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One of the original Ford Thunderbirds and the newest T-Bird cruising the streets of Detroit, Mich.
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Ford Concepts (201)On this episode of
Ride of Your Life the engineers at Ford will put you in the driver's seat of their most technologically advanced concept car, the yet-to-be-released GT 40. The GT 40 is a throwback to a car Ford produced in the 1960s to compete with Ferrari on the international racing circuit. Now it's back with a striking new body featuring lines nostalgically reminiscent of the original.
We also speak to several Ford executives about the company's proud history, its superior standards and what is in store for the auto maker in years to come.
And if you've ever wanted to own a "car-of-the-future" from the past, this is your chance to get a firsthand peek at 40 years worth of concept cars—such as early Mustangs and Thunderbirds—that will soon be going up for auction.
Join us for an in-depth look at one of the most important companies in American history.
J Mays and the GT 40 Facts:
- J Mays, Ford's lead designer, joined the company in 1997. He previously had designed cars for Audi.
- Essential elements of the original GT 40—including the stunning low profile and mid-mounted American V-8—continue in the latest interpretation of this classic.
- The "40" refers to the height of the original car's roof, but the new model is four inches taller and a foot and a half longer.
- The yet-to-be announced price for the new GT 40 will be in six figures.
Resources:
Ford Gt40: An Anglo-American Supercar Classic
By David Hodges
Ford History Facts:
- Ford was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford with just $28,000 in capital. The first car was sold to a doctor.
- Ford sold 15 million Model T's from 1908 to 1927.
- Perhaps Ford's greatest contribution to 20th century industrial progress was the invention of the assembly line in 1913, which made production more efficient and prices more affordable.
- The Ford Taurus was the best selling sedan in the U.S. five straight years from 1992-1996.
Resources:
Model T: How Henry Ford Built a Legend
By David Weitzman
Contact Information:
Ford Motor Company
www.ford.com
Concepts, Thunderbird and Mustang Facts:
- Before the "Thunderbird" name was chosen, Ford considered other names including: Sportsman, Lightening Rod and Cougar.
- The 1964 Mustang received the Gold Medal Tiffany award for excellence in American Design and set off the 60s' "pony car" craze.
Resources:
The Story of Ford Thunderbirds
By David K. Wright and Jim Mezzanotte
The Ford Mustang Anthology
By Harry W. Ilaria
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