About This Quiz
Ford isn't the oldest automaker in the world, nor is it the one with the highest net worth — but it's not far off. Ford is, however, credited with producing the first car that a typical middle-class American could own. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength, innovating and molding the automotive world as we know it today.
On June 16, 1903, Ford Motor Company was incorporated and launched the Model A that same year. And, bar a three-year period during World War II, Ford has been producing cars ever since. That's 113 years of pumping out new model after new model. The question is, how many of them do you know?Â
If you're a fan of the hot rod scene, then you might know the Deuce coupe, but do you know what a 'Nucleon' looks like? That's a concept car powered by a small nuclear reactor that never went into production. And, while you'd probably spot a Mustang from a mile away, how easily would you recognize the Ford that was Britain's best-selling car for most of the '80s? The point is, to ace this quiz, you'd better know your Fords like the back of your hand. Test yourself and see if you can name that Ford now!
The F-150 has been the best-selling pickup truck in America for over 40 years and the best selling vehicle of any type in America for over 30 years. In fact, the F-150 is the second best-selling vehicle of all time, with over 40 million units sold!
The Thunderbird launched in 1955 to combat the success of Chevrolet's Corvette. But this model wasn't supposed to compete with it in terms of performance. Instead, the Thunderbird was marketed as more of a grand tourer — it was comfortable, roomy and still quick.
The Crown Victoria ran from 1992 until 2012 and was used by many police forces and taxi drivers. Although this rear-wheel-drive model packed a 4.6-liter V8 engine, it wasn't known for being particularly fast.
Advertisement
The Model 18 is often thought of as the first reasonably priced V8 production car. It was quicker than most of the other vehicles on the road at the time, making it the go-to vehicle for the likes of Baby Face Nelson, Bonnie and Clyde, and John Dillinger.
The Mustang ruled the American muscle scene since its launch in 1964. Highlighting this is the fact that Lt. Frank Bullitt drove a 1968 Mustang GT390 in the 1968 classic, "Bullitt." Many consider this to be the greatest driving movie of all time.
The Transit Custom is a smaller version of Ford's Transit Mk.5. It has essentially dominated its class in the UK since it launched in 2012. Its closest competitor is the bigger Transit Mk.5.
Advertisement
Ford Model B launched in 1932. The cars could be easily tuned, and young men were able to get their hands on them relatively cheaply after WWII. This made them ideal cars to turn into hot rods, and it also means it's difficult to find an unmodified version today.
The F-250 makes up part of Ford's Super Duty lineup. Its 6.7-liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 powerplant produces a ridiculous 935 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a maximum towing capacity of 18,500 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 4,270 lbs.
Inspired by the original GT40, Ford's GT is a bona fide supercar. The current model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which, thanks to twin-turbos, develops 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. These monstrous figures give it a 216-mph top speed!
Advertisement
The Escort RS Cosworth launched in 1992 as a homologation special and tore across the hot hatch scene. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine got it to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 147 mph, if you removed the rear wing.
Since its redesign in 2017, the F-150 Raptor has dominated the high-performance pickup niche. Its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 produces an impressive 450 horsepower, which is all sent through a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged V8, the 2020 Shelby Mustang GT500 has 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque on tap. Thanks to its powerplant, this model will do a quarter-mile in 10.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 180 mph.
Advertisement
When the Model T launched in 1908, it cost $850, which is roughly $23,000 today. By 1914, however, the price had dropped to $440, which is approximately $11,000 today. It's no wonder there were over 15 million Model T cars produced.
Ford's Mondeo is hugely popular in Europe, particularly Britain, where they have been used as police cars in the past. Since 2014, this model has been known as the Fusion in America.
Ford's GT90 concept was first revealed in 1995 and featured a quad-turbo V12 engine. Not only did this engine sound amazing, but it also gave the GT90 an estimated top speed of 253 mph.
Advertisement
The Galaxie lineup consisted of full-sized cars fitted with luxury features that Ford produced between 1959 and 1974. Ford, amongst other automakers, didn't miss the opportunity to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the space race when choosing the name for these models.
The Gran Torino launched in 1972 and was one of the models in the Torino lineup. An egg-crate grille in an oval opening and chrome bezels surrounding the headlamps ensure this model is unmistakable.
The 1949 Ford was the first all-new automotive design introduced by any of the big three American automotive manufacturers post WWII. At the time, the American big-three consisted of Ford, GM and Chrysler.
