Author Topic: Ford Forty-Nine (Read 846 times)

Skuzzy · « **Reply #15 on:** August 25, 2003, 01:49:28 PM »

The 49' has been around the show card circuit for several years. Everytime Ford talks about building it, they say the all-glass roof will not make it, nor the 20" wheels.

But this car is a running prototype. It has the 4.8 DOHC V-8 from the Mustang in it, tweaked a bit, but not up to the Cobra output. The car features 4 wheel independent suspension.

It probably will never see production as the Thunderbird cursed any chance of Ford doing a retro looking car. Ford just does not get it. The T-Bird would have sold like hot cakes had they kept true to the original sport nature of the T-Bird instead of building a 2-seat luxo-boat.

rpm · « **Reply #16 on:** August 25, 2003, 01:50:41 PM »

Ever since Chrysler went forward with their "Production Concept" line every manufacturer has been playing catch up. Hopefully this will lead to cars that are visually appealing instead of the butt ugly versions that are on the road....mainly Chevy's. Even the Chevy SSR misses the target. While it's stylish with a retractable hardtop, it's completely useless as a pickup. If they wanted a 2 seater sportster, why not go with a version of the Camero or a retro Corvette? A retro Vette would sell like the Viper did, and give it some serious competetion.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #17 on:** August 25, 2003, 01:57:35 PM »

Easy rpm.

Same reason Chevy will not do that, is the same reason the T-Bird turned out to be a luxo-boat.

Ford is afraid of hurting Mustang sales and Chevy will not tread into the Corvettes sales area with another car.

Even Chrysler has made an error or two, but is leagues ahead of the others. The Viper works and makes money for them as it does exactly what it looks like it does. The Prowler, on the other hand, looked fast, but was a slug and sales flopped.
The PT looks like a little truck/panel van, so no one expects it to keep up with a Viper.

I don't know who the American card makers use for focus groups, but they need to fire them.

rpm · « **Reply #18 on:** August 25, 2003, 02:04:14 PM »

True Skuzzy, GM has always been timid in the sports car arena. I remember them spanking Pontiac for the GTO and Olds for the 442 in the 60's.

lazs2 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 25, 2003, 02:41:45 PM »

yeah... a real future for the American auto industry... and foreign auto industry... Nostalgia.. the '49 is suppossed to harken to the old 49-51 shoebox fords. Fake mini coopers.... modern 53 chevy pickups... baby birds (fake 57 tbirds) little frontg wheel drive sedan deliveries... Blowers.... everything old is new again.

lazs

SFRT - Frenchy · « **Reply #20 on:** August 25, 2003, 02:44:51 PM »

I wish for a big chrome front air intake grid. The rear is sweet. The hood is too squarish, like the new Tbird. Fun interior. I would buy the car, and put some custom chrome grid on the front.

Talking about American car industry choices, those new boxy caddies .... yuk!

Skuzzy · « **Reply #21 on:** August 25, 2003, 03:05:55 PM »

You think Cadillac would have learned from the Pontiac Aztec. Afterall, all the new caddies all look like squished, malformed Aztec's to me.

Cadillac won't be around for too many more years if they keep churning out garbage like they have lately.

I wouldn't mind the Thunderbird, IF Ford had dropped a decent engine in it, with a good 6 speed standard, reworked the suspension system, better brakes, a decent exhaust note and trim about 800 pounds of fat from it. Then it would be a really nice car.

midnight Target · « **Reply #22 on:** August 25, 2003, 03:06:47 PM »

Shoulda hung on to my old '57 Nomad....

Ripsnort · « **Reply #23 on:** August 25, 2003, 03:10:04 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Skuzzy
The T-Bird would have sold like hot cakes had they kept true to the original sport nature of the T-Bird instead of building a 2-seat luxo-boat.

Spot on! I looked at them in 2001 , and then saw the engine output and 2-seater only option. See ya!

Skuzzy · « **Reply #24 on:** August 25, 2003, 03:10:26 PM »

My Dad has one MT, looks like new as well. He also has a 54 Ford Coupe that is completely mint.

nuchpatrick · « **Reply #25 on:** August 25, 2003, 03:16:42 PM »

Outch Diablo.. you found the wrong model Cont. lol!!! Thats UGLY!!

The model I really like is the 62 Continental due to the rear end stlye.

midnight Target · « **Reply #26 on:** August 25, 2003, 03:18:39 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Skuzzy
My Dad has one MT, looks like new as well. He also has a 54 Ford Coupe that is completely mint.

LOL, ours was just the family wagon that I inherited as a kid. At the time I thought it was an ugly POS. Oooops

Skuzzy · « **Reply #27 on:** August 25, 2003, 03:21:53 PM »

I think it is a cool looking wagon. He uses it for hauling engine blocks to/from the machine shop.
He uses his 54 for golf.