Posts Tagged: Ford Motor Company
Ford’s “Y” block engine, debuting in 1954, was named for its distinctive Y-shaped block design. Though it replaced the flathead, it had its quirks—like oil flow hiccups that could make it as temperamental as a teenager. An aftermarket oilier kit, originally for Ford’s racing cars, was a saving grace. Despite its foibles, this engine had its glory days, outmuscling Chevy in the mid-’50s. By the ’60s, it was overshadowed by bigger blocks, but nostalgia keeps the “Y” block revving in hearts.
The Ford Mustang, celebrating its 50th year of production in 2014, is a tale of unexpected triumph, launching the “pony class” and outpacing Ford’s sales predictions by galloping past a million units within 18 months. The ’64½ Mustangs, the purists’ delight, came with quirks—headlight wiring, anyone?—that now entice collectors. Despite its early hiccups, the Mustang’s allure remains as timeless as its sleek design. Here’s to the car that turned competitors green and buyers giddy with its iconic charm.
In the early ’60s, Ford’s Thunderbird was the cool cat of the car world, thanks to Lee Iacocca’s model expansion plan. The 1962 Sports Roadster turned heads with its flashy wire wheels, although Elvis might disagree after his wheel went Elvis-ing. Its rare “M” code engine was like finding a unicorn, galloping at 345 hp. By ’63, the T-Bird was strutting with a new AM/FM radio and vacuum assist door locks. The Monaco edition was the icing on the cake, a white wonderland of automotive style.