The history of Ford's first American-designed and built subcompacts. Following the Mustang II and Pinto through a challenging decade, as they competed with domestic and imported rivals in the showroom, and on the racetrack. This book examines icons of the custom car and racing scene, as Ford took Total Performance into a new era.
The evolution of Ford's family car is explored through the golden era of Detroit, highlighting Henry Ford's innovations. The narrative covers the transformation from the basic Fairlane to the more dynamic Torino, and the introduction of the luxurious LTD II, catering to America's desire for comfort. Additionally, it chronicles the development of Ford's midsize muscle cars and the groundbreaking Ranchero, the first car-based pickup, showcasing Ford's impact on the automotive industry.
An enthusiast's guide to the commercial and racing history of Ford's Maverick and Comet, charting their development and market battles with domestic and imported rivals, as Ford acknowledged the growing importance of small cars. Covers the sporty Maverick Grabber and Comet GT, luxury LDO and Custom Option, plus drag racing exploits.
Ford Midsize Muscle – Fairlane, Torino & Ranchero details the evolution of Ford's family car through the golden era of Detroit. See how Henry took the no-frills Fairlane, added more zing to create the Torino, and then satisfied America's luxury desires with the LTD II. Relive the showroom and racetrack battles fought in the evolution of Ford's midsize muscle cars, and witness the creation of the first car-based pickup – the Ranchero. Above all, this book is an account of Ford being ahead of the game. Through formal study of the postwar American car market, Marc Cranswick brings valuable insight to the topic of muscle cars.
A look at BMW's 5 series in the classic era. Observes model changes and development from 1972, to the end of e39 5 series production. Complete descriptions and pictures of BMW Motorsport cars, plus the exotic tuner specials from Germany. BMW's rise in business internationally is also examined.
Chrysler Corp's classic rear-drive slant six and V8 compacts of the '60s and '70s. From economy cars to muscle cars, from the street to the strip. The Mopar marvels that challenged rivals and inspired a generation.
A personal study of the designs and people behind the Porsche marque during its golden air-cooled era. This book shows how the company projected its glamorous image, and provides factual evidence that proves Porsche's pre- eminence in the sports car field.
Volkswagen's first mid-size car, was also its final new design in a 30-year air cooled odyssey. The Type 4 411 and 412 held to VW tradition, while introducing new engineering directions and refinements. VW's biggest ever car faced off against mainstream competition. Would Dr Porsche's ideals still hold out, for VW's transitional car?
The complete history of Mazda's rotary engine-powered vehicles, from Cosmo 110S to RX-8. Charting the challenges, sporting triumphs, and critical reactions to a new wave of sports sedans, wagons, sports cars ... and trucks!
Covering Chevrolet's specialized sport coupe, during the classic 1967-81 era. Relive those outlandish hi po Camaros, from legendary speed shops Baldwin- Motion, Dana, Nickey and Yenko. Fuel crisis, insurance and the EPA? Don't worry, the Bowtie boys had your back in the showroom, and on the track.