Classic Cars and Trucks / Photos Specs Model History, Production Numbers

1976 Ford Elite Coupe / Photos, Specifications, Styling, Model History

Here is a very good looking 1976 Ford Elite. At the time some referred to the Ford Elite as a Baby Thunderbird because the 1976 Thunderbird was about the same size as Ford’s full-size Galaxie/LTD. Ford introduced the Ford Elite as a distinctive coupe that fit in to the luxury car spirit of the era while offering the buyer both eye catching styling and performance.

The Ford Elite Introduction

Ford found a gap in it’s model lineup. To fill this gap in 1974 the Ford Motor Company designed a dressed up and highly equipped Gran Torino and they could set the price thousands less than the “Big Bird” (Ford’s now larger Thunderbird). Additionally, this new Gran Torino could compete head-to-head with for example Chevy’s Monte Carlo. At first, Ford decided to call this new model the Gran Torino XL Plans changed and when this new model came out in Fevruary 1974 it was badged as the Gran Torino Elite. For the 1975 and 1976 model years this personal luxury coupe became a stand alone model and was known as the Ford Elite.

The Ford Elite was produced with the typical personal luxury items. These included an elegant interior with a range of seating and fabric arrangements. A two door coupe was the only body style offered. The transmission offered was simply a three speed automatic that was mated to a standard 351 cubic-inch V8. In addition, a list of extra cost luxury and convenience options were available.

Ford Elite Styling

One of the standout features of the 1976 Ford Elite is its roofline. The coupe’s semi-fastback design not only enhances its sporty appearance but also contributes to improved aerodynamics. Customers could opt for a vinyl roof, adding an extra layer of elegance and customization. The side profile showcases prominent character lines that run from the front fender to the rear, adding depth and dynamism to the vehicle’s stance.

The rear of the car features a distinctive taillight design, integrating a broad, horizontal light bar that visually widens the back end. The combination of this design with the dual exhaust outlets gives the vehicle an assertive presence on the road. For the 1976 model year, Ford offered a palette of vibrant colors, including deep blues, rich greens, and bold reds, allowing buyers to select a finish that best suited their personal style.

1976 Ford Elite Specifications

The 1976 Ford Elite offered buyers the choice of a couple of powerful engines that catered to different preferences for performance and efficiency. Buyers could choose between a 351 cubic inch Windsor V-8 or a more powerful 400 cubic inch V-8. The Elite combines elegance with muscle car type performance.

Transmission is a three speed automatic which offered smooth shifting and ease of operation.

The 1976 Ford Elite was produced with power front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Dimensions include a 114.0 inch wheelbase, 216.4 inch overall outside length, 78.5 inch width, 53.0 inch height. Curb weight 4,320 lbs.

Total Ford Elite production for the 1976 model year were 11,856 vehicles. Total 1976 Ford production including trucks came in at 4.9 million units.

See these related Auto Museum Online articles..

1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

1974 Chevy Monte Carlo Coupe

Reference materials include..Ford Motor Company Archives…..Edmunds Ford Thunderbird History…Complete Book of Collector Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide…Ford Mid-Size Muscle Fairlane, Torino & Ranchero : V-8 Dynamite 1955-1979 by author Marc Cranswick.

The 1976 Ford Elite Coupe represents the styling, innovation and performance of the 1970’s. The long hood and short rear deck illustrate a classic coupe profile which is representative of Ford’s earlier designs.

As noted, the Ford Elite was in production for a relatively short time with only 11,856 units built for the 1976 model year. Asking proces for 1976 examples vary widely depending on mileage, condition and originality. You might find an example in excellent condition with low mileage in the $25,000 range. Several with more mileage but in good condition might be in a $17,000 to $23,000 range.

(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)

1952 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan / Photos, Model History, Specifications

Featured is a beautiful 1952 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan. The 1952 model year commemorated the 50th anniversary of Cadillac and the gold casting V-shaped hood and deck emblems placed on the Cadillac’s were representative of that milestone.

The Cadillac Series 62

The first gen Series 62 was created to be the lowest model in the Cadillac model lineup, and was built as a 5.7 liter V-8 coupe, sedan, or convertible. Production of the first generation Series 62 lasted until 1941. The second generation was produced until 1947. The third generation of the Cadillac Series 62 was introduced for the 1948 model year, (1948 was the first postwar new design Cadillac) and was offered as a series of V-8 engine sedans, coupes, and convertibles. The third generation Series 62 was built until 1953.

1952 Cadillac Styling

Cadillac introduced their first post war new design starting with the 1948 model year. What was seen for the first time with that 1948 Cadillac were small tail fins. Legend has it that these rear fins were inspired by the tail section of the Army’s World War Two P-38 Lightning fighter bomber.

A restyling for Cadillac came out for the 1950 model year. The restyling consisted of updates to the original 1948 design. In 1950 the Cadillac’s were longer and lower.

The Series 62 sedan was also characterized by a higher rear deck lid contour. This provided additional luggage space. Back up lights were now standard equipment and were incorporated in the taillights. The grille wraparound panels were redesigned once again having broad chrome trim below each headlight with side scoop styling and gold-colored winged emblem mounted in the center. At the rear all Cadillacs adopted a through the bumper dual exhaust system. Deck ornamentation took the form of a Cadillac crest over a broad golden “V”. New standard features included self-winding clocks, improved direction signal indicators, glare proof mirrors, stannate treated pistons, and four barrel carburetion.

