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Ford USA Cars: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Explore the best illustrated books on Ford automobiles. Discover the history, models and evolution of Ford cars. Perfect for enthousiasts, collectors, and anyone passionate about Ford USA..

Ford Fairlane (1955-1970) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Ford Fairlane models from the years 1955-1970. Describes the Ford Failane Crown Victoria 272, 223, 292, 312, 332, 352, Fairlane 500, 390, Sports Coupé, Station Wagon, GTA, Pick-up, Custom, Cobra, Cobra Jet and 351.

  • The 41 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
  • Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:140 pages, 10.6 x 8.1 x 0.35 in (27 x 20.5 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:300 photos
Language:English
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 1998)
Series:Performance Portfolio
ISBN:9781855204584
Book cover: Ford Fairlane (1955-1970) | Performance Portfolio | Brooklands

Ford Fairlane (1955-1970)

Language: English

Ford Galaxie & LTD 1960-1976 - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Ford Galaxie and LTD models from the years 1960-1976. Describes the Ford Galaxie Starliner, Town saloon, 500, 500XL, Fastback, Convertible, LTD, LTD 428, LTD 429, LTD 390, Brougham, Wagon, Landau, LTD Town Car.

  • The 47 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
  • Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:176 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 in (27 x 20 cm), paperback
Illustrations:475 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 2002)
Series:Gold Portfolio
ISBN:9781855205918
Book cover: Ford Galaxie & LTD 1960-1976 | Gold Portfolio | Brooklands

Ford Galaxie & LTD 1960-1976

Language: English

Falcon (1960-1970) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Ford Falcon models from the years 1960-1970. Describes the Ford Falcon Wagon, Fordor saloon, Futura, Futura Convertible, Futura V8, Sprint Coupé, Holman-Moody V8, 6, Futura Club Coupé, Futura Sports Coupé, Ranchero V8 and Futura Station Wagon.

  • The period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
  • Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:140 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.35 in (27 x 20 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:300 photos
Language:English
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 1998)
Series:Performance Portfolio
ISBN:9781855204591
Book cover: Falcon (1960-1970) | Performance Portfolio | Brooklands

Falcon (1960-1970)

Language: English

Edsel Ford and E.T.Gregorie - The Remarkable Design Team and Their Classic Fords of the 1930s and 1940s

The Remarkable Design Team and Their Classic Fords of the 1930s and 1940s
The relationship that developed between Edsel Ford and E.T. "Bob" Gregorie (Ford Motor Company's first design chief) was unique in automotive history. Gregorie leaned heavily on Edsel for his support and protection, and Edsel depended on Gregorie for his creative abilities.
This is the first book to provide in-depth analysis of how the early Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns were designed. Based on first hand discussions with Gregorie, author Henry Dominguez covers every major design of Gregorie's career.

Automotive historians have listed the 1936 Zephyr, 1938 Zephyr, and 1939 Continental as Gregorie's greatest achievements. This book details the hows and whys of every Ford product designed under his tutelage.

Contents:
- Foreword
- Preface
- Introduction
1) Mr. Gregorie and Mr. Ford - Designer and Patron
2) Ford Hires a Designer - "I've Been in Body Design - at Brewster"
3) Edsel Ford - Styling Executive
4) The Ford Model Y - Gregorie's First Ford Design
5) The 1933 and 1934 Fords - "Like a Man's Face"
6) The Continental Car I - "Long, Low, and Rakish"
7) The Continental Car II - Lower and Longer
8) The 1936 Lincoln-Zephyr - "The First Successfully - Streamlined Car in America"
9) The Continental Car III - "I Like Right-Hand-Drive Cars"
10) The Ford Design Department - "Anything the Boy Wants"
11) The 1935 - 1937 Fords - Years of Transition
12) The 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr - "It's Going to Ruin Us"
13) The 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr - Continental - "The Most Beautiful Car - in the World"
14) The 1938 - 1940 Fords - "From an Old Car to a New Car"
15) The 1939 Mercury - "Just a Stylized Ford"
16) The 1941 - 1948 Fords and - Mercurys - "That Hangdog Look"
17) Postwar Development - "A Little Ford and a Big Ford"
18) The 1949 Mercury and Lincoln - The Last Hurrah
19) The End of an Era - "...An Extended Vacation"
- Bibliography
- Index
- About the Author

Product details

Author:Henry Dominguez
Details:333 pages, 9 x 10.4 x 1.26 in (24 x 26.5 x 3.2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:extensively illustrated
Language:English
Publisher:SAE International (USA, 1999)
ISBN:9780768004007
Book cover: Edsel Ford and E.T.Gregorie - The Remarkable Design Team and Their Classic Fords of the 1930s and 1940s | SAE

Edsel Ford and E.T.Gregorie - The Remarkable Design Team and Their Classic Fords of the 1930s and 1940s

Language: English

Edsel - The Story of Henry Ford's Forgotten Son

Carefully crafted from thousands of Ford archives, written interviews, and first-hand accounts told by people who knew the man, "Edsel: The Story of Henry Ford's Forgotten Son", brings into focus the remarkable life of Edsel Ford.

