Classic Muscle Cars » Ford Muscle Cars

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429

Larisa M. — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:17:41 +0000

During the years 1969 through 1970, Ford introduced a high performance variant of it's popular Mustang line called the Ford Mustang Boss 429. Once you saw one, you never forgot it. It still to this very day is one of the most sought after muscle cars ever created. If you ask any muscle car enthusiast or collector about the 1960 Ford Mustang Boss 429 you had better be prepared for hours on end of conversation.

When this variant of Mustang hit the stores it had people's eyes bugging and jaws dropping.

Image from: USAgeorge.com

This engine was so big that Ford had to modify their Mach 1 Mustang to fit this thing in it and the engineers and designers, primarily Kar Kraft had it's hands full to say the least. After cutting, widening, pushing and pulling they finally got this variant rolling and rolling it did.

Looking at the specs we see it had a V8 engine, a valvetrain OHV, displacement of 1939 cc/429.0 cubic inches, a bore of 110.74 mm / 4.36 inches, stroke of 91.2 mm / 3.59 in, compression of 10.5:1, horsepower of 179.6 kw / 374.9 bhp at 5,200 rpm, torque of 610.12 mm / 450.0 ft lbs at 3,400 rpm. It's body frame was steel, front brakes discs with Power Assist, 287.mm / 11.3 inches, rear breaks drums with Power Assist, steering recirculating ball with Power Assist. A 4 speed manual transmission, a weight of 3,530 lbs / 1,601 kg, wheelbase of 108.0 inches / 2743 mm, length of 187.4 inches / 4,760 mm, and a height of 50.4 inches / 1,280 mm.

Enthusiasts will recall how this muscle car came at the behest of NASCAR. To compete, Ford engineered the 429 for this purpose. Since Chrysler had their 426 in the NASCAR Grand National Division, Ford wanted in as well. The popular Mustang was chosen and the rest is history. As noted earlier the Mach 1 was the modified car which thus became the now fabled 1960 Ford Mustang Boss 429. The 385 engine was the source of the modification to the 429. Because sales of this car dwindled it was the last of it's breed adding to it's rarity.

Undoubtedly the 1960 Ford Mustang Boss 429 is now a member of legend and one of the most highly collectible cars. The fact that homologation was the desire to compete in NASCAR that added bit of history adds to the mystique and that Kar Kraft was the contractor makes this model so much a part of muscle car legend that it's often the talk of automotive enthusiasts the world over.

Extra specs of the 1960 Ford Mustang Boss 429 include 0-30 mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, and 0-100 mph in 13.6 seconds. It could hit a top speed of 118 mph.

So if you want not only a piece of history but also become a part of history then this classic muscle car with it's rarity and design is a collectible that will have the neighbors talking for years to come.

1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500

Larisa M. — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:35:21 +0000

A piece of automotive history is sure found from front to back in the 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500! Since Carroll Shelby ended his friendship with ford the year before the GT 500 has many places in the history of this line of muscle cars. It was a 2 door fastback and 2 door convertible. The engine wa a V8 428 cubic inch 7.0 L with a 3 speed manual.

Horsepower for the 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 featured the GT 500 Super Cobra Jet that boasted a 335 horsepower at 3,200 rpm. Torque was came in at 440 ft lbs of torque at 3,400 rpm. The transmission as noted earlier was a manual 4 speed or you could get an automatic 3 speed C6. The engine as noted was the V8 438 with stroke of 3.98 inches and cylinder bore of 4.13 inches and compression ratio of 10.6:1.

Ford put these out with fiberglass hoods, on the body, frame, Kelsey-Hays Discs with Power Assist and more. Experts know these specs like the back of their hand. The model was also an upgrade of more comfort and luxury. Other signature features are the legendary ram air scoop that set these cars in the front of the public's minds when they debuted. It has a tilt steering wheel, engine oil cooler, and again, some very luxurious interior design for looks and comfort.

There's so much to say about this signature muscle car that one could go on for days. Fans can remember the amazement in the late 60's early 70's when the popular model kits and Hot Wheels toy line featured the 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500. Even those replicas of this car are just as prized as the real thing!

