1976 Ford XC GT 351 Ute

You've seen it on Curbside Classic, you've seen it on Hooniverse, and now you can see it here. Uniquely Australian, Utes are car-based pickups, similar to our own pickup cars. This particular one is based on the XC Falcon, and has been made in to a sort of GT 351 clone (the package was never available). This car has been sitting on the Oregon coast for a while now, but hopefully its rarity (at least in the U.S.) means it will be saved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1976 Ford Courier

The Courier was Ford's entry into the minitruck market in the 70s and 80s. It was a rebadged Mazda, though with a Ford-designed grill. The first generation shown here lasted until 1976, and the second (and final) lasted until '85. The early Couriers are becoming rare, so it was a treat to see this one, especially in such good and original condition.

 

 

 

 

2015 Mustang—Evos-based V8 Pony Car

I thought I'd try a front 3/4 view of an Evos-based Mustang. I extended the wheelbase and then shortened the cabin and moved it backward. "Proper Pony Car Proportions" are absolutely necessary for any Mustang replacement. I prefer the original 2+2 style louvered C-pillar, compete with functioning interior air extractors rather than the current car's glass inserts, but they'd be available at no extra cost for people that prefer that look.

I've been under-the-weather for the past few months, and I'd like to thank everyone who has emailed me and sent their thoughts and best wishes. Summer is here, so let's all enjoy the slow and easy days of my favorite season!

1958 Edsel Ranger Sedan

The Edsel was a brand of cars (technically separate from Ford) introduced in 1958. Ford worked hard on this new Edsel and claimed it was both revolutionary and modern. However, someone forgot to tell the developers, who made a large, chrome-slathered car that seemed to be stuck in the past. By the late 1958, though the biggest fins were still to come, people were shying away from cars like the Edsel, and its hideous vertical grill didn't help. Today, however, the Edsel is the ultimate in 50s cool. The rear lights, the split bumpers, and even the font on the badges are all just so 50s. And this base Ranger looks great in baby blue with matching rims.

 

 

 

 

Repost: 2010 Crown Victoria Concept

One of my sillier chops from the past, this Crown Victoria concept was chopped in 2008 I believe. I worked in lower resolution then, hence the pixelation. I based this large, rear wheel-drive 6-passenger Ford sedan on a photo of an S-Class Mercedes, one of the few contemporary sedans with the correct rwd proportions built-in. I polished the front doors in a nod to professional pursuit vehicles nationwide and also indented the hood and trunk to catch the light in a way that would mimic Ford's classic racing stripes. Uplevel "civilian" versions would have a blanked out C-pillar, a la the classic "Galaxy" roofline, but fleet cars would use that very 1990s Crown Vic "sixth" window. Lastly, I'll just say that this was chopped way before the current Taurus hit the streets and it picked up my chromed trunk bar with the Ford oval almost 100%. I, of course, had based mine on the late '60s Torinos which had sort of similar trim pieces. My front end treatment used modified Cadillac headlights for a more vertical appearance, a nod to the '65-'67 large Fords and their stacked vertical headlights.

Happy Memorial Day to everyone, a day to remember all that have served and sacrificed for our country, and personally, happy birthday to me today, lol. (And a happy birthday to Clay, a longtime reader and contributor to those early car forums where I began chopping photos and posting them.)

1969 Ford Econoline Club Wagon

The second generation Econoline was introduced in 1969, replacing the Falcon-based compact 1st gen. This was the first modern American van, meaning it had a hood. In 1969, Dodge and Chevy both still had cab-over-engine vans. This "luxury" Club Wagon has been converted into a camper, and looks great in white and green two-tone.

 

 

 

   

Repost: 2014 Mustang?

One of my most widely-read, downloaded and reposted around the Web is this 2014 Mustang I created from the Ford Evos concept car. I first posted this rendering in September of 2011. I mentioned at the time that I felt the wheelbase was a little too long aft of the door. I thought I might go back and do a second one tightening up that space, but haven't gotten around to it yet! Interestingly I find the new Corvette Stingray to be too long aft of its doors, too. Maybe it's my eyes!

Just last week I was asked for permission for a website to run this Mustang. Sometimes you have no idea what types of "life" your work will lead once you've published it on the web!

21st Century Torino GT Sportsroof?

This reborn Ford Torino GT Sportsroof was chopped a few years ago, but had been posted only over at my other blog. I'm reposting some of those earlier pieces that never made it over here until I can carve some time out to finish new chops. In addition to being swamped with book projects I recently had a 16GB thumbdrive erase itself, losing my "Chops Start" folder with perhaps half  dozen new cars in various stages. Such is the electronic world!

This modern throwback coupe was created from a 4-5 door Tesla sedan if I remember correctly. I placed some of the German Alps behind it. I was born in Stuttgart in the Black Forest and at the time my Dad had his pink-and-black '56 Fairlane Sunliner shipped over there. I grew up with stories of how his Thunderbird-Special 312 V8's exhaust echoed through the Alpine passes and tunnels as he drove.

I think a 21st century Torino could once again be positioned as a powerful rear-wheel drive larger brother to the Mustang. I'd envision a 6-8 inch stretch in the 'Stang's wheelbase for a larger rear seat with added/upgraded luxuries.

1968 Ford LTD

Though it was the final year of the 1st  generation, the 1968 LTD looked nothing like previous model years. New were the hidden headlights, and an overall styling refresh. The LTD was introduced as an affordable-luxury car; based on basic Fords yet upgraded with premium features. This LTD has a middle-range 390, though monster 427 and 428 were available. Standing out with its vinyl roof and sweet hubcaps, this LTD has great patina: well-used, but not uncared for. 

On a different topic, today is the one-year anniversary of the creation of this blog. It's been really interesting and fun. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seattle's Abandoned Cars: 1950 Ford Sedan

The new Ford came along in 1949, and was a huge departure from previous models. The car was brand new, and looked the part too; the design was very modern and up to date. Gone was the high hood and lower fenders, the new car had them all about the same height. It's a little hard to see these design elements on this one, but there's still enough there to identify the car.