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When it comes to cars, “weird” is not usually one of the things any automaker wants to hear about its models shortly after they arrive, and enough time has passed for the public to digest what they are being fed.
When “Weird” Becomes “Good”
However, when enough time has passed (decades later) what is weird can actually be good. Especially when it becomes a bit of automotive history and has finally achieved some street cred as becoming “kitschy” enough that it makes the public turn its head as you cruise around in a relic with style.
The added benefit of such vehicles is that they are becoming increasingly rare today and a gentle perusal through a Hemmings car magazine reveals some surprising prices that may make you inwardly kick yourself for not hanging onto that old vehicle that may have been your first---because no one else wanted it back in the day.
That said, follow along with this interesting and informative video from the My Old Car YouTube channel for a quick history lesson you are sure to enjoy.
And just in case you just want to see a list of the models rather than watch the video, skip below the video for a recapped summary of the Ford models that earned the “weirdest” honor in the video provided below.
The Top 10 Weirdest cars from Ford!
1. Ford Bigfoot Cruiser (1987) offered on the F-150, F-250, and Ranger. Reportedly, the three models were built by Ford, but then altered by an independent company to make them look more like the famous original Bigfoot (an owner-modified 1974 Ford F-250 that was the origin of the first monster truck car crush) as a marketing stunt.
2. Lincoln Blackwood (1999) Lincoln’s 1st pickup that flopped and was discontinued 15 months later making it Ford’s shortest production run vehicle ever. It had a remarkable remote controlled tonneau top that turned the back of the pickup into more of a very large trunk than a traditional truck bed.
3. Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon (1977): One of several models of the infamous Ford Pinto during its last production years in the late 1970s. With groovy stripes and opera glass windows it was referred to as the “Shaggin’ Wagon”---Yeah, baby!
4. Final generation Ford Thunderbird (1997): A retro-look attempt that failed, except for a few discerning older car shoppers.
5. Ford EXP and Mercury LN7 (1982-1989): Two-seater models that look like 4-seaters with a frogeye front end. Meant to be an economy car that looked sporty to attract younger drivers, it failed.
6. Ford XR4-Ti Merkur (1984): An obscure new brand that believe it or not was most adversely received all because of its name of “Merkur” that confused car buyers.
7. Mercury Breezeway (1957): Possessed an odd retractable rear-slant rear window to act as a cheaper air conditioning solution for passenger comfort. Other models carried similar styling until 1969 when low sales signaled their end.
8. Ford Probe (1979): A more futuristic attempt at design for the 80’s that was supposed to be the 4th generation Mustang, but met resistance from consumers who wanted to keep the Mustang looking like a Mustang.
9. Ford Edsel (1957): Named for Henry Ford’s only son who died in 1943, this was a car that did not just get hit with an ugly stick by its designers---but the whole tree fell on it with its “horse collar” grill. Still, it did have a lot of cool futuristic interior features on its dash.
10. Ford Taurus (3rd Gen 1996-2000): A change to the more popular previous generation Taurus, this one is where the designers went too far—even “crazy” some might say---with making everything oval-themed on this model in homage to the Ford logo of which the Taurus never recovered from afterward with more reasonable design models.
For additional articles related to car oddities, here are a few for your consideration:
- Car Features That Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
- This New Car Feature Will Kill You Warns Mechanic
- The Ford Patent That Could Put Your Car in the Junkyard
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
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