Since it followed the groundbreaking Mustang line the 1960 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 was almost 4 inches longer and packed more muscle in regards to engine and weight. It's the style of this car that enthusiasts remember and just one look tells you it's a two fisted muscle car meant for eating up the road and looking good while doing it.

1995 Ford Mustang Cobra R

Larisa M. — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:20:17 +0000

One of the hottest and most sought after cars on the market is the 1995 Ford Mustang Cobra R.

This addition to the popular Mustang line from Ford is a tribute to it's legendary status and it's specs and performance as well as it's sporty design makes it a cherished part of any collector's garage.

The engine is a 351 (5.8L) Windsor OHV V-8 with compression at 9.0:1 and a bore stroke of 4.0 inches by 3.0 inches. It's a 300 horsepower revving in at 4800 RPM with 365 lb-ft of torque at 3750 RPM.

The intake is a GT-40 heads and lower intake with a special Cobra upper intake. The transmission is the Tremec 5 speed with a rear end of 8.8 inch and 3.27 gears. The front end brakes kick in at 13 inches vented cast iron disc twin piston caliper with the rear end breaks at 11.65 inches with vented cast iron disc single piston caliper. It's got power four-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock (ABS). the suspension has at the front end the modified MacPherson strut with a separate spring on lower arm at 700/0850 lbs. per inch progressive rate coil springs with adjustable Koni shocks, struts, and front strut tower brace and 30 mm stabilizer bar. In the rear we have the rigid axel with four trailing links, adjustable vertical shock absorbers and horizontal axle dampers and 200-260 lbs per inch progressive rate coil springs and 27 mm stabilizer bar.

The wheels come in at 17x9 inch five spoke cast aluminum and the tires are the P225/45ZR-17 BF Goodrich Comp T/A. It also comes with cooling efficiency in the form of coolers for both engine and power steering oil and a high capacity radiator. Emissions are certified and lawful for street travel.

Finally the car can get on up to 0-60 in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 152 mph.

You've got to give Ford credit with the Mustang line as even from the time the Ford Special Vehicle Team created the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra which was a pony car from 1980, that prototype lasted from the early 90s to the mid 2000's. The Mustang Cobra R however is the choice limited edition version of high performance muscle car that took many by surprise even though the specs had been boasted about before it hit the dealerships.

The fact the car has lasted so long and got such glowing reviews regarding it's performance, maintenance ease, and feel, you now realize why these vehicles are in such demand.

Let's not forget it's also a cool looking car! Driving around in one of these sure gets the attention of the public as not only does it look good but people know it's a Mustang and that means manufacturing and performance that the experts and customers demand in this particular line. The Ford Mustang Cobra R is a special vehicle and one you know you've got to have!

1970 Ford Torino Cobra

Larisa M. — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:15:20 +0000

The 1970 Ford Torino Cobra was an icon of the model line up for that year. The new model featured a long hood with a short deck styling. All of the models featured for this year had a lower roof line than previous models. The sports roof model had a flat roof line and featured an increased windshield rake. When compared to previous year models the overall styling of the 1970 Ford Torino cobra was much more aerodynamic and featured a grille that covered the full width of the front fascia and created a pointed front end. The grille also covered the new quad headlights. Both the front and rear bumpers were chromed and tightly fitted with the taillights situated above them, their rectangular rounded out the edges flowed well into the body lines gracefully extending to the front door and the front fenders. The cobra also featured optional sport slats and Magnum 500 wheels.

The new bodywork added some inches and pounds to the Torino. The wheelbase grew to 114 inches and the length grew by 5 inches. In order to improve the handling and road holding abilities of the Torino the wheel track was widened. However, the suspension still remained unchanged from the previous model. The new car weighed 100 pounds more and heavy duty suspension packages remained as options. A 1970 Ford Torino cobra was subjected to a stringent handling test which was described as completely different. The call was able to go through tight turns in a confidence inspiring manner with an amazing controlled slide.

