca Mustang is its sleek appearance,' added Davis. 'Each line is clean, very sharp and seems to flow endlessly wîth the car. And the custom silver color is extremely bold, which embodies the spirit of the Mustang.'

When it crosses the block at No Reserve in Las Vegas, the Iacocca Silver Mustang will join a famous group of Mustangs sold at Barrett-Jackson.

'From first production Ford and Shelby models to one-owner classics, we've sold just about every Mustang possible at Barrett-Jackson,' continued Davis. 'There's a passion and aura surrounding the Mustang brand that is like no other, and it shows when one crosses our auction block. The energy will be through the roof when the Iacocca Mustang is sold in Las Vegas.'

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company


Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces 'The World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions™' in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Source - Ford

1976 Ford Corrida (Ghia)

Gullwing Coupe. The Corrida was a chunky little safety-orientated sports coupe.
The Ghia Corrida was the first Fiesta-based concept car, introduced at the Turin Motor Show in November of 1976, the year the Fiesta was introduced. Corrida means bullfight, and the Corrida Concept was Ghia’s vision of a new age sports car with an array of safety features.

Corrida was not only based on a Fiesta, but was also powered by a Fiesta engine. It featured pneumatically operated gull wing doors hinged in two segments and electrically operated flaps for the headlamps to provide optimal aerodynamics performance. The rear luggage compartment was hinged at the bottom.

Corrida’s driving environment was unique. The instrument cluster was an array of boxes that provided a distinctive look of compartmentalization. The concept car was bold orange with black accents.

Ford and Ghia developed the Corrida concept vehicle as a design and engineering exercise, and feature car at auto shows. Built on a 90-inch wheelbase, the Corrida’s body and wheels were all weight-saving aluminum. Gull wing-styled doors were hinged at the top, and folded in the middle for easy entry/exit, even when the car was parked in confined areas. The hatchback door was split in half, with the top section opening upward, and a hinged lower section that could be locked in an open position to extend the carrying capacity.

Source: Ford Media

1975 Ford Urban Car (Manx) (Ghia)

The Ghia Urban, later called the Ghia Manx, was one of the early Ghia creations using Fiesta architecture and running gear. It was a small city car, standing just 137 centimetres tall and only 259 centimetres long.

Despite its diminutive size and short, two-door profile, this concept car could seat four people. It was designed in the aftermath of the fuel crisis of 1973 as a solution to urban congestion and higher fuel prices. It even had storage for luggage in a storage area in front of the driver.

Source: Ford Media Site

1975 Ford Flashback

Quirky and retro did not mix well with Ford’s Flashback concept car. Oddly shaped, the tiny two-seat prototype featured a long hood, protruding headlights, side louvers, bustle-back trimmed with leather straps, and knock-off spinners on the wire spoke wheels.

Source: Internet

1974 Ford Coins (Ghia)

Ford Ghia Coin, 1974

The 1974 Coins was a striking curved wedge with a single rear-sited door.
Built to celebrate the first anniversary of Ford’s takeover of the once-proud carrozzeria, stylist Tom Tjaarda produced this radical device in double-quick time. It’s notable for its three-abreast seating, central driving position and means of access via a rear hatch, but Tjaarda positively hates the car...

Source: Internet

1928 Ford Model A Milestones

The appearance of the Model A created such a sensation that it became one of the top 10 news items of 1927. The Model A departed radically from the precedent set by the Model T and had an entirely new design. Some major changes include the adoption of a three-speed transmission for shifting gears and four-wheel braking, but the highly appealing styling adopted by Edsel Ford was based on studying the Lincoln, a luxury model.


Ford Model A 1928


1929 Ford Model A Delivery


1929 Model A Convertible Cabriolet


1931 Model A Fordor Saloon


1931 Ford Model A Roadster


1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Phaeton


1931 Model A Victoria

Source: Internet

1907 Ford Model T

#1 - The Car of the Century

Ford T (1908-1927)

Between its debut in 1908 and its final production in 1927, more than 15 million Model T’s, the runaway best-seller of its time, were manufactured. As the world’s first genuinely mass-produced car, the Model T, more than any other single car, made the automobile affordable and, with its simple mechanics, provided a car for the masses; and it was not only in the U.S. that it exerted such influence.


1911 Model T Lineup Ad


1911 Model T Roadster


1912 Model T

Indeed, automotive history is not complete without mention of the Model T. The Model T implemented planetary gear transmission, enabling speed control and shifting of gears by operation of the pedal. This was a breakthrough that rivals the modern automatic transmission in importance. It was infinitely easier to handle than the "cone clutch" systems that caused many problems during that period. Until 1909, a two-pedal system was used, with a lever control for forward and reverse. The Model T introduced a three-pedal system; it had two forward gears with the reverse gear being engaged by the middle pedal.


1912 Model T


1919 Model T


Ford Model T Touring, 1919


Ford Model T Runabout 1922


Ford Model T Coupe 1926




Uh-oh. Here comes trouble. Let's stipulate that the Model T did everything that the history books say: It put America on wheels, supercharged the nation's economy and transformed the landscape in ways unimagined when the first Tin Lizzy rolled out of the factory. Well, that's just the problem, isn't it? The Model T — whose mass production technique was the work of engineer William C. Klann, who had visited a slaughterhouse's "disassembly line" — conferred to Americans the notion of automobility as something akin to natural law, a right endowed by our Creator. A century later, the consequences of putting every living soul on gas-powered wheels are piling up, from the air over our cities to the sand under our soldiers' boots. And by the way, with its blacksmithed body panels and crude instruments, the Model T was a piece of junk, the Yugo of its day.

