Ford’s Veritable Cash Cows—The Bestselling Automobiles from the Company’s Garages

Let’s take a drive (in one of the iconic Ford GT 500s if you prefer) along the highway of the most popular Ford cars in history:

1. 1910 Model T

This should be mentioned first as homage to Henry Ford. This quaint looking car, one of first Ford models, ran on the streets between 1908 and 1927. It was the first major affordable car that made driving a reality for middle class Americans. It was also the first car to be manufactured on the revolutionary assembly line, a radical innovation by Henry Ford. GM, which would file for bankruptcy and receive billions of dollars from the American tax payer in the 21st century, would copy Ford on their manufacturing methods.

With a 177 cubic inch 4 cylinder engine, the Model T packed 20 hp and could go up to a speed of 40-45 mph. The car caught the popular imagination, and retains the honor of being the most sold car of all time with 16.5 million sales. It also pushed America away from the horse and changed human destiny forever.

1. 1961 Lincoln Continental

This one should be mentioned as a tribute to class and style. It was the fourth generation of the Lincoln model, and designed after the model ran into massive losses during 1956-1960. With its flat hood, clean sides and front, the luxury convertible was classic enough to inspire a whole generation of minimalistic, clean looking cars.

1. The Mustang 1964 ½

The epoch-making car was designed and developed in a record 18 months. It was preceded by Mustang I and II, and became the first of a generation of “pony cars”, with a long hood and a squat rear deck. Though it wasn’t an official model, soon to be replaced by the four-seater Mustang Fastback 2+2, this car wins out as having introduced the mustangs for the first time. It was also the first to come out with the V8 engine, thus galvanizing horse-power and torque.

1. Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

The 90s were synonymous with the Mustang Cobra, a four seater pony car that was affordable and yet signified wealth and affluence. Designed by Ford’s new Special vehicle Team, the Cobra won out against the earlier GT and Mach models. Several models were launched between 1993 and 2004, when it was followed by the Shelby 500 which was by far better in every way that anyone could imagine.

Some of the most iconic models are the 427 Cobra with the astounding 7 liter engine, the limited edition Cobra R that was a triumph of speed and the 1999 New Edge Modular Cobra that symbolized power and smoothness. With a decade long history of popularity, the Cobra models remain beloved to this day but the 1993 Cobra will not be missed much. The Mustang has much more staying power.

1. The 2010 F-150 Raptor

This was designed as an all-weather all-environment pickup truck. Guaranteed to function against inclement surroundings, the vehicle is unique in its suspension and torque. It is a beast with a 16 valve 6.2 liter V8 engine, and 411 hp with 434 lb-ft of torque. Designed for desert and mud tracks, the suspension and chassis give the vehicle a stability that other automobiles can only strive to emulate. This has made it popular for the roadfarers of rough environments, and Ford is bringing out a second generation model in 2017 to cash in on the popularity.