Tag Archives: McNamara

SoCal TV Hustler – Ford Falcon

25 years after Edsel Ford allegedly passed on the Falcon name in favour of Mercury, for a new brand in 1935, Ford under the direction of Robert McNamara finally brought the Falcon name into the market for it’s new mid size car range in 1960.

Ford Falcon, Edenbridge Fun Day

The first generation Falcon’s, like the ’62 4 door station wagon seen here at Edenbridge earlier this year, were primarily designed as second cars for families who already had a full size land yacht on the drive and needed a second vehicle for the wife to drive.

Ford Falcon, Edenbridge Fun Day

By 1962 the four door station wagon was available with a Squire options package that included faux wood paneling which gave the car car a quasi woody look.

Ford Falcon, Edenbridge Fun Day

Part of Fords marketing strategy for the Falcon from 1961 to 1965 was to include Charles Schulz peanuts characters Charlie Brown and Lucy in the sales literature for the Falcon models.

Ford Falcon, Edenbridge Fun Day

Look closely again at the number plate holders in the top photo and you’ll see they bear the legend “Encino Ralph Williams”. Ralph Williams was a Southern California TV Car Hustler, a born motor mouth who lived by the ABS moto, ALWAYS BE SELLING. It appears he did not always play his audience with straight dice and he was moved on by local authorities for a variety of violations. I found this linked footage, presumably an out take, of Ralph in action to give you an idea of what colourful legend he was. WARNING DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK IF YOUR EARS ARE EASILY OFFENDED.

Ford Falcon, Edenbridge Fun Day

The first series Falcon’s were also badged as Mercury Comets and in Canada as Ford Frontenacs until 1963 when the second generation Falcons were introduced.

Thanks for joining me on this “SoCal TV Hustler” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow for Ferrari Friday. Don’t forget to come back now !

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Squarebird – Ford Thunderbird Convertibe

Despite the success of the original 2 seat personal luxury Ford Thunderbird launched in 1955 for 1958 at the insistence of Robert McNamara the second generation 1958 Ford Thunderbird was restyled as a 4 seat 2 door vehicle with coupé or convertible body styles.

Ford Thunderbird, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Larger and heavier second generation Thunderbirds with a 113 inch wheel base were switched to unitary body construction a technique which was still a novelty for the period.

Ford Thunderbird, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Overall the ’58 Thunderbird with all of it’s baroque chrome and tailfins maintained a boxy appearance from which it’s “Squarebird” nick name was derived among enthusiasts.

Ford Thunderbird, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

The bomb sight motif seen on the front wings / fenders were echoed in the design of the rear view mirrors.

Ford Thunderbird, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

A fold away hard top had originally been envisaged as seen on the Ford Skyliner but this was abandoned in favour of a convertible roof operated by a hydraulic system powered by a complicated system of electric motors, switches and solenoids which opened a rear hinged panel ahead of the boot / trunk lid.

Ford Thunderbird, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

The science fiction rocket pod styling of the tail lights appears to have been lifted by the Next Generation Start Trek design team for the Starship Enterprise NCC 1701-D.

Ford Thunderbird, Avenue Drivers Club, Queen Square, Bristol

Of the, up until then, record 37,892 Thunderbirds built in 1958 only 2,134 were convertibles. Today’s featured ’58 Thunderbird has put in regular appearances at Avenue Drivers Club meetings at Queen Square in Bristol.

Thanks for joining me on this “Squarebird” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow for Ferrari Friday. Don’t forget to come back now !

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