The top of range engine for the 1970 Ford Torino cobra was the 429 SCJ (super cobra jet) rated at 280 kW (375 hp) this was part of the “Drag Pack” option. Selecting this option turned a 429 CJ into a 429 SCJ. The drag pack included a large axle ratio, and included a four bolt main engine block, forged pistons, and a 780 CFM Holley carburettor, a solid lifter cam and engine oil cooler.

Various other options were offered for the differential and axle components. Ram air action was also optional on the 351C-4 which included a new “shaker hood”with a large scoop in the hood leading to the air cleaner. They shaken nickname came from the fact that when the engine was running the hood tended to shake a little less providing the nickname.

The 1970 Ford Torino cobra, remained the pure performance model of the range even though it had less trim than the Torino GT. The cobra came with the standard four speed close ratio transmission.

The Torino Cobra remained the no-nonsense pure performance model, and had a lower level of trim than the Torino GT. The Cobra was only available as a SportsRoof model, and came standard with a 4-speed close ratio transmission, Hurst shifter, competition suspension, flat Hurst shifter, competition suspension, flat black hood and grille, 7" wide wheels, F70-14 tires with raised white letters, twist style exposed hood latches, and "Cobra" emblems. A 1970 Torino Cobra equipped with the Ram Air 370 horsepower (280 kW) 429 CJ, C-6 automatic and 3.50:1 rear axle, and it went 0 - 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.0 seconds while taking 14.5 seconds at 100 mph (160 km/h) to go through the quarter mile.

Overall, the 1970 Ford Torino cobra was a very successful model and will be forever remembered as one of the greatest muscle cars ever.

2007 Shelby Mustang GT 500

Larisa M. — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:59:32 +0000

The 2007 Shelby Mustang GT 500 is a superior advancement to the last Mustang cobra released in 2003. The new Shelby has a 5.4 L engine that powers the Ford GT and some large trucks that has been modified with an Eaton Lysholm screw type supercharger, air to water inter-cooler and four valve DOHC head. As a result the stroke is 17% larger than the bore and at 6000 rpm and the blown engine produces a nice low growl.

With 450+ HP and 450 lb-ft of torque, this is a real monster. With a wide-ratio Tremec T-56 transmission, that features six gears. And a racing clutch that provides smooth quick shifting between the gears.

A exterior alterations on the 2007 Shelby Mustang GT 500 feature a re-bevelled grille, twin apertures with black diamond mesh. Dual slots in the hood exhaust some of the air rammed through the inter-cooler, radiator, and A/C condenser heat exchangers. A splitter at the lower edge of the front fascia cancels high-speed lift, the requisite boot spoiler helps with down force at high speeds. All four views of the exterior show a hissing snake, and the Shelby name is displayed discreetly across the trailing edge of the boot lid with the wheel center caps displaying the SVT logo.

The glinting cast rims of the 2007 Shelby Mustang GT 500 off fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber in a 255/40YR-19 seated on standard 18 inch rims with 19 inch rims being optional. Even with these amazing wheels you can still expect billowing smoke in your rear-view mirror as they struggle to keep the power on the tarmac.

Black Brembo calipers-with four pistons in front, two in back and cross drilled radially vented brake discs provide the aggressive stopping force necessary. The discs measure a whopping 1.6 inches in the front and 1.5 inches in the back, then new suspension will be limited to re-calibrated springs and dampers with a stiffer rear antiroll ball. Electronic traction control is standard, but there is no stability assistance provided.

The interior of the 2007 Shelby Mustang GT 500 is all top grade leather with the traditionally standard molded plastic surfaces covered with stitched black hide. The trim on the door panels, steering wheel, shifter, parking-brake handle, dash top, and console while also clad in stitched black leather. the shift knob, steering-wheel spokes, instrument rings, and vent registers are all in a matte aluminum finish. The 7000-rpm tachometer has been moved to the right to enhance visibility.