1973 Ford Mustela II (Ghia)

After its acquisition by Ford Ghia in 1973, Ghia were used as the European styling and prototype wing of Ford’s global organization. Immediately, Ghia came up with a string of concept cars, inevitably based on Fords. Early examples were the Mustela (a Capri alternative), the Tuareg (an off-road Fiesta) and the Microsport (a truncated Fiesta-based sports coupe).

Source: Internet

1971 Ford Tridon

THUNDERBIRD TRIDON

A highly modified 1971 Thunderbird show car was called Tridon, taking its name from its pronounced tri-element design. The overhead view shows off the tinted skylight strip that extended across the roof and down the sides of the pillars. Painted in Moongold Mist, the Tridon’s exterior glass was tinted amber, and the interior was upholstered in synthetic lamb’s wool.



Source: Internet

1971 Ford GT-70 (Ghia)

Elegant and modern this coupe Ford, first concept been born in the Center Style Ford of Turin, directed by the designer Filippo Sapino. The engine is that of the GT70 of series introduced in 1971 to Bruxelles.

Source: Internet

1970 Ford Mustang Milano

This concept is a styling exercise, experimental car from Ford. 1970 Mustang Milano concept features ultra-violet color 2-tone low stance body with unique color-changing tail lights which glowed green, amber or red, to indicate whether the car was accelerating, coasting or stopping. Milano concept also has Shelby-style hood with several scoops. 1970 Mustang Milano concept car would led to the redesigned 1971 Mustang.



Source: Internet

1970 Ford Mach II

Ford Mach II, 1970 - Mach II planned as a challenger to GM’s Corvette. Unfortunately did not reach production. Photo shows mock-up on Pantera chassis.


Ford Mach II, 1970 - Quite roomy interior and could carry a golf bag in the rear compartment.

The Ford Mach 2 was design by Larry Shinoda in 1970 as a challenger to the Chevrolet Corvette. It did not however meet production. The car was based on a De Tomaso Pantera chassis and engine. The rear design was influneced by the 1962 Corvair Monza GT. The Mach II project was abandonned when Ford teamed up with De Tomaso to sell the Pantera in the USA through there Lincoln-Mercury dealer network, which was cheaper than developing this car. Larry Shinoda left Ford soon after designing this car and went on to set up his own Comapny, Shinoda Design Associates.

Source: Internet

1969 Ford Thunderbird Saturn II

Ford exhibited the Thunderbird Saturn II as a personal luxury car of the future. With a hood that was 4-inches longer and roof 2-inches lower than stock 1969 T-Bird, the Saturn II featured special electronic equipment for computerized travel, two-way communications, radar screen, and more.



Source: Internet

1969 Ford Super Cobra

1969 Ford Torino Super Cobra Vignale

Starting with a 1969 Fairlane, the Super Cobra SportsRoof show car was lowered 2-inches and the front clip was stretched by 8-inches. Concealed headlights, wall-to-wall taillights, black metal louvers, and slant back windshield added to the racy exterior. The high performance 428 cubic inch V-8 engine powered the Super Cobra, and featured a tall shaker air scoop that poked through the hood. Custom interior was finished in candy-murano and hot red to compliment the red exterior.



Source: Internet

1964 Ford GT40

#39 - The 100 most beautiful cars (The Daily Telegraph)

In the early 1960's Henry Ford II attempted to buy out Ferrari. Ferrari pulled out at the last minute, and in response Ford decided to build a car that could beat Ferrari. In August of 1963 Henry Ford II officially announced that he would build a race car to compete in endurance races such as the 24 Hours of LeMans. Ford used a branch of their company, Ford Advanced Vehicles, Ltd in England to build the car. The first prototype was first shown to the press in March of 1964 in Slough, England. The car was later flown to America for inspection by Ford and then flown back to England for further construction.

One of the most celebrated moments in Ford’s racing history came in the summer of 1966 when the company’s GT40 race car captured a 1-2-3 win at the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race, fulfilling Henry Ford II’s desire to beat Ferrari.

Source: Daily Telegraph

1963 Ford Allegro

1963 Ford Allegro Fastback Coupe Concept

The Allegro -- the first of the second-generation X-Cars, fashioned in late 1962 -- was based upon the earlier DeLaRossa Aventurra design and built on a Falcon unibody.



Originally painted a delicate metallic gold, it established design elements that would heavily influence Ford styling throughout the Sixties: An isolated, centrally-mounted grille with satellite headlights, a long frontal aspect, and a short-coupled fastback roof line. The Allegro’s rear fender treatment mimicked the 1961-1963 Thunderbird design and anticipated the styling of the production British Ford Cortina later in the decade. Moreover, the Allegro"s fastback styling established the basic configuration for the later production Mustang fastback, and clearly traced its rear quarter panel treatment to a 1957 Ford Styling Studio exercise during the original Falcon’s development effort. Prominently featured in Styling, a beautiful book on automotive design published by Ford in 1963, the Allegro was described as a "...practical dream car, developed jointly by stylists and engineers." In Styling, Ford went on to further describe the Allegro as:

"Symbolizing sleekness, motion and, as its name indicates, brisk and lively performance, the Allegro is distinguished by a long hood, compact passenger compartment and a "fastback" roof line with grille waste gates in the fender area."

The Allegro presented a Cobra-esque front end design, and presaged the later production Mustang fastback roof. The small, vestigal fin picked up elements of the ‘61-‘63 Thunderbirds, also.

Though the proportions on the front clip were exaggerated, the fastback roof had clear influence on the first-generation, 1965 Mustang fastback. There were two Allegros built: a red-painted fiberglas mule that appeared in a 1964 Mustang promotional film, and this fully-functional car.

Source: Internet

1968 Ford Thunderbird Saturn

Source: Internet