What Are the Most Influential Ford Vehicles of All Time?

What are the most famous and influential Ford vehicles of all time? Ford is hard not to like, with its solid engineering and a motto that anybody who has ever watched television will know; let’s say it together now: “Built Ford Tough.” Fun fact: that motto wasn’t first heard—or, more specifically, read—until 1978. Does this mean that Ford vehicles built before 1978 weren’t built tough? You know the answer to that, so there’s no surprise why Ford as a brand has been so influential in the car industry for over a century. Here at The Faricy Boys Ford, your premiere Pueblo Ford dealer, we take great pride in Ford’s impact on the car world and demonstrate that dedication to innovation with our impressive selection of vehicles.

Ford vehicles have left their mark on history in one way or another. Some of the Ford vehicles that we’ll discuss have been lost to time—or memorialized if you want to be less grim about it. Other Ford vehicles in this list can still be found within Ford’s lineup today. Regardless of when a Ford vehicle was released, it’s still a Ford and is undoubtedly a valuable piece of machinery.

After all, Ford has been releasing vehicles for so long—even preceding the likes of television programs like The Three Stooges or Laurel & Hardy by a significant margin. If you want to get a clear picture of how long Ford has been in business, the 26th president of the United States was in office at the time—that being Theodore Roosevelt. While we’re at it, another fun fact: Ford, as a brand, is older than any living human. This may sound crazy to you, but this was a recent development. Anyway, let’s get on with the list before we get even more carried away.

#5. Ford F-Series

It’s hard not to go about a list like this and not bring up the world-renowned F-Series pickup trucks. The F-Series isn’t one vehicle but several, including the likes of the F-150, F-250, F-350, and so on. While each model is ultimately sold separately, each vehicle belongs to the F-Series family. This isn’t just the best-selling truck in the United States, but the best-selling vehicle altogether. If that’s not merit for inclusion as one of Ford’s most influential vehicles of all time, we don’t know what is.

The F-Series pickup truck has been around for a long time, with the first of its kind being introduced back in 1948. Over the years, the F-Series of pickup trucks has cemented itself as the truck of choice for hardworking drivers—those who refuse to settle for second-best when it comes to their job. With such a long history and hundreds of thousands of models being sold each year, there’s no denying that the F-Series pickup trucks are some of the most influential parts of Ford’s lineup.

#4. Ford Model 18

There’s a chance you haven’t heard of the Ford Model 18. The Model 18 was released in 1932 and was one of several vehicles released as the successor (to the successor) to the Model T. Believe it or not, even if you believe you’ve never heard of the Model 18 before, there’s a chance that you may have.

Don’t believe us? Well, have you ever heard of Bonnie and Clyde? Yes, that Bonnie and Clyde. The vehicle they drove as their reign of crime sprees came to a screeching halt was none other than a Model 18. Heck, you can even go see the real Bonnie and Clyde Model 18 should you wish; just take a quick trip to Vegas—and don’t forget to send a postcard while you’re there.

But why did this film choose the Ford Model 18 as its stars’ means of escape? Simple: it was fast! In a time when most police officers’ means of transportation were either a motorbike or a lackluster automobile, the titular Bonnie and Clyde drove Ford’s first vehicle to ever feature a V8 engine. What better way to outrun the police?

Moonshiners also favored the Model 18 during prohibition to escape the police while smuggling liquor. Come to think of it, this makes us realize how troublesome this car was at the time, especially for law enforcement. Good thing prohibition is over, right? Anyways, what did Ford’s first V8 engine give drivers? Up to 85 hp—yes, 85 hp in 1932!

#3. Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang was built during a special time in the automotive industry. Vehicles were finally common possessions, and the grandchildren of the Model T drivers were now looking for a vehicle to drive after high school. At this time, Ford was in a race with several manufacturers to create a vehicle that would, in theory, change the landscape of the automotive industry. How? By introducing style and flair at a much lower price than people originally anticipated.

Because the Mustang had to appeal to the younger crowd of the day, Ford made several strides that had never been seen before in the automotive industry. For example, according to Ford’s history of the Mustang, the first television advertisement to feature the Mustang was viewed by over 29,000,000 people. This was thanks to a superb job by the marketing team spreading the word. Coupled with the jaw-dropping exterior and fully modernized interior, suddenly everyone wanted a Mustang—regardless of their age. Shortly after, the Mustang became a household name, with Ford claiming to have sold 420,000 units in the year of its debut alone.

#2. Ford GT40

The GT40, while not a consumer vehicle, has cemented itself in history with a success story that has since been adapted into mainstream media. Films such as Ford v Ferrari, starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale, have brought more light to this amazing story. The GT40 is famously known for having completed the 24 hours of Le Mans against incredible odds; Ford managed to oust the likes of Ferrari in this race. Why is that important? Well, back in the early 1960s, Ford attempted to purchase Ferrari, only for the latter to ditch the deal in pursuit of better, more lucrative opportunities.

Considered a spiteful move that resulted in eventual success, Henry Ford II set out to create a racing vehicle that would make Ferrari’s decision three years prior look laughable in retrospect. With the newly designed GT40 at the helm, the first three teams to win the race were all driving the venerable Ford GT40 MK II. Ferrari would finish the race in 8th place with its Ferrari 275 GTB/C racing vehicle. Decades later, Ford would release the GT, which was directly inspired by the championship-winning GT40 but was sold at a consumer level.

#1. Ford Model T

Come on, we all knew this would be the most influential Ford vehicle of all time. Why wouldn’t it be? It’s the first automobile that gained mainstream recognition, and it doesn’t get more influential than that. While the Model T seems distinctively old by today’s standards—with its boxy chassis and snub-nosed grille—it’s a design that we wouldn’t have had any other way. When looking at a Model T, should you ever have the honor of seeing one in person, one comes to understand how limited engineers were in the early 1900s. And yet, they were still able to make the stuff of dreams come to life.

The Model T would lay the groundwork for essentially every Ford vehicle that followed. Eventually succeeded by the Model A, then the Model B, the original Model T was all but forgotten. In fact, over 15,000,000 units were on the road by the time the Model T was discontinued. There’s no understating how influential the Model T has been for the automotive industry as a whole. This makes it even more impressive that Ford has consistently repeated its success as an auto manufacturer.

A Rich History of Innovation

As you can see, Ford’s history of being a leader in the automotive industry through its creation of some of the most iconic vehicles ever made is a tradition still seen today. Models like the Mustang and GT remain popular staples in Ford’s arsenal, while the brand’s more recent focus on SUVs and trucks like the Bronco and F-150 have allowed the company to dominate the new millennium by providing innovative vehicles that defy expectations. We here at The Faricy Boys Ford welcome you to come in and experience Ford’s innovative selection of vehicles for yourself. While you won’t exactly find a Model T on our showroom floor, you will find a plethora of amazing vehicles carrying on that same dedication that started over a century ago!