The book chronicle's Edsel's life from his early days of growing up in and around his father's company, through the controversy of his World War I draft notice and eventual exemption, the design change from the Model T to the Model A, and the creation of the Ford Foundation. Twenty-seven chapters in all help to shed light on the life of a man who preferred to spend most of his life out of the limelight.

Product details

Author:Henry Dominguez
Details:470 pages, 9.1 x 6.1 in (23 x 15.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:illustrated
Language:English
Publisher:SAE International (USA, 2002)
ISBN:9780768009200
Book cover: Edsel - The Story of Henry Ford's Forgotten Son | SAE

Edsel - The Story of Henry Ford's Forgotten Son

Language: English

Ford Convertibles 1952-1967

Excellent primer and quick reference guide. Historic text and basic specifications. Large B&W photos close-up details. Covers the Ford Customline,Sunliner, Skyliner, Galaxie, Fairlane Falcon, Futura and Mustang.

Product details

Author:Don Narus
Details:88 pages, 11 x 8.5 in (28 x 21.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:b&w photos
Language:English
Publisher:Lulu Press, Inc. (USA, 2016)
ISBN:9781329774346
Book cover: Ford Convertibles 1952-1967 | Lulu

Ford Convertibles 1952-1967

Language: English

Ford Dynasty - A Photographic History

Founded in 1903, Ford Motor Company has enormously impacted the history and development of America, and the world, in the 20th century. What began as a small operation in a converted Detroit wagon factory has become the second largest industrial manufacturing corporation in the world, with active operations on six continents.
Unlike other automotive corporations, the Ford company has remained under the control and active management of its founding family for 100 years. Like the Kennedys, Vanderbilts, and Roosevelts, the Ford family has made an irreversible impact on American history and society.

Through a collection of over 200 images, "Ford Dynasty" tells the story of one extraordinary American family, their company, and its accomplishments over the course of a century.

Product details

Author:Michael W.R. Davis, James K. Wagner
Details:200 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.31 in (23.5 x 16.5 x 0.8 cm), paperback
Illustrations:200 b&w photos
Language:English
Publisher:Arcadia Publishing (USA, 2002)
ISBN:9780738520391
Book cover: Ford Dynasty - A Photographic History | Arcadia

Ford Dynasty - A Photographic History

Language: English

Ford Hardtops 1952-1966

Covers Ford hardtop coupes and hardtop sedans from 1952 - 1966. Includes Ford Falcon, Fairlane, Galaxie, Thunderbird, Mustang.
Over 200 large B&W photos, details, basic specifications, historic summaries by year. Makes for a great primer and handy reference guide.

Product details

Author:Don Narus
Details:112 pages, 11 x 8.5 in (28 x 21.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:200+ b&w photos
Language:English
Publisher:Lulu Press, Inc. (USA, 2017)
ISBN:9781365659546
Book cover: Ford Hardtops 1952-1966 | Lulu

Ford Hardtops 1952-1966

Language: English

Ford Maverick and Mercury Comet 1970-77

The Ford Maverick was unique, available in four colors. It was America's first modern subcompact, known as 'The Simple Machine, ' combining Ford's durability with an affordable price. The Maverick Grabber was introduced as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive sports cars.
While the Mustang had the Cougar, the Grabber had the Comet GT as its counterpart. The Maverick LDO (Luxury Décor Option) and Mercury Comet with Custom Option were pioneers in small car luxury, challenging the idea that luxury required a large size.
Marc Cranswick's tribute to the small US Fords of the 1970s is a must-read for Maverick and Comet fans.

This book features:
- The development history of America's first subcompact
- Covers Maverick Grabber & Comet GT junior supercars
- Maverick & Comet in drag racing, and the legends that raced them
- The Maverick in South America
- The Maverick and its rivals
- Contemporary speed shop and hop up parts for Maverick
- How Ford faced market challenges
- Limited editions, regional and coachbuilt specials
- Nostalgic archive photos
- A look at the Maverick's Road Warrior cousin, the Mad Max coupe.

Product details

Author:Marc Cranswick
Details:160 pages, 9.8 x 8.1 in (25 x 20.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:241 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2021)
ISBN:9781787116696
Book cover: Ford Maverick and Mercury Comet 1970-77 | Veloce

Ford Maverick and Mercury Comet 1970-77

Language: English

Ford Postwar Flatheads 1946-1953 Photo Archive

Travel back to a simpler time with this enjoyable collection of photographs. You'll find all of your favorite Fords presented in period black & white photos, complete with detailed captions describing the cars.
Original pricing and production numbers are included where available. Whether you are a Ford enthusiast or you simply want to recall fond memories, you'll have a ball browsing through this book.

