Top Ford Muscle Cars

Ford is a car manufacturer that has made history time and time again. From being the first car company to employ conveyer belt manufacturing techniques to the hundreds of big name races their cars have won, Ford will always be a car company that will be remembered for excellent achievements.

Over the years, some of the best achievements Ford has ever made were the cars they designed. Today, we're going to be paying homage to this killer brand by showcasing some of the top Ford muscle cars of all time.

1967 Lotus 49 Ford-Cosworth

This gorgeous retro car was actually one of the first Ford collaborations to hit Formula 1 racing. Its powerful motor and low-to-the-ground built made it a perfect race car and got it ranked as one of the top Ford muscle cars to hit the tracks.

The original 49 Ford-Cosworth ended up getting second place in the race, while the '68 and '70 versions won the first place rank. The secret to the 49's brilliant engine was the fact that the engine was actually a stressed part of the chassis.

Ford Mustangs (All of Them)

We couldn't really talk about the top Ford muscle cars of all time without mentioning at least three or four Mustang models, years, and outfitted kits. So, rather than list a bunch of the best years, we're going to tip our hats to the entire line of Mustangs that the car company created.

The Ford Mustang is one of the most popular muscle car lines of all time and is currently considered to be a major police car of choice because of its lightning fast acceleration, excellent steering, and impeccable motor. The line has been running since 1965, and it's not showing any sign of quitting now.

Of particular note are the Ford Mustang GT lines, which have managed to max out at a very impressive 550 horsepower in recent years. That's a lot of ponies, and that's a lot of muscle!

Shelby 427 Cobra

Ford conspired with fellow American auto manufacturer Shelby to create a number of extremely powerful muscle cars and race cars in the 1960s, so this means that many of the top Ford muscle cars of the time had Shelby names.

Such was the case with the Shelby 427 Cobra, a small line of extremely beautiful race cars that were produced between 1965 and 1967. In terms of sheer power, you can't get more notorious than the 427 Cobra.

This muscle car had a massive 7-liter V8 engine that was a jaw-dropping 427 cubic inches. The car ended up setting the standard for high-performance muscle cars.

Only a couple dozen are out in the market right now, so the Shelby 427 Cobra is definitely a collector's car. Right now, these cars will sell for as much as $7 million fairly easily, which makes them one of the most expensive vintage cars from an American manufacturer.

1939 Lincoln Continental

Casual car enthusiasts might not realize that Lincoln is actually a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company, but it's true. More surprising to many of us, Lincoln wasn't always considered to be a "granny-mobile" brand, either.

In fact, one of the top Ford muscle cars of all time was from the Lincoln line. The 1939 Lincoln Continental put many modern cars to shame with its stunning V12 (yes, 12 cylinders) engine. It also happened to be the first V12 engine coupe and convertible to be made.

For many old school car lovers, you can't get better than a Lincoln Continental.

1955 Ford Thunderbird

Another must-have on any list of the top Ford muscle cars in history would have to be the 1955 Ford Thunderbird. This car wasn't just extremely powerful for its day; it was one of the most beautiful and glamorous cars to ever be made.

The original two-seater was the kind of convertible muscle car that people would love to have. In fact, it wouldn't be too surprising to see famous actors driving something like this today. In our totally non-professional opinion, it's impossible to hate a car as beautiful as the 1955 Ford Thunderbird.

1969 Ford Capri

This might be a surprising entry on this list of top Ford muscle cars, but really, it shouldn't be. This car make was known for bringing the powerful motor of a Ford Mustang with a newer, sleeker body kit — all with a side of some of the cooler alterations of the Ford Cortina.

What really made this a good car was the fact that it was affordable and easy to modify. So, it was a car modder's dream come true. That alone is good enough reason for it to be a great Ford car to memorialize.

1965 Ford Galaxie

In terms of race cars, it's hard to top the 1965 Ford Galaxie's design. Its awesome suspension and shocks ended up becoming standard in race cars for years after its debut. Though many of the cars that were involved in this line had gorgeous lines, strong motors, and impressive handling, it was the 1965 Ford Galaxie that we chose as number one.

Why? Because it's become such a huge collector car that it's a status symbol of its own right...and because frankly, it's a gorgeous race car that looks incredible when it's in convertible form.

Ford Cobra (All of Them)

Cobras are one of Ford's crowning achievements in the fields of muscle cars, and much like Mustangs, regularly find themselves on police lots because they are so well-designed for high-speed car chases. Along with a reliable motor and an exceptionally high horsepower rating, Cobras also have a striking exterior, too.

But, we shouldn't be too surprised. They are technically a subseries of Mustangs, and Mustangs rule.