Ford has been in the business of large-scale automotive manufacturing since the early 1900s and churned out some of the most iconic American cars over the decades. Fords like the 1965 Shelby GT350R, 1966 GT40 Mk II, 1967 Shelby GT500, and 1970 Boss Mustang 429 are very valuable, commanding 6–7 figures if you can manage to find them.
For enthusiasts and collectors who don’t have millions of dollars to spend, there are many other Ford classic cars with big engines that don’t cost an arm and a leg. But with the increasing demand for these Ford classic vehicles, the best time to get one of the Blue Oval classics is yesterday, and the next best time is now.
9 1940 Ford Standard Fordor Sedan
The Standard and Deluxe are some of the most iconic models produced by the Ford Motor Company. The cleaner one-piece grille on the Standard is the most striking difference between both models. With about 151,000 units of the 1940 Ford Standard Fordor Sedan built, you can still find many around today for about $21,500.
Powering the Standard Fordor is a 221-cubic-inch flathead V8 with a rating of 85 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission is a three-speed manual.
8 1951 Ford Deluxe
Upon its introduction in 1949, the Ford Deluxe was the first car to be built from scratch since World War II. Everything about the Deluxe was new, save the powertrain and wheelbase. This first-generation “Shoebox” Ford outsold the Chevrolet and Plymouth, making it a popular choice for first-time or budget-conscious collectors today.
The 1951 Ford Deluxe Business Coupe is up 6.% with a current value of $13,900. Power comes from two engines: the 226-cubic inch 95-hp straight-six or the 239-cubic inch 100-hp Flathead V8.
7 1954 Ford Crestline Skyliner
The Ford Crestline is an affordable way to get a view of the mainstream 1950s American automotive landscape. The 1954 Crestline is available as a Fordor Sedan and Skyliner, with the latter being rarer. The Crestline Skyliner is a two-door hardtop featuring a tinted Plexiglas panel over the front end of the roof.
With only about 13,144 examples of the 1954 Ford Crestline Skyliner available, the value has seen a steady rise recently, with a current valuation of $15,900. The 239-cubic inch V8 in the 1954 Crestline Skyliner generates 130 hp.
6 1958 Ford Del Rio Ranch Wagon
While Ford discontinued its premium Parklane just after only a year in production, it still wanted to stay in the two-door sport wagon market pioneered by the Chevrolet Nomad and Pontiac Safari. This led to the introduction of the Del Rio in 1957. Based on the two-door Ranch Wagon, the Del Rio was quite inexpensive, unlike the Nomad.
The Del Rio features a two-piece tailgate, which is better than GM's steeply raked rear gate with a self-storing window, which is plagued with water leaks. With only 12,687 examples of the 1958 Del Rio available, the sport wagon has seen a 35% spike in price, pegging the current value at $21,600.
5 1959 Ford Country Sedan
The Ford Country Sedan is a full-size station wagon that ran from 1952 until 1974. Unlike the range-topping Country Squire, the Country Sedan was distinguished by its plain body sides. The passenger capacity of the full-size station wagon is nine. You will find items of both the Ranch Wagon and Fairlane on the Country Sedan, including two sun visors, armrests, and a horn ring rather than a horn button.
Sales-wise, 1959 was the best year for the Country, selling 123,412 units. It seems collectors are starting to see the true beauty of the 1959 Country Sedan, as the value is up by 35.2%, with a current valuation of $19,200.
4 1969 Ford Fairlane 500
The Fairlane 500 was an affordable alternative to the Plymouth Road Runner. It was particularly cool because of its 428-cubic-inch Super Cobra Jet V8 that generates up to 360 hp. In addition to everything on the base Fairlane, the Fairlane 500 offers an option of four nylon and vinyl upholsteries.
The Fairlane 500 handles well and rides softly in a straight line, but it’s not as impressive around curves. The steering responds well and offers a solid road feel. You can find a 1969 Ford Fairlane 500 Hardtop Coupe in good condition for $45,100 today. But with a 30% recent surge in price, you can expect the Fairlane 500 to climb to six figures soon.
3 1969 Ford Thunderbird
When you think of the Ford Thunderbird, the first-generation model running from 1955 to 1957 is the first thing that comes to mind. However, it seems the fifth generation (1967-1971) Thunderbirds are finally getting the recognition they deserve, as the prices have recently risen by 21.7%.
The 1969 Thunderbird comes with plenty of muscle with a big 7.0-liter/429-cubic inch engine with an output of 360 hp. You can find this gorgeous piece of American automotive history today for just $16,800.
2 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Ford introduced the Mustang Boss 302 to take on the Camaro in the pony car segment. By 1970, the Mustang Boss 302 was sportier and stronger than ever before, thanks to minor cosmetic changes. Ford redesigned the grille and the dual exhaust system.
Powering the 1970 Mustang Boss 302 is a 210-hp 302-cubic inch (4.9 L) small block V8 with a two-barrel carburetor and a more powerful 290 hp 302 cu in (4.9 L) Boss V8 4-barrel. You can get one of the 7,013 examples of the 1970 Mustang Boss 302 for $12,400.
1 1989 Ford Bronco XLT
Dubbed the “brick nose”, the Fourth generation Ford Bronco, which runs from 1987 to 1991, features more dynamic sloping body lines than the previous generation. It shares many similarities with the eighth-generation Ford F-150, including the front fascia.
Whether it’s for construction, farming, or first-response purposes, the Bronco is well-built to handle it all. All that, in addition to its rich history in the full-size vehicle world, makes the Bronco a highly sought-after collectible. In recent months, the 1989 Ford Bronco XLT Lariat has seen a 31.1% rise in price, putting the current valuation at $23,600.