Product details

Author:James H. Moloney
Details:128 pages, 8.5 x 10.25 x 0.39 in (21.5 x 26 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:141 b&w photos
Language:English
Publisher:Iconografix (USA, 2002)
ISBN:9781583880807
Book cover: Ford Postwar Flatheads 1946-1953 | Iconografix

Ford Postwar Flatheads 1946-1953

Language: English

Ford Sportsman - Includes Mercury 1946-1948

In 1945, Henry Ford II and designer E.T. Gregorie developed the "Sportsman, " a wood-bodied convertible intended to refresh the pre-war designs used for the 1946 models. A prototype was completed in October 1945, leading to approval for full production. However, sales were low, and production lasted only two years. Despite its short run, the "Sportsman" remains a significant part of post-World War II automotive history.
This book provides a detailed look at both the Ford and Mercury "Sportsman" models.

Product details

Author:Don Narus
Details:122 pages, 11 x 8.5 in (28 x 21.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:b&w photos
Language:English
Publisher:Lulu Press, Inc. (USA, 2012)
ISBN:9781450776202
Book cover: Ford Sportsman - Includes Mercury 1946-1948 | Lulu

Ford Sportsman - Includes Mercury 1946-1948

Language: English

Ford Station Wagons 1929-1991 Photo History

The first station wagons were built to carry rail passengers and their luggage to and from the station and were called ''Depot Hacks.'' By the 1950s station wagons had become a common feature of suburban living.

From the Model T to the Pinto Cruising Wagon, this book chronicles Ford's entrees in this field. Included is a model history for each year with available options, production figures and more. A must have for all Ford Station Wagon fans.

Product details

Author:Paul G. McLaughlin
Details:120 pages, 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.35 in (23 x 18.5 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:130 b&w photos
Language:English
Publisher:Iconografix (USA, 2003)
ISBN:9781583881033
Book cover: Ford Station Wagons 1929-1991 | Iconografix

Ford Station Wagons 1929-1991

Language: English

Fords of the Fifties

A complete work of art and information about Ford cars during this romantic decade of chrome, fins, and dual exhausts. Much of the color photography is by author Mike Parris, one of the country's foremost automotive photographers. Original photography and information from the archives of Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, and the Detroit Library's National Automotive Collection are also featured.

This is a must have for any classic car enthusiast. Parris blends a behind-the-scenes story of Ford Motor Company's survival and comeback from 1949 to 1959 with these beautiful images and details of classic Fords.
The company was losing 10 million dollars per month during the mid-1940's when 27-year-old Henry Ford II came back from the Navy to take charge and lead the company to one of the most successful decades in its history. After nearing the brink of bankruptcy, Ford Motor Company came bounding back with record profits, memorable products and dream cars that captured the minds of post-war America.
This book will become your best source of information for this great period in Ford automotive history.

Product details

Author:Mike Parris
Details:182 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 0.43 in (28 x 21.5 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:many b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:California Bill's (USA, 2001)
ISBN:9781931128148
Book cover: Fords of the Fifties | California Bill's

Fords of the Fifties

Language: English

Full Size Fords 1955-1970 - Detailed History of Full-Size Sedans and Wagons

By 1955, the one-size car to fit all-customers era ended, and by 1960, Ford offered compact, mid-size, and full-size cars. While Ford's Mustang and Thunderbird stole the headlines, Ford's full-size models, the Galaxies, Fairlanes, XL/500s, LTD, Crown Victorias, and others, delivered exceptional comfort, performance, and style in a variety of different trim levels and power train packages. For families, the full-size car was the chosen mode of transportation.

Many owners remember these cars from their youth, and hold them in high regard. These models populated the roads and garages because Ford offered a full range of cars with the base six-cylinder engines all the way up to the high-performance 429 cubic-inch V-8.

This is a fascinating retrospective of the cars - the design process, manufacturing, equipment packages, and a thorough listing of options, interior patterns, and paint codes. All models from 1955 to 1970 that brought Ford to dominance in the full-size category are revealed in compelling detail.
The introduction of the Galaxie, the development of the Skyliner retractable roof car, the radical redesign of the 1960 models to counter Chevy's new sedan, and much more is covered. Period magazine reviews provide insight and perspective of the driving experience and performance of various full-size models.
A fascinating retrospective on Ford Y-Block engines as well as Ford FE engine family and the new for 1970 Lima series engine is also provided. In addition, author David Temple examines Ford's racing exploits, featuring the dual-quad 427 Cammer engine, the Galaxie Grand National race car, and factory and lightweight drag cars.

