1970s Ford Cars

1970s Ford Cars: Power and Performance 

The 1970s were a pivotal decade for Ford cars, an era that combined style, innovation, and adaptability in a shifting economic and regulatory landscape. From high-performance muscle cars to affordable economy models and elegant luxury sedans, Ford responded to the times with vehicles that are now treasured in classic car circles.

This article highlights the best Ford cars of the 1970s, helping collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts select the top models of the era. Whether you're seeking a sleek Mustang, a practical Fairmont, or a rare LTD Landau, this resource will steer you toward owning or restoring a piece of Ford’s legacy.

All 1970s Ford Cars Featured in This Guide

The following are the classic Fords featured in this article.

Economy Models

• Ford Pinto (1971–1980)

• Ford Maverick (1970–1977)

Luxury Vehicles

• Ford LTD Landau (Late 1970s)

• Ford Thunderbird (1970–1979)

Performance and Muscle Cars

• Ford Mustang (1970–1973)

• Ford Mustang II (1974–1978)

• Ford Mustang Fox Body (1979)

Sedans and Station Wagons

• Ford Fairmont (1978–1983)

• Ford Granada (1975–1982)

• Ford LTD (1970s)

• Ford Torino (1970–1976)

• Ford LTD II (1977–1979)

Ford Motor Company: A Brief History and Legacy

Founded in 1903 by Henry Ford and 11 investors, the Ford Motor Company revolutionized the automotive industry by introducing mass production through the use of the moving assembly line. This innovation made vehicles like the Model T affordable for everyday Americans, forever transforming the global manufacturing industry.

Throughout the 20th century, the Ford Motor Company played a central role in shaping mobility in the United States and worldwide. The brand expanded globally and developed key models, such as the Mustang, Thunderbird, and F-Series pickups. It also weathered significant economic challenges, including the Great Depression and the oil crisis.

The 1970s Energy Crisis

The energy crisis of the 1970s, triggered by global events, impacted the American car industry, particularly Ford Motor Company. As gas prices rose and fuel became increasingly scarce, people began searching for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. Initially, Ford struggled to compete with European and Japanese companies that had already established a presence in this market.

To catch up, Ford introduced smaller cars, such as the Pinto and later the Escort. These cars were their first step toward change. In the late 1970s, Ford Motor Company began investing more money and effort in developing fuel-efficient engines and smaller cars that consumed less fuel.

One significant result of this change was the introduction of the Ford Taurus. It was a distinct model with a smooth, modern shape and better fuel economy. Ford also equipped it with innovative standard features and employed a more efficient production method by working closely with its teams.

Thanks to these changes, Ford Motor Company was able to win back customers and offer vehicles that met the needs of drivers following the crisis. They demonstrated that they could compete once more, even during challenging times.

Characteristics of 1970s Ford Cars

Many of the world’s classic car collections feature 1970s Ford cars. They are distinct from other classic cars due to their unique features. Here are the characteristics that make 1970s Ford cars special.

Source: American Collectors Insurance - Visual History of Classic Ford Cars

Economy Models

These 1970s Ford cars showcase Ford's cost-effective solutions for budget-conscious drivers, emphasizing affordability, simplicity, and fuel efficiency.

Ford Pinto (1971-1980)

The Ford Pinto, introduced in 1970, was an affordable subcompact car that gained popularity, selling over 800,000 units in its first two years of production. Ford Motor Company began initial planning for the Pinto in summer 1967. The Product Planning Committee recommended it in December 1968, and the board of directors approved it by January 1969. 

Lee Iacocca pushed for a fresh model that weighed under 2,000 lb and cost less than $2,000. To meet this goal, Ford launched the fastest development cycle in automotive history, completing the Pinto’s production planning in just 25 months—far shorter than the industry average of 43.

The Pinto featured unibody construction, bucket seats, and a four-cylinder Kent engine imported from Ford of England. It was the first four-cylinder engine offered by Ford in North America since 1934. It featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, with rack-and-pinion steering, optional power brakes, and a live axle suspension on leaf springs. Its mechanical design remained conventional but practical for its class and time.