Cadillac’s Series 62 available for 1952 were a two-door club coupe, convertible and a four-door sedan. In addition there were what was called special models. These included the Sixty Specials and Series 75 Fleetwood Limousines.

The Cadillac Series 62 vs Series 61

The Cadillac Series 62 in general was priced higher than the Series 61. The Series 61 was produced on the shorter B Body with it’s shorter wheelbase. The 1952 Series 61 chassis has 121 inch wheelbase and the Series 62 126 inches. This shorter wheelbase meant that there were styling differences between the two series. One example of this is that the Series 61 has a chrome piece running along the side window while on the 62 Series, it is placed around each individual window. as shown on these photos. The Series 61 had no rear window vent panes like the ones on these photos. Also, the convertible model was only available on Cadillac Series 62’s.

Mechanically, in 1952 the Series 62 offered the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission as standard equipment where it was an option on the Series 61.

1952 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Specifications

Engine for the 52 Cadillac was a 330 cubic inch V-8 with a four-barrel Carter or Rochester carburetor.. The 1952 Cadillac ushered in more power with this V-8 delivering 190 HP.

Transmission was a Dual Range Hydra-Matic three speed automatic. The Dual Range Hydra-Matic first came out in 1952 and offered two drive ranges. .

Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.

Suspension was a typical independent front suspension and rear semi-elliptic leaf spring.

Wheelbase was 126.0 inches, width 80.1 inches, overall outside length 215.5 inches.

There were a total of just over 70,000 Cadillac Series 62 models produced for the 1952 model year. Of these Series 62 models only 6,400 were convertibles and 42,000 were sedans. This was out of a total 1952 Cadillac production of 90,200 vehicles.

1955 Ford F 100 Half Ton / Photos, Specs, Styling, Model History

The 1955 Ford F 100 Half Ton Pickup is our featured vehicle. The F-100’s were a big success for the Ford Motor Company. It came in as America’s best selling light truck year after year.

The second generation of the F Series Ford’s was produced from the 1953 to 1956 model years. The entire production run of Ford F 100’s ran from 1948 until 1983. The F-Series sold nearly a million units per year. From 1948 till 1983, the last year the F-100 was produced, it served as the pickup that was a true workhorse. Over this long production run, the Ford F-100 went through many changes including more innovations and passenger comfort modifications.

Second Generation Ford F 100’s

While the first generation of Ford F Series trucks started about three years after the end of the war with the half ton F-1, the second generation half ton was named the F 100. Also, Ford changed the former F-2 and F-3 into the F 250. The F-4 became the F-350. while Ford folds the F-2 and F-3 trucks into the F-250 line. Finally, the F-4 becomes the F-350.

Ford F 100 Second Generation Styling

The 1950’s Ford light truck styling lines are timeless. Restyling for the F Series began in 1953 and more changes were introduced for 1955. The 1953 new second generation model introduced a better windshield area which was some fifty-five percent larger. The windshield was also curved replacing the flat windshield of previous models. The rear window also offered a much better view stretching the entire width of the interior. Side windows were also redesigned to have lower ledges to better help drivers while parking.

Two cabs were offered in 1955. You could also have the choice of the Standard cab or the Deluxe cab. The higher trim Deluxe offered stainless drip rail molding, a sun visor on the passenger side, driver and passenger armrests, a cigar lighter, chrome vents window moldings, twin horns, foam padding for the seats and chromed grille bars.

As a side note, the 1956 F-100, also of the second generation, had a one year only body design which was made to compete against Chevy’s Task Force Pickups.

1955 Ford F-100 Specifications

Engines for the 1955 Ford F 100 included a 223 cubic inch OHV six “mileage maker” (this was increased from the 215 cubic inch from 1954) and a 239 cubic inch Y-block V-8. This OHV V-8 replaced the flathead of previous years. Some report that a 256 OHV V-8 was offered in limited numbers.

The 1955 Ford F-100 had a three speed manual transmission with an option for a three speed automatic.

Brakes are four wheel hydraulic drums.

Front and rear suspension are leaf springs.

Dimensions include a 110.0 inch wheelbase, width 71.3 inches, height 75.3 inches, overall length 189.1 inches.

Total 1955 Ford production came in at 1.4 million units. From that number 124,800 vehicles produced were two door pickup trucks.

See these related articles and photos from Auto Museum Online..

1960 Chevy Apache C 10

1952 Chevy 3100

Reference material for this article includes…Pickup Trucks : A History of the Great American Vehicle by Justin Lukach…..Ford Truck Chronicle by Auto Editors of Consumer Guide…..Ford Pickup Trucks, 1948-56 : Development History and Restoration Guide by Paul G. McLaughlin.

The F-100 Ford light trucks are sought after by collectors. Though they’re no longer produced, Ford’s smallest F-Series is now sought by collectors. The decade of the 1950’s saw the economy building and the automakers were restyling their light trucks to be both utility vehicles and everyday drivers. Passenger comfort was enhanced and new innovations were introduced just about on a yearly basis. Owning a nice collector pickup from the 1950’s is really owning a piece of unique automotive history.

The current asking price range for 1955 Ford F 100 examples in very good to excellent condition are in the $40,000 to $65,000 area.