1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Larisa M. — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:24:36 +0000

If you’re familiar with the 1970 Ford Mustang, you’ll notice that the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 looks a bit different. What it gained in looks, it lost in power due to new regulations that put more strict standards on car emissions. Despite downgrading from a 351 cu. in. engine to a 302 cu. in. V8 – which consequently lowered its output from 220 hp to 210 hp on the same 9.0:1 compression – the 1971 Mach 1 went up in price. In exchange, buyers got a meaner-looking car that made heads turn to its racetrack-like appearance.

Although the 351 engine could still be installed as an optional upgrade – just like you could get it done for the 1971 Mustang – it was no longer standard. Instead, the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 got a hood scoop and a mean spoiler in the back. If you had the extra cash, you could even opt in for the optional two-tone pain on the hood. Buyers who wanted the 351 cu. in. had to choose between a 275 hp 4-barrel at $93, or a 240 hp 2-barrel at $45 extra. The ever-popular, top-of-the-line 429 big-block V8 was the biggest engine option for the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1. These monster-engine cars became an underachieving poser of the Thunderbird due to their conventional construction that featured the V8 wedge-type combustion chambers.

The big-block V8 was available in two versions: the ram-air CJ-R, and the regular CJ; the CJ-R was believed to output more horsepower due to its cold-air induction. The two versions featured 4-barrel carburetors, 370 horse powers, and hydraulic lifters. 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 then came out with the SCJ version, which was a 375 hp Super Cobra Jet that could come with or without the ram-air option.

Additional options included the Magnum 500 wheels and a different spoiler in the back. Two rear axles were available: 4.11:1, and 3.91. Ordering these rear axle rations and buying the Drag Pack was necessary to get the Super Cobra Jet version. Initially, sales weren’t as promising as Ford expected, because these upgrades cost an extra $400-$500, so by mid-season they dropped all three of these special editions for the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1, although it was still for sale for the regular 1971 Ford Mustang.

Engineering this car posed an interesting challenge: due to the wider 429 engine, the body of the car had to get wider, so the designers had to go back to the drawing board to increase its stability. One major change was that they put staggered shocks in the back of all 429 and 351 engine models of the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Additional changes included a revamped base suspension (due to increased weight of the vehicle), a redesigned steering column, and an improved front-end that could suit the bigger engine. After some other basic revisions, Ford chief program engineer stated that they improved handling on both smaller-engine and bigger-engine models.

In terms of performance, the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 wasn’t too impressive: it did 0-60mph in under 10 seconds, and it could run the ¼-mile at 78 mph in 17.5 seconds. It averaged 16mpg, and its top speed was just 86mph.

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Larisa M. — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:00:15 +0000

The end of the sixties meant a new beginning for this revolutionary hardtop. The introduction of the 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 meant a self-esteem booster for thousands of Michigan factory workers who were getting tired of mediocrity. The car had a sexy look to it, which perfectly complimented its 335-hp power output.

The 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet was one of America’s most desired classic muscle cars of its time. It looked similar to other modern pony cars with a base matte-black hood, and air scoops on the sides and in the back. This Mustang was redesigned; the body length was increased by 3.8” in the front, and it gained approximately 140 pounds in net weight. The 1969 Ford Mustang became the mainstream, high-performance vehicle. The models were equipped with the standard 351-cid V8 engine, with an optional 428-cid Cobra Jet available for an extra price.

About sixty percent of the weight of the 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 was in the hood, but despite its lack of stable handling, the car’s appearance and raw power made it an instant classic American muscle car. The car had standard bucket seats, three-spoke wheels, a rim-blow horn, and a sporty interior trimmed with woodgrain. There were 3 tuning options available for new buyers. The first one cost $224, and came without Ram-Air. If you wanted Ram-Air, it would cost an extra $133, and would come with a fresh-air induction system. A new, louder shaker hood vibrated more with the engine, creating a sound desired by many that were looking for that classic American muscle car feel. This was the second tuning option; the third Drag Pack tuning option cost $155, and it included the 428 Super Cobra Jet Ram Air. Although the Drag Pack excluded air conditioning, it featured stronger connecting rods and a crankshaft that provided durability to the engine when it ran on high RPMs. There was also an engine oil cooler that lowered oil temperature by 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

The 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 was praised for being “the best Mustang yet”, and it was called “the quickest ever”. No wonder – it was a unique blend of brute V8 power, shock absorbing valves, and efficient suspension geometry. It made a great transition from drag-circuit-only muscle cars, into street-frienly power monsters. Some key specs on this car include: 108” wheelbase, 3,600lbs weight, 1x4bbl fuel system, and 440 torque @ 3400 RPM.

