The Ford Thunderbird, named after a mythical bird, first flew onto the scene in 1955 as a two-seat luxury sports car, taking a cheeky jab at the Corvette and outselling it 23 to 1. With a design reminiscent of the era’s Ford beauties, it sported nonfunctional hood scoops and exhaust pipes that exited through the rear bumper guards. The ‘56 model brought a flashy Continental kit and a porthole hard-top roof. But while sleek in aesthetics, its hydraulic roof system was prone to comedic, unexpected leaks!
Posts Tagged: Mustang
Meet the Martini Mustang: it’s not just a car, it’s a symphony of speed and sound! Under the hood roars a 1966 Ford/Lotus Indy Car engine, making this fastback Mustang a powerhouse on wheels. Forget untouched—every inch of this ride is crafted to ignite your senses and rev up your imagination. If Picasso painted with pistons, this would be his masterpiece. Buckle up and hold on; this Mustang is more than just a ride, it’s a wild, high-octane work of art!
In the world of engines, the Ford FE is like that popular kid in school—everybody wanted a piece of it! From 1958 to 1976, it powered everything from NASCAR champions to your neighbor’s trusty boat. With its side oiler technology and a knack for showing up in unexpected places like industrial pumps, it’s no wonder it’s still the life of the aftermarket party. Just remember, don’t judge a Ford by its cover, especially if it’s an FT 391 masquerading as a 390—those components are not identical twins!
In 2016, Ford’s Mustang galloped ahead with 105,932 units sold, leaving its pony car pals, the Camaro and the Challenger, eating dust. While Ford flexes its horses, it’s not just about raw power—it’s a delightful cocktail of nostalgia and muscle, sparking joy from gearheads to grandmas. Meanwhile, Dodge is revving up the rear-wheel drive game, so if you’re torn between nostalgia and torque, the year’s sales suggest your heart might just Mustang on.
The 1965-66 Shelby Mustang GT350, affectionately known as the Cobra, was a beast on wheels with only 562 units in ’65 and 1,378 in ’66. Its 289 cu in engine roared with 306 hp, making it more “zoom-zoom” than “comfort-cruise.” With quirks like a trunk-mounted battery that caused fume complaints and a spare tire cozily sitting where the back seat should be, these models were the epitome of “race first, comfort later.” And let’s not forget Hertz’s “rent-a-racer” GT350-H models—return them with fewer parts, anyone?
In the wild world of the 1970s, the Ford Gran Torino 1973 strutted its stuff as the only intermediate-sized Ford, with the Fairlane playing second fiddle. The EPA’s pollution police cracked down, squeezing engine compression to 8.5:1, but no fear—the horsepower numbers just got a makeover to the more honest SAE net BHP. The base 250 cu in inline six was like that dependable buddy, while the 429 Cobra-Jet was your wild friend who now ran on regular unleaded. Thanks to Gateway Classic Cars for the groovy pics!
The Ford Mustang 1965 A/FX Gas Ronda 427 SOHC is a sizzling piece of automotive history, turning heads with its bright orange hue and roaring V8 engine. Originally raced by the legendary Gas Ronda, this beast was built to dominate the drag strip in 1965. Restored to its former glory, it recently made an appearance at the 2015 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, still exuding the same fiery charisma. It’s the kind of car that makes you wish you had a time machine—just so you could drag race back to the ’60s!
The 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator is like a Mustang that hit the gym and got a stylish new wardrobe. With the power of a Boss 302 engine under its hood, this cat is ready to pounce on the asphalt jungle. It’s essentially a Mustang from the front seats forward, just wrapped in a unique set of sheet metal that screams “cool cat.” So, if you ever wanted a muscle car that’s part feline, part powerhouse, and all attitude, the Cougar Eliminator is your purr-fect ride!
For sale: a classic Chevrolet Camaro race car that still roars like a lion at a barbecue! Since the late ’60s, this Camaro and its eternal rival, the Ford Mustang, have been the muscle car world’s Batman and Joker, leaving the Dodge Charger, Pontiac GTO, and Plymouth Barracuda in their smoky wake. Despite the Hellcat’s attempts to muscle in, the Camaro stands unyielding, ready to rumble on the track and in your garage. Get ready to rev up nostalgia and burn rubber with this vintage beast!
