What vehicles did Ford make in 1975?
In 1975, Ford built a broad lineup that in the United States included cars like the Pinto, Mustang II, Maverick, Granada, Gran Torino, Elite, LTD, Thunderbird, and LTD-based wagons; trucks and vans such as the F-Series (with the newly introduced F-150), Bronco, Ranchero, Econoline/Club Wagon (all-new generation), and the compact Courier pickup. The company’s Lincoln-Mercury divisions offered models including the Mercury Bobcat, Monarch, Comet, Capri, Montego, Cougar, Marquis/Grand Marquis, Colony Park, and Lincoln’s Continental, Town Car/Town Coupe, and Mark IV. Ford also sold a separate slate of vehicles in Europe (Escort, Capri II, Cortina/Taunus, Granada, Transit), Australia (Falcon XB, Fairlane ZG, Landau, LTD, Cortina, Escort, Transit), and Latin America (Corcel/Belina, Maverick, Falcon, Taunus, plus local F-Series). This mix reflected the mid-1970s shift toward efficiency, emissions compliance, and growing personal-luxury niches.
Contents
- United States — Ford brand cars (1975 model year)
- United States — Ford trucks, vans, and utility vehicles (1975 model year)
- United States — Lincoln and Mercury divisions (1975 model year)
- Europe (Ford of Europe, 1975)
- Australia (Ford Australia, 1975)
- Latin America and other markets (1975)
- Notable 1975 milestones and changes at Ford
- Summary
United States — Ford brand cars (1975 model year)
Ford’s U.S. car lineup spanned subcompacts to full-size flagships, with a notable emphasis on smaller, more efficient models in response to new emissions rules and changing fuel economics.
- Pinto (sedan, Runabout hatchback, wagon)
- Mustang II (including Mach 1 and Ghia trims)
- Maverick (compact sedan/coupe)
- Granada (new-for-1975 compact/lux-compact)
- Gran Torino (intermediate line)
- Elite (intermediate personal-luxury coupe)
- LTD (full-size sedans/coupes; Brougham/Landau trims)
- Custom 500 (budget-oriented full-size)
- Thunderbird (full-size personal-luxury coupe)
- LTD-based wagons: Country Squire (woodgrain) and non-woodgrain LTD wagon
Together, these models covered the mainstream U.S. market segments of the day, with Granada and Elite addressing buyers seeking luxury cues in smaller or intermediate packages.
United States — Ford trucks, vans, and utility vehicles (1975 model year)
Truck and van offerings in 1975 were led by a pivotal F-Series update and a fully redesigned Econoline, underscoring Ford’s strength in work and recreational vehicles.
- F-Series pickups (F-100, F-150 new-for-1975, F-250, F-350)
- Bronco (first-generation 4×4 utility)
- Ranchero (car-based pickup)
- Econoline/Club Wagon full-size vans (all-new third generation for 1975)
- Courier (compact pickup, Mazda-built)
The debut of the F-150 and the all-new Econoline marked major milestones, while Bronco and Ranchero served recreation and lifestyle niches that were growing through the mid-1970s.
United States — Lincoln and Mercury divisions (1975 model year)
Mercury
Mercury’s 1975 showroom combined rebadged compact efficiencies with established mid- and full-size nameplates, plus European imports sold through Lincoln-Mercury dealers.
- Bobcat (new-for-1975 Pinto-based subcompact)
- Comet (compact, Maverick counterpart)
- Monarch (new-for-1975 Granada counterpart)
- Capri (imported from Ford of Europe)
- Montego (mid-size)
- Cougar (including XR-7 personal-luxury)
- Marquis and Grand Marquis (full-size; Grand Marquis as upscale trim)
- Colony Park (full-size wagon)
With Bobcat and Monarch joining the range, Mercury broadened its reach in smaller premium-leaning segments while retaining traditional full-size comfort and wagons.
Lincoln
Lincoln focused on full-size luxury and personal-luxury coupes, reflecting the era’s demand for comfort and presence.
