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Ford Fairlane Ranchero – Conception 1957 to 1959

by Ross Mills

The Ford Fairlane Ranchero, produced from 1957 to 1959, was an innovative blend of sedan and pickup, perfect for taking kids to school and pigs to market. This versatile ride looked great and handled like a car but had the storage of a pickup. It was light enough to become a muscle car and had a larger weight capacity than the F-100. Ford’s international subsidiaries also embraced the Ranchero concept, with Argentina and Australia producing their own versions. In ’59, it boasted a longer bed and bigger windshield.

Sunbeam Tiger Roadster V8 1964 to 1967

by Ross Mills

The Sunbeam Tiger roared into existence between 1964 and 1967, thanks to a wild plot involving Carroll Shelby, a Ford V8, and some sneaky engineering. Originally inspired by a 1925 land speed record holder, the Tiger ditched the Alpine’s old engine for a brawny V8. Shelby, fresh off his AC Cobra triumph, found a way to squeeze the Ford beast under the hood, stirring quite the fuss. Even Lord Rootes was charmed after demanding a test drive. They even used sledgehammers to fit the engine—talk about a smashing success!

Ford Motors V8 supplement FE & FT 4 of 4

by Ross Mills

In a twist of automotive irony, Ford’s first 427 block was as temperamental as a cat in water—one slip of the casting core and voilà, a paperweight! Enter the FE 428, a budget-friendly marvel with a manageable bore and a cast iron crankshaft. In ’68, the 428 CJ roared onto the scene, leaving insurance agents shaking in their boots while pretending it only had 335 hp. The NHRA saw through the charade, rating it at 360 hp, as it blazed through the Winternationals. Meanwhile, the SCJ variant was ready to race, sporting longer-life capscrews for rods and a cheekily looser piston fit—because who needs air conditioning when you’re this cool?

Thunderbird 1959 – 1961

by Ross Mills

From ’59 to ’61, the Thunderbird zoomed into style with leather interiors and lady-friendly ads that doubled sales. In ’59, Ford flexed with a monstrous 430 cu in V8 engine—America’s largest! The ’60 model kept it classy with a rare sunroof option and two stainless steel wonders, one now a museum star. By ’61, the Thunderbird had the honor of pacing the Indy 500, powered by a new 390 cu in V8 that made JFK look even cooler. This bird wasn’t just flying; it was soaring with swagger!

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