Ford has built millions of vehicles across more than a century, but some of them stand above the rest as truly special. These are the cars and trucks that broke barriers, set trends, won races, or became cultural icons. They were not just machines to get from one place to another, they were statements that defined what Ford could do at its very best.
Ford Model T
The Ford Model T, launched in 1908, was the car that put America on wheels. It was not the first automobile, but it was the first to be produced on a moving assembly line, which drastically cut costs and allowed Ford to sell it for as little as 260 dollars by the 1920s. More than 15 million were built before production ended in 1927. The Model T’s simple 20 horsepower four cylinder engine could carry families across rough rural roads, and its ability to run on gasoline, ethanol, or kerosene made it adaptable to the realities of early 20th century America. While it was never glamorous, its impact was so profound that it remains one of the most important vehicles ever made, not only for Ford but for the entire industry.
Ford Mustang 1964½
When the Mustang debuted in April 1964, Ford created an entirely new category of car. With its long hood, short deck styling, and affordable price tag starting at just 2,368 dollars, it was aimed directly at younger buyers. Ford offered a dizzying array of options, from modest six cylinder engines to V8s producing more than 270 horsepower. It was such a hit that more than 400,000 Mustangs were sold in the first year alone. Beyond sales, it launched the pony car wars, inspiring competitors like the Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, and Dodge Challenger. The Mustang became a cultural icon almost overnight, cemented by its appearance in films like Bullitt, and it remains one of Ford’s proudest creations.
Ford GT40
The GT40 was born out of Ford’s feud with Ferrari in the 1960s, when Henry Ford II set out to beat Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With a low slung body only 40 inches tall and V8 engines producing up to 500 horsepower, the GT40 was a true endurance racing weapon. It won Le Mans four times in a row from 1966 to 1969, including the famous one two three finish in 1966. Only a few hundred road going versions were ever built, making them among the most valuable Fords in existence today, often selling for millions at auctions. The GT40 was more than just a race car, it was a symbol of American determination on the world stage.
Ford F 150
Introduced in 1975 as part of the long running F Series, the F 150 grew into the single best selling vehicle in North America. It struck a balance between capability and comfort, with durable engines, rugged frames, and eventually luxury options that made it a truck for everyone. By the 1980s and 1990s, the F 150 was available with V8 engines producing more than 200 horsepower, while later versions became even more advanced with turbocharged EcoBoost V6s and towing capacities exceeding 13,000 pounds. Its combination of utility and mass appeal made it special not because it was exotic, but because it became the backbone of American transportation for decades.
Ford Thunderbird 1955
When the Thunderbird arrived in 1955, it was Ford’s stylish response to the Chevrolet Corvette. Priced at 2,944 dollars, it was marketed as a personal luxury car rather than a pure sports car. With V8 power ranging from 193 to 225 horsepower, it was quick enough to impress while delivering comfort and refinement that set it apart. The original two seat Thunderbird became an instant icon of 1950s sophistication. Later generations grew larger and more luxurious, but the first generation is still remembered as one of Ford’s most glamorous and collectible classics.
Ford GT 2005 and 2017
Ford revived the GT name in 2005 with a supercar that paid tribute to the GT40. Priced around 150,000 dollars when new, it came with a supercharged 5.4 liter V8 producing 550 horsepower and a top speed over 200 miles per hour. Only 4,038 examples were built, and today they regularly sell for several times their original sticker price. In 2017, Ford shocked the world again with a carbon fiber GT featuring a twin turbocharged 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 making 647 horsepower. It returned to Le Mans and won its class on the 50th anniversary of the original victory. Both modern GTs proved Ford could still build exotic cars to rival the best in the world.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth 1992 to 1996
Built primarily for Europe, the Escort RS Cosworth was a homologation special designed for rally racing. It featured all wheel drive, a turbocharged two liter four cylinder producing up to 227 horsepower, and of course the giant “whale tail” rear wing. Priced around 25,000 pounds in the UK, it was expensive but gave buyers a rally car for the road. While Americans rarely saw them when new, they have since become cult classics among enthusiasts who recognize their motorsport pedigree. Clean examples now fetch six figure prices at auctions, making them some of the most valuable small Fords ever built.
Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
While it may not have the glamour of a GT40 or Mustang, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor became an icon in its own right. Produced from 1992 to 2011, it was the workhorse of police departments, taxi fleets, and government agencies across North America. With a 4.6 liter V8 producing around 250 horsepower, rear wheel drive, and body on frame construction, it was nearly indestructible and easy to repair. Its combination of toughness and simplicity made it legendary among those who drove them daily. Even today, used Crown Victorias remain popular with enthusiasts who appreciate their durability and low cost of ownership.
Ford Bronco 1966 to 1977
The first generation Bronco was Ford’s answer to the Jeep CJ and International Scout. Compact, rugged, and available with four wheel drive, it quickly became a favorite of off road enthusiasts. Starting at around 2,200 dollars new, it offered practicality with optional V8 power and removable tops. While it sold modestly when new, the Bronco’s reputation grew over time, and early models are now highly collectible, with prices for restored examples easily topping 70,000 dollars. Its cultural status was reinforced with the reintroduction of the Bronco in 2021, but the original still holds a special place in automotive history.
Ford Taurus 1986
When the Taurus arrived in 1986, it shocked the American sedan market. Instead of the boxy designs of the past, it featured aerodynamic styling, modern front wheel drive, and interior innovations that set it apart. Priced at around 10,000 dollars, it was affordable, but it felt futuristic. The Taurus became a best seller, saving Ford at a time when Japanese imports were dominating the family car segment. Later high performance SHO versions with Yamaha built V6 engines producing up to 220 horsepower proved the Taurus could also be fun to drive. It was a car that reshaped what an American family sedan could be.
Ford’s Legend
From the groundbreaking Model T to the cultural phenomenon of the Mustang, from the dominance of the GT40 at Le Mans to the everyday dependability of the Crown Victoria, Ford has produced some truly special vehicles. Some were glamorous and exotic, while others were humble workhorses that proved their greatness through durability and mass appeal. Together, they showcase the breadth of Ford’s influence on the automotive world. These ten Fords were not just cars and trucks, they were milestones that defined generations of driving and cemented Ford’s reputation as one of the most important automakers in history.
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