- Continental (including Town Car and Town Coupe trims)
- Continental Mark IV (personal-luxury coupe)
These Lincolns delivered hallmark ride quality and opulence at the top of Ford Motor Company’s U.S. portfolio in 1975.
Europe (Ford of Europe, 1975)
Ford’s European lineup emphasized compact family cars and practical vans, with regional naming differences between the UK and continental markets.
- Escort Mk2 (small family car)
- Capri II (Mk II) (sporty fastback)
- Cortina Mk3 (UK) / Taunus TC (continental Europe) (mid-size)
- Granada/Consul Mk1 (executive saloon/estate)
- Transit Mk1 (light commercial van)
These models were mainstays of European roads, balancing affordability, simplicity, and durability, with the Capri and Granada adding performance and executive appeal.
Australia (Ford Australia, 1975)
Ford Australia’s 1975 offerings adapted global platforms to local tastes, with rugged sedans, coupes, and utes tailored to Australian conditions.
- Falcon XB (sedan, wagon, ute, hardtop/coupe)
- Fairlane ZG (long-wheelbase luxury)
- LTD (P5/P6 series luxury flagship)
- Landau (personal-luxury coupe)
- Cortina TC (mid-size) and locally offered Escort Mk2
- Transit (light commercial van)
Falcon and Fairlane anchored Ford’s Australian presence, while the Landau and LTD targeted the premium end of the market.
Latin America and other markets (1975)
In Latin America, Ford blended global nameplates with region-specific models produced locally, often with unique engines and trims.
- Brazil: Corcel (Mk I) and Belina (wagon), Maverick, local F-Series variants
- Argentina: Falcon (locally produced), Taunus, and local F-Series
- Selected markets: Escort, Cortina/Taunus, Granada, and Transit assembled or imported per local demand
These regional lineups reflected local manufacturing footprints and regulations, resulting in distinctive mixes alongside familiar Ford badges.
Notable 1975 milestones and changes at Ford
The 1975 model year coincided with emissions and fuel-economy pressures that reshaped product planning across Detroit and globally.
- F-150 introduced, expanding the F-Series and helping meet new U.S. emissions thresholds for light trucks.
- Econoline/Club Wagon launched an all-new third generation with a conventional front-engine layout for better serviceability and packaging.
- Granada/Monarch debuted, reflecting demand for smaller, premium-leaning cars.
- Widespread adoption of emissions controls (including catalytic converters on most U.S. cars) influenced engine output and fuel requirements.
- Personal-luxury growth continued with Elite, Thunderbird, Cougar, and Lincoln Mark IV targeting style and comfort.
These shifts show Ford’s response to regulatory change and evolving consumer tastes during the mid-1970s.
Summary
Ford’s 1975 catalog spanned everything from subcompact economy cars to full-size luxury flagships, plus a deep bench of pickups, vans, and utilities. In the U.S., key offerings included Pinto, Mustang II, Maverick, Granada, Gran Torino, Elite, LTD, Thunderbird, F-Series (with the new F-150), Bronco, Ranchero, and the redesigned Econoline. Mercury and Lincoln added Bobcat, Monarch, Comet, Capri, Montego, Cougar, Marquis/Grand Marquis, Colony Park, Continental, and Mark IV. Across Europe, Australia, and Latin America, Ford delivered region-specific lineups such as Escort, Capri II, Cortina/Taunus, Granada, Transit, Falcon XB, Fairlane ZG, Corcel/Belina, and more—illustrating the brand’s global breadth in 1975.
What were the Ford models in the 1970s?
Ford produced a wide range of models in 1970, including popular passenger cars like the Mustang, Maverick, Torino, Thunderbird, and Fairlane. The company also offered trucks and SUVs such as the Bronco, F-Series (including the F100), and Econoline vans. Several models were available in different body styles and trim levels, such as the Mustang Mach 1, Torino Cobra, and various Ranchero and LTD configurations.