It’s no surprise that the 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 broke 295 USAC records for endurance and speed: although the hood scoop was primarily for aesthetic purposes more so than for purposes of functionality, it still ran 0-60mph in just 5.7seconds, and could go a quarter mile at 103mph in under 14 seconds.

1969 Ford Torino Talladega

Larisa M. — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:02:19 +0000

The ever-popular NASCAR racetrack, Talladega Superspeedway, opened the doors of opportunity for Ford to enter another car in this hot racing market. Unsurprisingly, not many models of this Torino vehicle were made available to the public; the Ford Torino Talladega is unique to the year 1969, which is what makes it so prized among car lovers across America. About 750 were produced, and sold as part of the accreditation process by NASCAR to make it an official vehicle in the race. Production models, as well as prototypes, were built at Ford’s Atlanta car factory in the beginning of 1969.

This two-door hardtop was an aerodynamic model based on the Fairlane 500, and it featured a “Sportsroof” look. The 1969 Ford Torino Talladega featured a more rounded front as opposed to less efficient grilles and headlights that lowered the productivity of the original Fairlane. The Talladega also had a smaller gap between the bottom of the vehicle and the road, to allow it to race (as per NASCAR regulations).

One thing you don’t see in today’s everyday racing cars that was interesting about the 1969 Ford Torino Talladega is its 6” wide F70 x 14 oval wheels. The interior lacked essential features that come standard on passenger cars, but that are not necessary in a race car, such as the radio, clock, or fancy interior pieces. The front and back included little snake decals, which then became emblem pieces. Some of the 1969 Ford Torino Talladega’s specs included: a V8 engine, heavy duty suspension, front disc brakes, four-shift manual transmission, and 6.0 sec 0-60mph time. For an extra price, optional equipment such as a hood scoop, bucket seats, different axle ratios, cruise-o-matic, power front-disc brakes or even limited-slip differential could be installed.

Because NASCAR has prohibited the use of Ford 427 Cammer engines, Ford got tricky with the Torino Talladega and equipped it with a Ford Boss 429. This monstrous 7.0L engine proved to be competitive on the racetrack as it stood up to Dodge’s renown Charger models; it won nearly 30 Grand National titles, and even the 1969 championship. Perhaps NASCAR wasn’t too happy about Dodge faring worse off than Ford, or perhaps there were other reasons for the lack of 1969 Ford Torino Talladega’s reappearance in 1970, but the aero cars were banned after that season.

The ~750 models that were made for the public were fitted with a Ford 428 Cobra Jet engine, powered by 335 horse powers @ 5200 RPM. These 1969 Ford Torino Talladegas that were made available to the public could be purchased in one of three colors: white, blue, and maroon. Despite today’s high price warranted by this model’s rarity and class, it’s not too comfortable to drive due to its lack of options, and the fact that’s it simply doesn’t fare well on streets unless they’re straight drag strips. However, the 1969 Ford Torino Talladega holds a permanent spot in NASCAR history, and is a name worth knowing by heart in the american muscle cars industry.

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The Ford Torino History Walkthrough

Larisa M. — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:49:03 +0000

The Ford Torino was designed as a better version of the Fairlane until 1968, when the Fairlane was downscaled with lower-end trim options as a separate Ford model. The Torino was in production from ’68 until ’76, and for those 8 years the Ford Torino held the status of a Fairlane subsidiary. The “generations” of this car can be broken down into three distinct categories: the upgraded Fairlane stage, the Torino uprising, and the Gran Torino era.

