![]() The traditional round taillights implemented by Ford in the past were dropped in favor of a new semi-circular design. Up front, one significant change in styling included moving the headlights from the fenders down into the grille. The restyling incorporated by Ford was apparent from bumper to bumper. #MERCURY CARS FULL SIZE#A decade that started with a challenge to build a better car, 1950s can well be remembered as a time of numerous styling, performance and luxury innovations for both Ford and Mercury.įor 1960, the full size cars in the Ford and Mercury line were completely redesigned and, with the exception of engines and drivetrains, carried over little from the previous year. The Ranchero would continue, but as part of the Falcon line. ![]() As the 1950s drew to a close, the end of the decade also brought with it the end of Ford's Skyliner retractable hardtop and full-sized Ranchero models. The model name would serve Ford well throughout the next decade and on into 1972. The popular Galaxie nameplate was first unveiled in 1959 as a top of the line model. With the new engine came the Multi-Drive three-speed automatic transmission. 1958 also brought quad headlamps, as well as the 383 cu in (6.3 L) MEL V8. #MERCURY CARS SERIES#In 1958, Ford continued to pursue a competitive performance edge with the introduction of the "FE" series of big block engines, offering 332 and 352 cubic inch V8s, and the Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. ![]() 1957 also saw the introduction of the Ranchero, advertised as “More than a car! More than a truck!” Witnessing the rare retractable hardtop in action was a spectacle for its time, and one that continues to impress car show audiences to this day. The Skyliner’s transition from hardtop to convertible was carried out through a complex electrical system of relays, switches and motors that lifted the roof, and then smoothly lowered the hardtop into the trunk. This trend-setting year also included the introduction of the Skyliner retractable hardtop. To house these modern powerplants, Ford introduced the longer, lower, and wider styling of the 1957 model line. The horsepower wars were on, and Ford raced to keep ahead of the competition, eventually increasing the displacement of its Y-block to 312 cubic inches. 1952 brought an updated chassis and suspension features.ġ953 marked the end of an era, with the last of the venerable Flathead V8 engines rolling off the assembly line to make way for the new overhead valve 239 and 256 cubic inch Y-block V8s. Coupled with the long-standing Ford Flathead V8 engine, Ford’s first automatic transmission, the Ford-O-Matic, would provide a landmark improvement in performance and drivability. The 1949 Ford would be the foundation from which many innovations and performance improvements would be launched throughout the 1950s. New design elements of the decade were not limited to the body. Ford's designers focused much of their energy on rooflines throughout this era, starting with the tinted plastic of the early Skyliners and Sun Valleys and culminating with the attractive stainless sweep of the 19 Crown Victorias, Montereys, and Montclairs. The Ford Customline, Mainline and Crestlines of 1953 also boasted a one-piece windshield along with updated and modern interior fabrics. ![]() With few subtle modifications, these body styles were carried through the 1951 model year.ġ952 brought new body styles featuring a one-piece windshield. To this day, few other vehicles have captured car customizer’s attention like the ’49 Mercury. From its sleek chrome bullet nose at the center of the grille, on back to the horizontal taillights, the ‘49s were indeed unlike any other cars of their day. A smooth connection from grille to taillights took the eye over a sweeping silhouette. Unlike the bulging fender and body offerings that had preceded it, the ‘49 had a clean continuous line from the front fenders, through the doors, and on through the rear quarter panels. Perhaps the biggest break from the past was the 1949’s integral fender design. ![]() Introduced in mid-1948, the all-new 1949 Ford and Mercury Eight were radical departures from previous automotive design, and a stylish precursor of the cars that would follow throughout the 1950s. Under the leadership of Henry Ford II, the company’s designers were challenged to create a car that was unlike anything offered by Detroit at the time. Shortly after the end of WWII, the Ford Motor Company sought a new direction. ![]()
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