Here is a breakdown of some key 1970 Ford models:
Cars & Coupes
- Mustang: The iconic pony car was offered in various trims, including the performance-oriented Mach 1.
- Torino: A popular mid-size car available as a coupe, and in performance versions like the Cobra GT.
- Maverick: A new compact car introduced in 1970.
- Fairlane: A sedan and coupe model, often featuring the 500 trim.
- Falcon: Another compact car offered in different versions.
- Thunderbird: A luxury car known for its styling.
- Custom: A line of full-size sedans and coupes.
- Custom 500: A version of the full-size Custom line.
- Galaxie 500: Another full-size sedan offering.
- LTD: A line of full-size luxury cars, including the LTD Brougham and Country Squire wagons.
Trucks & Vans
- Bronco: The first-generation Bronco was introduced for 1970, available as a wagon or pickup.
- F-Series: Ford’s full-size truck line, including models like the F100.
- Ranchero: A unique “muscle car” pickup available in various trim levels.
- Econoline: Ford’s lineup of vans, including the E100, E200, and E300 models.
What cars did Ford make in 1976?
In 1976, Ford’s lineup in North America included passenger cars such as the Pinto, Mustang II, Maverick, Granada, Torino, Elite, LTD, and Thunderbird, alongside commercial vehicles like the Courier, Econoline E-Series vans (E100, E150, E250), F-Series trucks (F100, F150, F250, F350), and Ranchero. The iconic Bronco also featured in the 1976 lineup.
Ford Passenger Cars & Personal Luxury Models
- Pinto: A subcompact car produced for the North American market.
- Mustang II: The second generation Mustang, offered with different trim levels, including the Mach 1 and Ghia.
- Maverick: A compact car.
- Granada: A luxury compact car, sold as the “America’s success car,” offering standard-size interior comfort in a smaller, more fuel-efficient package.
- Torino: A mid-size car that also served as a base for NASCAR entrants.
- Elite: A personal luxury coupe, a downsized model that replaced the luxury Thunderbird in 1977, and was based on the Torino.
- LTD: A large, upscale car available in various trim levels, including the Brougham and Landau.
- Thunderbird: A full-size personal luxury car.
Ford Trucks & Vans
- Bronco: A classic off-road SUV.
- Courier: A compact pickup truck.
- Econoline (E100, E150, E250): Ford’s line of vans.
- F-Series (F100, F150, F250, F350): Ford’s popular line of pickup trucks.
- Ranchero: Ford’s personal-luxury coupe-like utility vehicle.
What cars did Ford make in 1975?
In 1975, Ford offered various models including cars like the Granada, Mustang II, Maverick, Pinto, Torino, Thunderbird, and LTD, as well as trucks and vans such as the F-Series pickups (F-100), Bronco, Courier, and Econoline vans. These models covered a range of vehicle types, from sporty coupes to rugged trucks and family vehicles.
Here’s a breakdown of some prominent Ford models from 1975:
Cars
- Granada: A popular sedan known for its stylish, mid-70s design.
- Mustang II: The sporty model of the year, available as a fastback.
- Maverick: A compact car offered in two- and four-door sedan styles.
- Pinto: A small vehicle available as a runabout (hatchback), sedan, or wagon.
- Torino: A model that included the luxury-oriented Gran Torino and Gran Torino Squire variants.
- Thunderbird: Ford’s personal luxury car.
- LTD: The standard Ford full-size car, which also saw the introduction of the luxurious LTD Landau and the LTD Brougham models.
Trucks & Vans
- F-Series: Ford’s line of pickup trucks, with the F-100 being a prominent model in 1975.
- Bronco: The rugged, wagon-style SUV.
- Courier: Ford’s compact pickup truck.
- Econoline: Available as a van or the van-like Club Wagon.
What was a popular car in 1975?
I can share with you the 80 best-selling American passenger cars for that year: the Oldsmobile Cutlass is up 8 spots and 20% to grab the pole position with 324,610 sales, followed by the Ford Granada at #2 for its first full year of sales in the country at 291,140 units.