More information about CarTech S-A Design books

Product details

Author:David W Temple
Details:148 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 0.31 in (28 x 21.5 x 0.8 cm), paperback
Illustrations:b&w photos
Language:English
Publisher:CarTech Inc (USA, 2010)
Series:S-A Design (SA176P)
ISBN:9781613250709
Book cover: Full Size Fords 1955-1970 - Detailed History of Full-Size Sedans and Wagons | S-A Design (SA176P) | CarTech

Full Size Fords 1955-1970 - Detailed History of Full-Size Sedans and Wagons

Language: English

The Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars 1961-1973

Before the Mustang became Ford's most famous muscle car, the company had already been producing high-performance vehicles. In 1961, Ford introduced the Fairlane and Galaxie with optional 390 cubic-inch V8 engines, marking the start of its muscle car legacy.
These cars were developed under Ford's "Total Performance" program, which tested vehicles in drag racing, oval tracks, European rallies, and road courses. This led to iconic models such as the Shelby Mustang, Boss 302 and 429 Mustangs, Mercury Cougar, Cyclone GT, and Spoiler.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of Ford's muscle cars from the early 1960s to 1973, covering their design, engineering, and racing history. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in Ford's high-performance vehicles.

Product details

Author:Donald Farr
Details:176 pages, 11.2 x 9.7 x 0.75 in (28.5 x 24.5 x 1.9 cm), hardback
Illustrations:many color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Motorbooks International (USA, 2018)
ISBN:9780760360248
Book cover: The Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars 1961-1973 | Motorbooks

The Complete Book of Classic Ford and Mercury Muscle Cars 1961-1973

Language: English

Henri Ford - Le parcours d'un visionnaire

We know the essential role of Henry Ford (1863-1947) in the democratic globalization of the automobile. In 1920, no less than 55% of the cars built in the world were Fords.
Since then, impressive figures have followed one another; when it celebrated its centenary in 2003, the company had already manufactured 300 000 000 automobiles, and the Ford Type F launched in 1948, still in production today, alone totals 32 000 000 units.
But we too often ignore the other activities, well ahead of his time, of this pioneer with an atypical and iconoclastic personality in other fields related or not to the automobile, and this is the main idea of this book.

Chapters:
1 - Henry Ford
2 - Edsel Ford (his son, president of the company since 1919)
3 - The men of the team
4 - On the water too (production of warships in series)
5 - The research work (mechanical file)
6 - The "vagabonds" (Henry and his very famous friends, including the President of the United States, go camping in the forests)
7 - The new trends (styling)
8 - Henry the "Show-Man" (the pavilions of the International Fairs)
9 - Henry Ford the aircraft manufacturer
10 - Workshops in the countryside
11 - The Ford factories
12 - Henry knows music and...dance!
13 - The Ford made of...soy plastic

Product details

Author:Patrick Lesueur
Details:192 pages, 11.4 x 9 in (29 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:350 b&w and color photos
Language:French
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2014)
ISBN:9782726897737
Book cover: Henri Ford - Le parcours d'un visionnaire | ETAI

Henri Ford - Le parcours d'un visionnaire

Language: French

Taxis de New-York: Ford Crown Victoria - 30 ans de règne (Autofocus)

After being the icon of the streets of New York for two decades, the Ford Crown Victoria bowed out in favor of a Japanese minivan (Nissan) at the end of 2013.

The Yellow Cab has become over time a New York cliché as established as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge or the hot dog vendors.

This return in pictures and interviews on the history of the Queen of Manhattan is also a magnificent walk in the streets of the city. Lover of the city of New York, Patrick Affouard, journalist of the daily press then photographer, author of several works published by ETAI, pays tribute to the "Crown Vic".

Product details

Author:Patrick Affouard
Details:176 pages, 11.4 x 9 in (29 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:250 b&w and color photos
Language:French
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2015)
Series:Autofocus
ISBN:9791028300555
Book cover: Taxis de New-York: Ford Crown Victoria - 30 ans de règne | Autofocus | ETAI

Taxis de New-York: Ford Crown Victoria - 30 ans de règne

Language: French

More titles on Ford USA:

Book cover: Ford Model T - An Enthusiast's Guide 1908 to 1927 (all models and variants)

Ford Model T - An Enthusiast's Guide 1908 to 1927 (all models and variants)

Chas Parker, Chris Barker, Neil Tuckett | English | hardback | 160 p. | 2021

Book cover: The Model T - A Centennial History

The Model T - A Centennial History

Robert Casey | English | paperback | 168 p. | 2016

Book cover: Ford Model T - All Models (1909-1927) | The Essential Buyer's Guide

Ford Model T - All Models (1909-1927)

Neil Tuckett, Chris Barker | English | paperback | 64 p. | 2017