Advertisement
In preparation for production stoppages due to WWII, Ford gave its 1941 model some significant updates. Ford halted its car and truck production lines on February 10th, 1942, and wouldn't resume civilian production until July of 1945.
The third-generation Taurus replaced the Thunderbird for the 1998 NASCAR season. This made it the first four-door sedan to be approved for NASCAR competition. The Taurus went on to win three Winston Cup championships and two Busch Series championships.
The F-250 Super Chief is a concept truck that allowed drivers to use gasoline, E85 ethanol or hydrogen. It was powered by a V10 supercharged engine and could travel up to 500 miles before needing to refuel, but never went into production.
Advertisement
The Ranger EV was produced from 1998 to 2002. Most of the units were leased for fleet use, although some were sold. Ford used lead-acid batteries to power its 90 horsepower (67 KW) motor.
The Fiesta ST is small but mighty, and this is especially true of its 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This unit will get it to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 144 mph!
The Capri, designed by Philip T. Clark, is a fastback coupe. Clark was also involved in creating the Mustang, and this is evident when you look at the Capri. This model was intended to be Europe's Mustang and went on to sell 1.9 million units in its 18-year production.
Advertisement
The Explorer was Ford's first four-door SUV and replaced the two-door Bronco when it launched in 1991. The Explorer is now in its sixth generation, which launched in January 2019.
Ford's Cortina put an end to Austin/Morris' 1100/1300 as Britain's best-selling car. In fact, the Cortina was Britain's best selling car for nine out of 10 years between 1972-1981.
Ford Europe manufactured the Escort between 1968-2004. It was hugely successful and replaced the Cortina as Britain's best-selling car in 1982, a position it would retain for the next eight years.
Advertisement
The Shelby GR-1 concept was introduced as a clay model at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. After this, a fully functional model was revealed at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The concept was capable of hitting 190 mph but never went into production.
The Starliner launched in 1960 and ran until 1961. It used high-level Galaxie trim and could be powered by a 292, 352, or 390ci V8 engine. The Galaxie 500 replaced the Starliner in 1962.
The GT40 was born out of bitterness between Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari after a business deal that never saw fruition. Ford invested millions in the development of this model, and it showed when it placed first, second and third at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hour race, much to the delight of Henry Ford II.
Advertisement
Max Rockatansky, the lead character in "Mad Max," drove a black "Pursuit Special" version of a 1973 XB GT Falcon Hardtop. This iconic model was powered by a 351ci V8 engine that featured an unmistakable supercharger.
Ford only produced 146 road-going RS200s; this allowed the company to compete in Group B rally. Much like the rally version, the road-car was powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged Cosworth engine, which sent its power to all four wheels. There are some highly-tuned versions of the RS200 around, which can get to 60 mph in just over two seconds!
The 2019 Focus ST is a car to be taken seriously. It comes with a 2.3-liter engine that produces 276 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This means Focus ST is no slouch, having a sub-six second 0-60 mph time and a 155 mph top speed.
Advertisement
Although the Explorer was Ford's first four-door SUV, the Expedition was Ford's first full-size SUV with four doors. The Bronco ceased production in 1996, meaning the Expedition was its successor when it launched in 1997.
The S-MAX's seven-seat design draws inspiration from the Ford Galaxy. However, unlike the Galaxy, it's intended to be as sporty as a saloon. Ford has even described the S-MAX as an SAV (sports utility vehicle).
The Bronco competed in plenty of long-distance off-road races in the '60s and '70s. Ford even sold a "Baja Bronco" package in 1971; this package had quick-ratio power steering, fender flares, Gates Commando tires, a roll bar, and reinforced bumpers, among other features. Shown here is a first-generation Ford Bronco Wagon.
Advertisement
Ford once again teamed up with Cosworth to create a dominant racing car: the Sierra RS Cosworth was the result. This model was produced between 1986-1992 and found success in both rally and touring car racing.
It's not hard to see why the three-door SynUS received such poor reviews from automotive journalists when it debuted. It wasn't particularly charming; in fact, it wasn't too dissimilar looking to an armored car. Speaking of armored vehicles, the SynUS had a "lockdown mode," which caused steel shutters to close around the windows, exterior lights and windshield.
The first Puma was produced between 1997 and 2001 and only sold in Europe. However, the Puma relaunched in 2019 as a subcompact crossover SUV. Much like the original model, the latest version of the Puma will only be sold in Europe.
Advertisement