Key Features:

• Compact and affordable

• Available as a two-door sedan, hatchback ("Runabout"), and wagon

• Fuel-efficient for its time

Ford Maverick (1970-1977)

The Ford Maverick was introduced in the spring of 1969 as a 1970 model to compete with compact foreign cars, such as the Volkswagen Beetle. Priced under $2,000, it gained popularity for its affordability, fuel economy, and fastback design. It was produced until 1977 and was especially favored during the fuel-conscious early 1970s. Unlike the Pinto and the Vega, the Maverick was a reliable vehicle that gained a loyal fan base, including drag racers. Today, it is celebrated by enthusiasts for its place in Ford’s compact car history.

Key Features:

• Basic and affordable compact car

• Offered as a two-door and later a four-door sedan

• Straightforward design

Luxury Vehicles

Here are the 1970s Ford cars that catered to upscale buyers.

Ford LTD Landau (1973-1978)

The Ford Landau, introduced in 1973, was designed as a luxury coupe by combining elements of the LTD and Falcon Hardtop. It featured a 5.8L V8 engine, complete power accessories, and four-wheel disc brakes. Marketed as a premium “personal coupe,” it struggled with reliability issues, limited rear seating, and debuted during a fuel crisis, resulting in only 1,385 units sold by 1976. Despite its commercial failure, it is now valued as a rare collectible due to its unique design.

Key Features:

• Luxurious trim of the full-size LTD

• Padded landau roof

• Upgraded interior materials and features

Ford Thunderbird (1970-1979)

The Ford Thunderbird was introduced in 1955 as a two-seat roadster designed to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette, but it ultimately evolved into a personal luxury car. After reaching peak luxury in 1976, it downsized in response to fuel efficiency demands. By 1979, demand started to fall due to rising fuel prices and new regulations. However, the 1977-1979 Ford Thunderbird models made personal luxury more accessible.

Key Features:

• Focused on comfort and style

• Often featured powerful V8 engines

• Long hood and formal roofline design

Performance and Muscle Cars

Ford's performance-driven efforts led to the development of its performance models.

Ford Mustang (1970-1973)

The first-generation Ford Mustang, produced from 1964 to 1973, established the "pony car" class with its sporty design. It debuted as a hardtop and convertible, with a fastback version introduced later. Built on the Ford Falcon platform, the Mustang began as a compact car but grew in size and power over time, culminating in a significant redesign in 1971. Sales initially thrived but eventually declined. This led Ford to develop a smaller, fuel-efficient replacement for the Mustang in response to the 1973 oil crisis—the Mustang II.

Key Features:

• An iconic pony car with sporty styling

• Offered powerful V8 engine options (including Boss and Mach 1)

• Performance-oriented suspension and handling packages

Ford Mustang II (1974-1978)

The Ford Mustang II, produced from 1974 to 1978, represented a significant shift in the Mustang's identity, driven by the 1970s oil crisis and new emissions regulations. Despite initial success, with sales of almost 386,000 units and a win of Motor Trend's Car of the Year Award, enthusiasm waned as performance-oriented buyers lost interest. This led to a decline in sales by the late 1970s.

Key Features:

• Smaller and more fuel-efficient Mustang

• Based on the Pinto platform

• Offered a more European-inspired design for the time

Ford Mustang Fox Body (1979)

The 1979 Mustang marked the introduction of the Fox Body platform, enhancing its muscle car appeal with a redesigned logo and bold quad headlights. It was available in coupe and fastback body styles, with a more spacious interior and improved features. The model gained recognition as the Indy 500 Pace Car, with 10,478 limited-edition hatchbacks released. 

Key Features:

• Completely redesigned on the Fox platform

• More modern styling and improved handling

• Marked a return to a more performance-oriented direction

Sedans and Station Wagons

Here is Ford’s take on a practical approach to family transportation, striking a balance between comfort, utility, and modern design.

Ford Fairmont (1978-1983)

The Ford Fairmont was a compact car produced from 1978 to 1983, designed to replace the Ford Maverick. It introduced the Fox platform, which was used in various Ford models until 2004. This model offered versatility with availability in several body styles, including a two-door hardtop sedan, a coupe, a four-door sedan, and a five-door wagon. It was positioned between the Pinto and the Granada, sharing its platform with the Mercury Zephyr. 

