Now for another trip into the world of the Blue Oval from Sunday's Fabulous Fords Forever show at Knott's Berry Farm.
Ford has produced so many iconic models over the years, but sometimes you forget just how many there are until you see them all in one place.
Does this Highland Green Mustang fastback remind anyone of a certain motion picture set in San Francisco?
An entire section of the show was dedicated just to SVT Cobra models. Of all the Cobras, the 2000 Cobra R might be the toughest. This limited production model featured a tuned NA 5.4 that made 385hp, a stripped interior, side exit exhaust, Brembo brakes and functional aero parts.
As I walked through the show I heard the sound of a thumping big block and saw a massive crowd assembling. They were gathering around to see this '69 Torino Talladega NASCAR replica.
Imagine strapping into this cockpit for a ride down the freeway. That's just what the owner does.
A view of the 742 horsepower Boss 429 tucked nicely into the engine bay. This is beyond words.
A very period correct custom look on this Ford coupe, complete with flames, skirts and trick hubcaps.
If you were out on the road in the late 1980's, you'd have to keep a sharp eye out for the Special Service Package Mustangs patrolling the highways. These were essentially a beefed up LX 5.0's used for high speed pursuits.
To get an idea of just how big Fabulous Fords Forever is, there was one area about the size of a typical weekend car show dedicated JUST to Shelby cars. That's where I found this unrestored '67 GT500.
Although its an extremely valuable car, it would almost be shame to restore it.
The natural patina gives the car a very strong personality.
Another one of the spotlighted models at this year's show was the Pinto. 2011 marks the 40th anniverary of this cult favorite. I've had my own experiences with the Pinto, so I was definitely feeling the love.
Few cars can outdo the Pinto when it comes to "small car plus big engine" combo.
Hmmmm. No comment.
Galaxie 500 Wagon with a 390 and Torq Thrusts? Yes please.
The Sunbeam Tiger may come from England, but its Ford V8 powerplant earns it a rightful spot in this crowd.
At first glance this might look like a typical Fox Body Mustang…
…but it's actually the rare SVO model powered by the turbocharged 2.3 liter four cylinder. The SVO's had unique styling, five-lug wheel hubs, four wheel disc brakes, and other things not seen on the V8 Mustangs of the time. There's been lots rumors of Ford of making a new Mustang SVO powered by an EcoBoost V6 but so far nothing official yet…
"We heard you like old Fords so we…" I'll let you guys finish that one off.
A '69 Mach 1 in pristine original condition. After spending so much time around the RTR-X, I've almost forgotten what a stock '69 looks like.
The scoop hints at the 428CJ power under the hood.
Another one for the international selection – a Mark II Cortina.
I'll wrap up with potent looking Mustang Coupe. They may not get as much love as their fastback brothers, but a coupe can look damn good when done right.
Be back soon to wrap up my Fabulous Fords Forever coverage.
-Mike Garrett
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Thanks man great coverage, as a harcore Ford guy this is heaven. Just to correct you thought the 2000 Cobra R came with a NA 5.4 DOHC V8 not a 4.6. In order to get that type of power out of a 4.6 you have to put a blower on it. Like with 03-04 Terminators
That Torino Talladegoa...MUST....HAVE....NOW!
Wish there was a Escort MK1 in the mix
TaurusSHO, you're correct on the 5.4L part, but you're incorrect that you need to put a blower on the 4.6L to get that power. You can get 400ish rwhp NA out of a 4.6L 4V with full bolt-ons, cams and a short runner. Bradon Aslept put down over 500 rwhp NA @ 284 ci, but that was an all out race engine.
High compression with a 4.6l, valve job, ported heads, etc could get that number. Great event. Great pics.
is that the infamous 'Disco Pinto' i spy??
[via NuggetG60YorkshireUK's computedr]
wow some absolute wonders in here.. love the Pinto's and even a Cortina.. remember them - thanks for such a mixed bag of Blue Oval magic!
We heard you like old Fords, so we put an old Ford onto of an old Ford, so you can drive while you drive!
5.4 indeed for the 00R. That one in the photo belongs to a buddy of mine.
when you mentioned the rtr-x i was like, hang on, where is the rtr-x? was vaugh too busy with forumla d?
Yep, my mistake. It's a 5.4. Was somehow thinking of the Terminators!
Ever heard of a Pinto Pangra?
Need a Falcon GT-HO in there
@ Yossarian - you can get more of your Torino fix here:
http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/hrdp_0712_1969_ford_torino_talladega/photo_07.html
Love that car.
Too bad the Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase 3 with the 351Ci Cleveland motor would put those factory American Ford's to shame! Almost 400hp from the 351 Cleveland motor, able to pull in excess of 7000rpm in 4th gear without the rev limiter. Worth more than the American Fords too. One sold for $750,000 AUD 3years ago....
Someone Know where i can find the steering wheel of the talladega...
crazy,
you are crazy, ford escorts here are P.O.S.
GO GO TORINO!
beast
High compression with a 4.6l, valve job, ported heads, etc could get that number. Great event. Great picks.
Woo yeah Fords for life. Feature on that torino or cobra r please.
So we stated the 5.4L thing, We also stated the fact that it doesn't need N/A. How is it we haven't mentioned the IRS assembly it came with in the back?
more foxbodie sand foci!!
All you people talking about lower capacity V8s... Have you all forgotten about Europe?
Ferrari 360 - 3.6 litre V8 with 400bhp. And that came out a year before the Cobra R.
Haha, it's fun to see how every American would agree on the fact a 65' coupe has nothing extraordinary ...
Here in France, I would just LOOOOOOVE to own one.
Thats one sexy svo hope mine looks that good soon....
I'll take the Cortina. Oh yes.
I have been fortunate enough to see a Cobra R in person. Also have a model of it. Thing just looks like it means business. Probably my favorite Mustang. All of it's bits were functional and through their function gave great form and style. I wish Ford has simply continued to evolve the mustang's styling instead of going retro so we could have a new Cobra R.
Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase 3 was made for 2 years. There rare and that's why those with more money than brains would buy one. Most cars at Barret Jackson are horribly over-priced. I doubt it would hold it own with a Cobra R much less an 80's SVO..LOL
Except a that Ferrari V8 will need a hell of a lot more maintenance than that refined Ford truck motor.