The name Ford has been around since the first motor vehicles went into mass production and became a part of everyday life. From the Model T to the modern Focus the are numerous models in the Ford back catalogue, some of which endure as truly iconic. For early car enthusiasts and lovers of early 20th century history alike, there are plenty of iconic Ford cars that a century later still set hearts fluttering.
Table of Contents
Model T
Not his first model released the Model T was Henry Ford’s first mass produced car, designed to be affordable and user friendly. Because it was able to be produced in greater numbers than its predecessors, coupled with its ease of use, the Model T quickly became well known. Larger numbers made, mean a greater quantity have survived and to this day are recognised when seen out driving.
Model A (1927 -31)
Not to be confused with its 1903 predecessor of the same name, the new look Model A is the successor for the Model T. Released for sale in December of 1927 it was so popular that by March of 1930 Ford Model A reached 3 million units sold. At the time production on this classic ceased it came in over a dozen body shapes and various colors. It was this variety that made the Model A so appealing across all sections of society, with low end models only a few hundred dollars, while the top-of-the-line town car would set you back more than one thousand dollars.
1939 Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Motor Company was acquired by Ford in 1922, so the handsome Lincoln Continental comes under the banner of iconic Fords. Designed for Edsel Ford as his personal car in 1939 this version of the long enduring continental must surely be the best looking. Flashier than the earlier Model A, Lincolns were intended to be for those who preferred style and speed over functionality and modest looks. And boy does this sleek car deliver, with a long proud bonnet and smooth round lines making a handsome silhouette.
Ford Prefect
Fans of Douglas Adams’ Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy novels better know this car as one of the main protagonists of the series. So named because as an alien being planning a trip to the planet Earth, his (lack of) research led him to believe Ford Prefect would be inconspicuous. At the time the novel was written the Ford Prefect was a popular car in Britain, making his name very amusing to British readers. While the car itself is now rarely seen on the road, the enduring popularity of the books keeps the memory of this once popular family car alive and well.
F2 Truck
Ford didn’t only make cars, they manufactured various vehicles from early on, including the 1948 Ford F2 Truck. The F series of trucks is so Iconic they are still made to this day, but for both vintage lovers and hot rod enthusiasts the 1948 F2 holds a special place. The addition of the V8 engine really propelled the F-series range to icon status, giving it power that was previously missing with the V6 engine. So iconic are these early trucks the well-known modern transit van can even trace its origins back to them.
Ford Thunderbird
For a short time between 1955 -57 the gorgeous two-seater Thunderbird wowed with its good looks and smooth ride. Still a desirable collectors’ item today, it’s what the cool kids all wanted to be seen in. Later the two-seater design was changed for a four-seater design, but it wasn’t received as was as the original smaller edition.
Ford Mustang
Considered the first “pony car” the first Mustang hit the market in 1964 and hasn’t left since. Aimed at a younger market, looking for sporty cars at an affordable price, the Mustang and its competitors were designed specifically to meet this niche. Young drivers to this day continue to want such vehicles which is why the Mustang remain ever popular. But nothing will ever get past the classic 1965 edition for its effortlessly cool looks and attitude.
Ford GT40
The GT40 MK II was the culmination of several years work trying to win the Le Mans 24-hour race, finally beating the reigning champions Ferrari in 1966. With the immensely popular sporty Mustang established on the commercial market, the GT40 proved to be the car that proved Ford can make world class race cars as well.
With such a long illustrious history of manufacturing vehicles that remain beloved to the present day it’s no wonder Ford continues to be a main stay of the automobile industry.