Key Features:

• Modern and fuel-efficient mid-size car

• Practical family transportation

Ford Granada (1975-1982)

The Ford Granada was a compact to mid-size sedan produced in North America from 1975 to 1982. It aimed to replace the Ford Maverick and offered upscale features in a smaller vehicle. The first generation (1975–1980) was a compact sedan, while the second generation (1981–1982) transitioned to a smaller-size sedan. The Granada name was discontinued in 1983 in favor of the Ford LTD, and more than two million units were manufactured at various U.S. plants.

Key Features:

• Marketed as a "personal luxury" compact sedan

• Offered more upscale features than the Maverick or Pinto

• Also available as a two-door coupe

Ford LTD (1970s)

The Ford LTD models from 1975 to 1978 were the last full-size sedans produced by Ford before the company shifted its focus to smaller cars. These vehicles were renowned for their spacious interiors and luxurious features, including comfortable seating and chrome accents. Although sales declined because of rising fuel prices and changing buyer preferences, the LTD became a popular family car and a status symbol in the 1970s.

Key Features:

• Ford's main full-size car line

• Available as a four-door sedan, two-door hardtop, and station wagon (Country Squire)

• Offered various trim levels from basic to luxurious (Brougham)

Ford Torino (1970-1976) 

The Ford Torino, named after the Italian city of Turin, is a classic car made in three generations from 1968 to 1976. It came in various styles, including convertibles, sedans, wagons, and sports cars. The model offered a range of engines and various transmission options to meet different driving needs.

The Torino's design became more muscular and aerodynamic, especially with the "Coke-bottle" look introduced in 1972-73. Today, this model is still admired for its design and muscle car heritage, with many restoration parts available from suppliers.

Key Features:

• Ford's intermediate offering during this period

• Available in two-door (hardtop/fastback), four-door sedan, and station wagon

• Included performance-oriented versions (GT, Cobra)

Ford LTD II (1977-1979)

The Ford LTD II was produced from 1977 to 1979. Its purpose was to modernize Ford's mid-size cars by updating the larger Ford Torino. Although it was sold as a mid-size car, the LTD II was one of the biggest in its class, even larger than some full-size cars. Although often overlooked, the LTD II reflects a significant period in Ford's history. Today, this model is rare but appreciated by fans for their unique place in automotive history.

Key Features:

• Downsized intermediate that replaced the Torino

• Offered as a coupe, sedan, and station wagon

• Aimed for a balance of size and efficiency

Where Can You Find a 1970s Ford Car?

You can find 1970s Ford cars in these markets:

• Car Clubs and Online Forums: Join clubs for classic Ford cars to get leads.

• Classic Car Auctions: Look at well-known auction houses such as Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, and RM Sotheby's.

• Classic Car Shows and Events: Attend local and national car shows to see vehicles and meet owners.

• Local Classifieds and Word-of-Mouth: Pay attention to local listings and ask around for recommendations.

• Online Classic Car Marketplaces: Check out websites like Hemmings, ClassicCars.com, and CLASSIC.COM.

• Specialized Classic Car Dealers: Locate dealerships that specialize in vintage cars.

Final Thoughts: Collecting Classic Ford Cars

The 1970s were a transformative era for Ford, marked by the adoption of various design philosophies. Today, collecting and restoring 1970s Ford cars offers a unique glimpse into automotive history during a pivotal era: the transition from muscle cars and stylish designs to a focus on practicality and regulation-driven changes.

This guide highlights the top 1970s Ford cars across key categories. Whether you're searching for a sleek muscle car, a retro cruiser, or a nostalgic daily driver, these selections represent the most notable models of the era.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the fastest Ford in the ‘70s?

The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351, with a quarter-mile time of 13.8 seconds, was likely the fastest Ford in the 1970s.

What was the most powerful muscle car in the 1970s? 

The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6, producing 450 horsepower, is often cited as the most powerful muscle car of the 1970s.

What was the most popular Ford car in the 1970s? 

The Ford Pinto was a popular Ford car throughout the 1970s.

How much horsepower does a 1970 Ford LTD have?

Depending on the engine, a 1970 Ford LTD could have had various horsepower ratings, ranging from around 250 to 360 horsepower.