Ford Motor Company has been a driving force in automotive innovation for over a century. Founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, the company revolutionized manufacturing with the introduction of the moving assembly line in 1913, making cars more affordable for the average American.
The company’s lineup has included everything from practical family cars to high-performance muscle machines.
Here are 15 of the most visually striking and influential Ford models ever produced, showcasing the brand’s enduring legacy of style, innovation, and performance.
1. 1965 Ford Mustang
The 1965 Mustang is the quintessential American pony car. Its long hood, short deck, and aggressive stance created an instant classic that still turns heads today.
The Mustang’s timeless design launched a new automotive segment and became a cultural icon.
Best Features:
- Iconic fastback roofline
- Chrome-trimmed grille with running horse emblem
- Sculpted side scallops
- Triple taillights on each side
- Optional GT package with fog lamps and side stripes
2. 1968 Ford GT40
The legendary GT40 was born from Ford’s desire to dominate at Le Mans. Its low-slung, aerodynamic body was as beautiful as it was functional.
The GT40’s sleek lines and purposeful design make it one of the most visually striking race cars ever created.
Best Features:
- Extremely low 40-inch overall height
- Distinctive circular headlights
- Dramatic flying buttresses
- Wide rear haunches
- Centrally-mounted exhaust pipes
3. 1955 Ford Thunderbird
The original Thunderbird brought European-inspired sports car styling to American roads. Its clean lines and elegant proportions created a uniquely American take on the personal luxury car.
The ’55 T-Bird remains a beloved classic that epitomizes 1950s automotive glamour.
Best Features:
- Distinctive egg-crate grille
- Subtle tailfins
- Porthole windows in hardtop
- Wire wheel covers
- Continental kit spare tire mount
4. 2017 Ford GT
Ford’s modern interpretation of the GT40 is a stunning supercar that honors its predecessor while pushing design boundaries. Its flowing lines and aerodynamic sculpting create a futuristic look that’s unmistakably GT.
Best Features:
- Flying buttress C-pillars
- Active rear wing
- Dramatic teardrop-shaped cabin
- Integrated rear diffuser
- Distinctive circular taillights
5. 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Skyliner
The Crown Victoria Skyliner showcased Ford’s 1950s flair for the dramatic. Its transparent “skyliner” roof panel and distinctive side trim created a unique look that still turns heads today.
Best Features:
- Transparent acrylic roof panel
- Distinctive “crown” B-pillar trim
- Two-tone paint schemes
- Elaborate side trim and badging
- Jet-inspired taillights
6. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
The Boss 429 Mustang is muscle car royalty. Its aggressive stance and functional hood scoop hint at the monstrous engine lurking beneath.
This rare Mustang variant combines classic pony car looks with race-bred performance.
Best Features:
- Massive functional hood scoop
- Blacked-out grille with fog lamps
- Chin spoiler
- Rear deck spoiler
- Boss 429 graphics
7. 1963 Ford Galaxie 500
The ’63 Galaxie 500 epitomizes the “jet-age” styling of early 1960s American cars. Its clean lines and subtle fins create a look of restrained elegance.
This full-size Ford represents a high point in the brand’s 1960s design philosophy.
Best Features:
- Concave grille with horizontal bars
- Afterburner-inspired round taillights
- Subtle tailfins
- Chrome side spear trim
- Formal roofline on hardtop models
8. 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The Shelby GT500 took the Mustang’s muscular design and cranked it up to eleven. Its aggressive front end and functional scoops create a menacing presence that matches its performance.
This collaboration between Ford and Carroll Shelby produced one of the most iconic muscle cars ever.
Best Features:
- Unique fiberglass front end with extended nose
- Functional hood scoop and side air intakes
- Sequential taillights
- Distinctive Le Mans stripes
- Shelby badging and cobra emblems
9. 2011 Ford Evos Concept
While never produced, the Evos Concept showcased Ford’s vision for future design language. Its sleek, fastback profile and dramatic gullwing doors created a striking appearance that influenced subsequent Ford models.
Best Features:
- Four gullwing doors
- Fastback roofline
- Slim, laser-cut headlights
- Prominent front grille
- Sculpted body sides
10. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s first all-electric Mustang stirred controversy but undeniably created a striking design. The Mach-E successfully translates Mustang styling cues to a crossover body, creating a unique and eye-catching EV.
Its bold design proves Ford isn’t afraid to push boundaries with its iconic nameplates.
Best Features:
- Mustang-inspired tri-bar taillights
- Long hood and short rear overhang
- Blanked-off grille with Mustang emblem
- Dramatically sloped roofline
- Muscular rear haunches
11. 2021 Ford Bronco
The revived Bronco successfully captures the spirit of the original while creating a thoroughly modern design. Its boxy shape and retro-inspired details create a rugged yet stylish appearance.
The new Bronco proves that utilitarian vehicles can still be beautiful.
Best Features:
- Round headlights with LED accents
- Removable doors and roof panels
- Prominent BRONCO grille lettering
- Flared fenders
- Available retro-inspired paint schemes
12. 1932 Ford Model B
The iconic ’32 Ford, also known as the “Deuce Coupe,” is a hot rod legend. Its timeless design features a distinctive grille shape and elegant proportions that have made it a favorite among custom car builders for decades.
Best Features:
- Iconic grille shape
- Flowing fenders
- Optional V8 engine
- Elegant proportions
- Versatile platform for customization
13. 1949 Ford Custom
The ’49 Ford marked a revolutionary design change for the company, featuring a modern “slab-sided” look. Its clean lines and integrated fenders created a sleek, contemporary appearance that helped usher in a new era of automotive styling.
Best Features:
- Integrated fenders
- Distinctive spinner grille
- Streamlined body
- Wraparound windshield
- Chrome side spear trim
14. 1966 Ford Country Squire
The Country Squire wagon epitomizes the classic American family car. Its long, sleek profile and distinctive wood-grain side panels create a nostalgic yet stylish appearance that remains iconic today.
Best Features:
- Wood-grain side panels
- Long, sleek profile
- Distinctive front grille design
- Spacious interior with rear-facing third row
- Chrome roof rack
15. 1956 Ford F-100
The 1956 F-100 pickup truck is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful trucks ever made. Its curved body lines, wraparound windshield, and integrated front fenders created a sleek, modern look that was ahead of its time.
Best Features:
- Distinctive wraparound windshield
- Integrated front fenders
- Curved body lines
- Chrome grille and bumpers
- Optional two-tone paint schemes
Ford’s legacy of creating visually stunning vehicles spans nearly a century. These 15 models represent the pinnacle of Ford’s design prowess, showcasing the brand’s ability to innovate while honoring its rich heritage.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
