How to Buy a Classic Ford

Henry Ford brought America the first mass-produced, affordable car, and Americans have been in love with Ford products ever since. Today there are many great cars from the '50s, '60s and '70s that are quite affordable.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cars
• Used-car Quote Requests

1. Consider a Thunderbird if you want Ford's answer to the Corvette. Introduced in 1955 as a two-seat convertible, the car later grew to seat four in 1958 and also became available in a coupe. The car changed again in 1967, getting even larger.

2. Consider a Galaxie for the big-boat Ford. Of special note is the 500XL, which was available only as a two-door and a bib-block V-8. This car is pretty impressive as a convertible.

3. Look for a Falcon for the car that the Mustang was based on. This car is quite handsome in the two-door and convertible form and was available with the same 289 found in the Mustang.

4. Consider a Fairlane for one of the more elegant midsize sedans produced in the '50s and '60s. It was available in GT version with a big block V-8.

Tips & Warnings

• Parts are plentiful for most of these cars. As with most old cars, watch out for rust and be sure to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic.

on 11/22/2005 Consult a local club supporting that particular car. They know the car and what to look for.Although a few will try to sell you their car for an inflated price most will really help you and welcome you as a prospective club member. Is that Crown a real glass top or a manufactured one? Is it an Edsel or a Ford? Is it a factory XL or did someone just install bucket seats? Is it a genuine 427 car or does it just have the flags? Is it really an early production non-Skyliner 57 retractable or a fake? Club members can answer those questions BEFORE you buy! Folks who push bogus cars hurt the hobby.