Between ’68 and ’69, the Ford Torino got a head start on the Fairlane, as it was considered to be a better car. Some factors that contributed to this opinion were styling (better grille, four headlights, and an array of fastbacks with SportRoofs), additional trims both inside and outside, and its abundance of engine options. These varied from a stock 200 cu-in. 3.3L 6-cylinder, to a massive 428-cu-in. 7L FE V8. The fancy Torino GT offered bucket seats, GT wheel covers, and additional interior lighting.

In the early seventies, the Torino took over the Fairlane models with the same transmission options as the ’68-’69 cars: a 3 and 4 speed manual gears, and a 3 speed automatic. The one-year-only edition of the 1969 Ford Torino Talladega was a limited NASCAR oriented car that was produced in a very small number. Specialized engines were made available, such as an array of Windsor V8s, as well as a 351 cu-in. Cleveland V8 (5.8L) and a 429 cu-in. 385 Series V8 (7L). Hardtops, sedans, and wagons were all available models. With an all-new interior, Ford’s second generation of the Torinos prized itself with the Ford Torino Cobra (a SportsRoof model) for its raw performance.

By 1972, Ford Torino got a makeover: it was a “short deck long hood” styled vehicle. This gave it the ever-popular “coke bottle” design more prominent than ever. The number of Torino models that Ford has put out went from 14 down to 9. However, it was so successful that Ford cranked out over 450,000 of them that year. The demand for a Farilane-oriented Ford was thus fulfilled by a steady supply or Torinos all across America.

The limited-edition Torino cars are the hardest to come across nowadays, because of how many normal models came out throughout the years. Despite the overwhelming abundance of Ford Torino vehicles on the market, however, the popularity of a classic Chevy or even Plymouth competitor models far surpassed Ford in the American muscle car sale business.

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1968 Ford Ranchero

Larisa M. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:35:13 +0000

The Ford Ranchero doesn’t appear like a typical muscle car would, despite the powerful lineup of engines available for it, but that’s precisely what Ford strived for at the time. This full-size intermediate/compact car resembles a vehicle that came from overseas, and there’s a reason for that: it was adapted from the 1960 US Falcon, which was originally produced for markets in South Africa and Argentina However, the basic “pickup truck” like design was made decades before, when an Australian designer that worked for Ford came up with the first ever sketch for a utility coupe. The 1968 Ford Ranchero was in the making for over a decade, and this model was in production for 11 more years, until 1979.

What made the 1968 Ford Ranchero different from its previous year models was the all-new interior and a modified exterior. The vehicle looked more rectangular, with a straight grille and the four circular headlights placed vertically on each side. The four-pod instrument cluster was borrowed from on-going and previous Ford Torino and Ford Fairlane cars; it held, in separate “pods,” the following: the speedometer, the turning signals, warning lights, engine temperature, and other gauges.

Upgraded models of the 1968 Ford Ranchero even had a tachometer and a clock. 1968 legislation resulted in the Ranchero having side-marker lamps; another new mandate was seatbelt laws, so a seatbelt warning light appears every time you start the vehicle, which wasn’t seen in the previous years. The highest-end engine was a 390 6.4L V8, and both the automatic as well as the manual transmissions were 3-speed, which made the 1968 Ford Ranchero less of a muscle car and more of a compact vehicle.

Additional options for the 1968 Ranchero included:

Bucket seats
AC system
Radio
Optional wheels
Center console
Power disc brakes (front)
Vinyl top

The GT version of the 1968 Ford Ranchero came with a standard hood scoop, which was optional on lower-end models.

By 1971, Ford upgraded their lineup of engines for the Ranchero, introducing a 429 7L V8 for those seeking extra performance. Year 1976 topped even that, with a 460 7.5L V8, and an optional 4-speed manual transmission instead of the old 3-speed. Although the Ford Ranchero is no longer made for the American muscle car market, Australia makes this vehicle to this day.

Branded under the Holden name, it thrives overseas, despite the fact that GM decided to not go through with the newest 2010 Pontiac G8 ST model for re-introduction America.