10 Classic Fords That Should Be On Every Gearhead’s Wishlist
Ford is undeniably one of the most renowned and prominent automakers. Founded in 1903, it is responsible for creating some of the most cherished and adored cars ever built. Ford vehicles are famous for their bold styling, powerful engines, and devoted fan base. This American giant has an impressive array of vehicles to brag about, from the original Model T to the iconic Mustang to the F-Series pick-up truck, which continues to be America’s best-selling model.
Presently, Ford’s lineup of new vehicles is extremely outstanding. In actuality, it delivers the features that buyers value the most: superb performance, safety, technology, and gas mileage. However, some legendary classics continue to outshine many modern cars with their aesthetic appeal, high performance, and driving prowess and should be on the wishlists of every gearhead and auto fanatic. In a nutshell, it might persuade ardent auto fans to opt for it.
10 1969 Ford Torino GT
The first-gen Torino, especially the 1969 GT, a high-performance variant capable of outperforming several top Mopar cars of its period, is the quintessential example of a mid-size fire-breathing classic Ford. This two-door hardtop was one of Ford’s most intimidating and fearsome offerings, developed from the Fairline series’ sixth generation.
The 1969 Torino GT, which challenged the iconic Superbird for NASCAR dominance, is undeniably a ferocious fastback featuring svelte styling and an athletic demeanor that epitomizes everything exemplary about the classic muscle car era.
9 Ford RS200
In the mid-80s, Ford sought to compete in the popular and competitive WRC Group B rallying and created a car for it. As a result, the Ford RS200 was born. It is one of the most recognizable and well-liked Fords among motorsport enthusiasts. It’s an exhilarating, high-performance sports car.
The two-door, all-wheel-drive sports car is groundbreaking mechanically. This highly engineered rally-bred car features a mid-mounted 1.8-liter, four-cylinder turbo Cosworth BDT engine that develops an impressive 250 horsepower. When tuned, this engine was also capable of delivering a shedload of power, with race versions having the ability to produce over 450 hp. It held the record for the world’s fastest accelerating car for a long period in the Guinness Book of Records.
8 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Another renowned rally car from Ford that racing purists and fast Ford fans adore. Based on the fifth-gen Escort, the 1992 Ford RS Cosworth is a great example of the rally-inspired performance classic. With a five-speed manual transmission and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four Cosworth YBT engine, this 4WD hot hatch makes a solid 227 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. It has a top speed of 138 mph and can dash to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
It’s a picturesque performance masterpiece with a serious WRC heritage. Plus, its distinctive whale-tail rear wing and spoiler, together with its wider body stance and dramatic large wings, give it a striking appearance that is unmistakably a relic of its time.
7 1968 Ford Mustang California Special
The 1968 California Special appears like an amalgam between a Shelby and a Mustang GT. Developed alongside the Shelby GT350 and GT500, this car was a special edition born out of a Southern California Ford dealer, who persuaded Ford to build a special Mustang for the Western states and dubbed it “California Special.” It boasts a sportier appearance and an eye-catching interior than the usual Mustang.
This limited edition features a 4.7-liter V8 engine tuned to bump out 195 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. It sports an attractive rectangular fog lamp and a 1965 Thunderbird taillight panel. Side stripes, hood pins, and its name emblazoned on the rear side panels further enhance its aesthetic appeal. Classic car enthusiasts today regard the California Special as highly coveted.
6 Ford Escort RS2000 Mk1
One of the Blue Oval’s finest creations is the 1973-released Ford Escort RS2000 Mk1. It is widely known for its fun-to-drive and thrilling driving dynamics. Introduced in the AVO production lineup, it was the final car that continued the RS legacy.
This two-door sedan is a fantastic blend of two legendary RS models. It offers solid performance nearly on par with the iconic RS1600 while being as reliable and easy to maintain as the Mexico. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood cranks out 100 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. There was also a tuning kit for the racing version that upped the output to 130 hp.
5 1955 Ford Thunderbird
The 1955 Ford Thunderbird is a must-have addition to every gearhead’s wishlist. The first-generation Thunderbird was Ford’s response to the dazzling Chevy Corvette. It quickly gained popularity and was widely purchased by those who prioritized comfort and style over speed and power.
This two-seat convertible is a visual feast thanks to its classy appearance and more sumptuous interior. It also makes a bold statement with its striking white wall tires and graceful, rounded body. However, the 4.8-liter V8 engine, which makes 193 horsepower, also lends it respectable performance.
4 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The 1967 Shelby GT500 is undoubtedly one of the best-looking and most potent Fords of all time. It was the Shelby GT500 line’s inaugural model. Additionally, its tremendous performance and commanding stance signaled the Mustang’s transition from a pony car to a muscle car. It is a coveted collectible among car aficionados all over the world.
The 1967 GT500 serves as an inspiration for all the performance cars that followed. Ford equipped this legendary classic with a massive 355-hp 7.0-liter V8 engine. With 420 lb-ft of torque, the GT500 was immediately recognized as the GT350’s older sibling.
3 Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 is one of the best racing cars ever built by the Blue Oval. It was Ford’s first mid-engine car. The GT40 won four consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans competitions between 1966 and 1969. Ford designed it to compete with the best Ferraris of the day.
Its monstrous 7.0-liter FE V8 engine churns out a mind-boggling 585 ponies. There were only about 135 of these high-performance racing machines built. This now makes the GT40 a highly sought-after collectible on the market today.
2 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
Ford introduced the BOSS 429 V8 in 1969 to challenge the Mopar HEMI engine in NASCAR. This led to the birth of a limited production Mustang Boss 429 fastback. It is the most fearsome and ultimate Mustang to ever grace the streets. Built to compete as a race car, the Mustang Boss 429 is a true performance juggernaut.
It sports a track-focused 429 cubic-inch V8 engine that creates a whopping 375 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It not only performs well, but it also has aggressive styling and excellent handling. Only five colors—Raven Black, Royal Maroon, Wimbledon White, Candy Apple Red, and Black Jade—were offered for models in 1969. Additionally, its stunning dash and all-black interior complement the driving experience.
1 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
The Mustang is arguably Ford’s most recognizable model ever. But among Mustangs, the Shelby Mustang GT350 is the most iconic model the brand has ever built. It set the benchmark for all subsequent muscle cars. Carroll Shelby’s first partnership with Ford led to the development of this lightweight, formidable variant of the early first-gen Mustang. In short, in the “Shelby Mustang” saga, the 1965 GT350 serves as the prologue.
The two-door fastback has a lot of power under the hood thanks to the tuned standard V8 engine. Its 4.7-liter V8 engine now generates a solid 306 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, it also enjoyed a great racing career, taking up the SCCA championship in the B-Production class three years in succession. Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue rocker stripes were the paint colors used on all 1965 GT350s. Plus, its sharp styling suits its athletic and aerodynamic bodywork, making it a joy to watch.