What was the old Ford car in 1960?
The answer most people are after is the Edsel—a short‑lived Ford marque that limped into the 1960 model year with a tiny run before being discontinued in late 1959. If you meant “what Ford cars were sold for the 1960 model year,” key names include the all‑new Falcon compact, the full‑size Fairlane/Galaxie/Starliner lineup, and the final year of the second‑generation Thunderbird.
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Why “Edsel” fits the description
In conversation and especially in puzzles, “old Ford” is commonly shorthand for Edsel. Launched to great fanfare for 1958, Edsel quickly became an emblem of Detroit overreach and was canceled in November 1959—yet a brief 1960 model run exists, which neatly ties the name to the year in the question.
The following quick facts clarify why Edsel is the go‑to answer when someone asks about an “old Ford car in 1960.”
- Brand timeline: Sold for 1958–1960 model years; the division was terminated on November 19, 1959.
- 1960 production: Only a few thousand cars (commonly cited at about 2,800–2,900 units) were built before shutdown.
- Final models: 1960 Edsel Ranger (sedans and hardtops) and Villager (station wagon).
- Why it failed: A cocktail of recession‑era timing, confusing positioning and pricing, divisive early styling, quality issues, and fierce internal competition from Ford/Mercury.
- Comet connection: The compact Comet was conceived as an Edsel; after Edsel’s demise it launched in 1960 without Edsel or Mercury badging, later being folded into Mercury.
Taken together, these points make Edsel the most precise “old Ford car in 1960,” both historically and in common usage.
If you meant Ford’s 1960 U.S. lineup
For readers asking which Ford-branded passenger cars you could actually buy for the 1960 model year in the United States, the company fielded an important new compact alongside refreshed full‑size models and a luxury personal coupe.
The list below outlines the headline Ford models in U.S. showrooms for 1960.
- Ford Falcon: A brand‑new compact introduced for 1960, it became a sales hit and set Ford’s template for smaller, more efficient family cars.
- Full‑size Ford: Offered across Fairlane, Fairlane 500, and Galaxie trims; the sleek Starliner fastback hardtop and Sunliner convertible were standouts for styling and NASCAR‑friendly aerodynamics.
- Thunderbird: The last year of the second‑generation “Squarebird” (1958–1960), closing out before the 1961 redesign.
This mix shows Ford straddling eras: pioneering the compact Falcon while still leaning on glamorous, fin‑era full‑sizers and the prestige‑oriented Thunderbird.
International context in 1960
Outside the U.S., Ford’s 1960 portfolio varied by market. In the UK, the Anglia 105E (with its distinctive reverse‑rake rear window) and the Popular 100E were familiar sights. In Germany, Ford transitioned from the Taunus 17M P2 to the smoother, newly introduced P3 later in 1960. Australia, meanwhile, launched local production of the Falcon (XK) in 1960, seeding a decades‑long nameplate down under.
How to tell what someone means
Context is everything. In crosswords, trivia, or general shorthand, “old Ford” tied to 1960 almost always points to Edsel. In car‑buying or model‑year discussions, people usually mean Ford’s 1960 offerings like the Falcon, full‑size Galaxie/Starliner, or the 1960 Thunderbird.
Summary
If you’re looking for the “old Ford car in 1960,” the historically precise answer is the Edsel—built briefly for the 1960 model year before the brand was shut down in November 1959. If your interest is Ford’s 1960 lineup, think Falcon for the new compact, full‑size Fairlane/Galaxie/Starliner for breadth and style, and the last of the second‑gen Thunderbirds for personal‑luxury flair.
What model was the Ford in 1963 to 1970?
The Ford Consul Corsair (later known simply as the Ford Corsair), manufactured by Ford UK, is a midsized car that was introduced at the London Motor Show in October 1963 and available as either a saloon or estate from 1964 until 1970.
What cars did Ford make in 1964?
In 1964, Ford offered a range of popular car and truck models including the Mustang, Galaxie, Fairlane, Falcon, and the full-size Thunderbird. The commercial vehicle lineup featured the Econoline van and pickup, and the heavy-duty F-Series trucks (F-100, F-250).
Cars
- Ford Mustang: Debuted in April 1964, quickly becoming an iconic American car.
- Ford Galaxie: The full-size offering, available in various trims including the Galaxie 500 and 500XL.
- Ford Fairlane: A mid-size model, also available in different trim levels like the Fairlane 500.
- Ford Falcon: A smaller compact car, with options such as the Futura and Ranchero.
- Ford Thunderbird: Ford’s full-size luxury car.
- Ford Cortina: A model of British Ford available in the US.
Trucks & Vans
- Ford Econoline: Offered as a van and as a pickup truck.
- Ford F-Series: Including the F-100 and F-250 pickup trucks.
Which iconic Ford car was first released in the 1960s?
The Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, is arguably one of the most iconic and recognizable cars in the world. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and rich history, the Mustang has become synonymous with American automotive muscle.
What kind of cars did Ford make in the 60s?
The Fairlane was now the base model in the full-sized lineup, along with the Fairlane 500, Galaxie and range-topping Starliner. The Station Wagon Series continued with Ranch Wagon, Country Sedan and Country Squire models. The elegant Starliner 2-door hardtop was Ford’s choice for NASCAR racing.


